Quality Control After Insertion of the Nucleus Contour and Contour Advance Electrode in Adults

Abstract

Results of studying the Contour array influenced the surgical procedure that improved surgical ability to perform insertions into the scala tympani by using the Contour Advance array. In addition, a comparison between Contour and Contour Advance electrode demonstrated an improved mechanical behavior of the Contour Advance electrode with a decrease of dislocation rate. The use of the Contour Advance electrode allows a more atraumatic electrode insertion, which is of interest with extending indications and the use of further advanced coding strategies. The intracochlear electrode position with regard to speech performance results demonstrated advantages of scala tympani insertions.

Damage to inner ear structure during cochlear implantation: Correlation between insertion force and radio-histological findings in temporal bone specimens

“…Positioning of the electrode in the scala tympani was reported to produce better results, compared to positioning in the scala vestibuli, in terms of speech recognition score in CI patients (Skinner et al, 2007;Aschendorff et al, 2007;Holden et al, 2013); however, other studies found no difference in speech recognition (Wanna et al, 2011); nevertheless, a relationship was found between translocation and hearing preservation (Wanna et al, 2015).…”

Automated analysis of human cochlea shape variability from segmented μ CT images

“…The classical implantation procedure involves drilling a path through the mastoid in order to reach the tympanic cavity allowing the surgeon to open the scala tympani (one of the three cochlear ducts) and insert an electrode array. The functional outcomes for these subjects are linked to the potential insertion traumas (Aschendorff et al, 2007;Finley et al, 2008). The insertion can lead to lesions of the modiolus, osseous spiral lamina or basilar membrane, resulting in degeneration of the ciliated (Adunka et al, 2004) and spiral ganglion cells (Leake et al, 1999).…”

Radiologic and Functional Evaluation of Electrode Dislocation from the Scala Tympani to the Scala Vestibuli in Patients with Cochlear Implants

“…The reason is mostly unknown. According to Aschendorff et al, 1 the electrode dislocation, which is associated with a rupture of the basal membrane, has an impact on the postoperative hearing threshold. However, in our study, patients with a dislocation of the electrode array had approximately the same hearing threshold compared with patients without a dislocation (38.8 versus 40.8 dB after 12 weeks, 34.0 versus 38.2 dB after 24 weeks) (Fig 5A-C).…”

“…Nevertheless, the auditory outcome varies among individuals, with the causes of this variability investigated in many studies with different results. [1][2][3][4][5][6] The duration and cause of deafness are probably the most important factors contributing to the variability of outcomes. 2,3,6 Additionally, motivation and cooperation of the patients have a strong influence on hearing performance.…”

“…Due to the high resolution and low influence of metal artifacts, CBCT has emerged as a reliable technique in scalar localization of the electrode array, showing a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 90%. 11 According to Aschendorff et al, 1 the intracochlear localization of the electrode has a significant impact on speech recognition. Insertion of the electrode array in the scala tympani is associated with a better outcome than insertion in the scala vestibuli.…”