Cochlear implants for ears, which are done in a minimally invasive procedure, are better than those done following the traditional way. Researchers from University of Texas Health Science Center will present this research finding at the 109th Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.
Traditional cochlear implantation involved a large scalp flap, mastoidectomy (a surgical removal of the mastoid air cells), posterior tympanotomy via the facial recess, creating an opening in the cochlea, and insertion of the electrode into the scala tympani.Researchers in Texas propose minimally invasive cochlear implantation (MICI) as a technique in which creation of a large scalp flap is avoided, thereby reducing complications. The most common complications with cochlear implantation involve flap breakdown and electrode misplacement. With the MICI, the large scalp flap has been replaced with creation of a subperiostial pocket for the cochlear implant device.
MICI requires a 3-4 cm long post auricular incision placed approximately 1.0cm posterior to the postauricular crease. The decreased tissue trauma and edema has permitted postoperative day one programming and use of the cochlear implant (CI).
Of the one hundred seventy-six patients were included in the study, results had showed that seven major complications were recorded; six patients necessitated revision surgery. Three patients had device failure, including intermittent lock, requiring replacement of their cochlear implant. Three out of seven of the major complications were due to cochlear implant device failure, and not attributable to MICI surgery itself.
Source: Newswise
