Mitek QuickAnchor fixation of cochlear implants using a minimal access technique.

RATIONALE

In children with thick cortical bone, surgical exposure for cochlear implant fixation is difficult when using a minimal access technique. We report our experience in these children using the Mitek QuickAnchor system.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all children undergoing cochlear implantation over a 12-month period was performed to identify those children in which a Mitek QuickAnchor was used. Measurements of cortical bone thickness at the receiver-stimulator well site were obtained from pre-operative CT scans of temporal bones of all children. The application of the Mitek QuickAnchor system was also reviewed.

RESULTS

Cochlear implant fixation using the Mitek QuickAnchor system was performed in 14 children (mean age 12 years) during the study period. The mean cortical bone thickness was 5.6mm in patients receiving the Mitek QuickAnchor system and 3.2mm in patients undergoing conventional fixation. The difference in cortical thickness was highly statistically significant. Successful secure fixation was obtained in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The Mitek QuickAnchor system provides an effective method of cochlear implant fixation when using a minimal access technique in children with thick cortical bone.