A simplified fixation of the new thin cochlear implant receiver-stimulators in children: long term results with the "back-pocket" technique.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a simple technique for pediatric cochlear implant receiver-stimulators (R/S) fixation and long term results with it.

METHODS

Clinical sample include thirty-two children with severe-to-profound or profound hearing loss candidate for cochlear implantation. Low-profile devices were used (Med El Concerto and Nucleus CI512). The R/S was housed into a tight subperiosteal pocket carefully dissected behind the mastoidectomy. The pocket was closed with a single periosteal to bone suture around the posterior edge of mastoidectomy. No skull drilling was required for housing the device.

RESULTS

No intraoperative complications have been observed. 20% of operating time was saved. No migration of R/S over time was apparent at follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

The back-pocket technique seems effective in retaining the CI package and in optimizing surgical time and safety in pediatric cochlear implantation. It seems particularly suitable with new generation low profile CI devices.