[Morphologic study of the guinea pig cochlea after insertion of cochlear prosthesis electrode materials].

Experience has shown that a special cochlear-implant procedure, the so-called "soft surgery technique", may help to retain the remaining function of the inner ear. The morphological changes in the organ of Corti after an atraumatic implant procedure were examined using an animal model. The insertion was facilitated by coating the electrode with Healon. Scanning electron microscopy of the organ of Corti revealed only minor changes in the inner and outer hair cells. In all cases connective tissue was found sealing the implant as a reaction of the cochlea to the intracochlear implant.