Surgical techniques for cochlear implantation of the malformed inner ear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to describe surgical techniques helpful in implanting children with inner ear malformations.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective chart review and description of surgical techniques in the setting of a tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

The study population was composed of 10 children with inner ear deformities who received 22-channel implants.

RESULTS

The primary surgical challenges encountered in these procedures include complete electrode insertion, cerebrospinal fluid gusher, identification of cochleostomy site in the absence of the round window and aberrant facial nerve, and fixation and stabilization of the electrode.

CONCLUSIONS

The techniques described allow safe and effective insertion of multichannel electrodes in patients with inner ear malformations.