SURGICAL TECHNIQUES FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION OF THE MALFORMED INNER-EAR

Objective: The objective was to describe surgical techniques helpful i n implanting children with inner ear malformations. Study Design: This was a retrospective chart review and description of surgical techniqu es in the setting of a tertiary referral center. Patients: The study p opulation was composed of 10 children with inner ear deformities who r eceived 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 a nd stabilization of the electrode. Conclusions: The techniques describ ed allow safe and effective insertion of multichannel electrodes in pa tients with inner ear malformations.