SAFE FIXATION OF MOUNTS FOR COCHLEAR IMPL ANT ELECTRODES INITIAL EXPERIENCE WITH A NEW TITANIUM CLIP

Background: There is a reported 1 % incidence of delayed migration or extrusions of the electrode arrays out of the cochlea. Methods: A tita nium clip to fix the electrode array of the MED EI. Combi 40 Cochlear Implant System is described. The clip is designed and shaped in a doub le U configuration. The clip material allows easy adaption to the indi vidual anatomical situation. The dip is fixed to a bony bridge at the incus bar and fixes the electrode in a plane parallel to the chorda fa cial angle. It is closed around the electrode similarly to a stapes pi ston around the incus. Additional tests which examined the possible ri sk of damaging the electrode carrier and clinical findings are describ ed. Results: The clip was used in 23 cases with a follow-up period up to 1 year. No signs for dislocation of the electrode were found. In on e revision case the clip was covered with a thin mucosal layer. The el ectrode array showed no signs of damage. Intraoperative findings confi rmed the experimental tests on the electrode fixation. Conclusion: The titanium clip facilitates safe and quick fixation of the electrode ar ray and prevents dislocation. Its flexibility and shape minimizes the risk of damage.