Clinical results of the CLARION (R) magnetless Cochlear Implant

This paper reports initial results for the CLARION(R) Multi-Strategy(TM) Co chlear Implant, presently under investigational study in Europe. A magnetle ss implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS) with an ear-mold-supported headpie ce was designed in response to an increasing demand for a magnetic resonanc e imaging (MRI)-compatible cochlear implant. Surgical technique, accompanyi ng magnetless headpiece, and MRI compatibility were evaluated in 11 deaf pa tients (ages 6 to 62 years) who were implanted with a magnetless Clarion im plant. Because of the headset mechanics, the ICS was implanted closer behin d the ear than a magnet-containing ICS. The ICS-MRI compatibility was inves tigated with 1.5- and 0.3-T MRI. Results showed that the surgery was relati vely safe and easy to learn. The headset was stable and reliable. The MRI c ompatibility tests indicate that the ICS poses no contraindication for pati ents needing MRI. Overall, the results suggest that the Clarion magnetless cochlear implant is relatively safe and easy to implant, is MRI-compatible, and functions well with the ear-mold-supported headpiece.