New method for inserting and fixing the active electrode during cochlear implantation

Cochlear implantation has been performed for 15 years by the authors; altog ether 117 implantations were carried out during this period. Different tech niques had been used: at first after having performed atticoantrotomy the a ctive electrode was inserted through posterior tympanotomy but fixing the e lectrode with this method was relatively not that easy. During the last 6 y ears implantations were carried out using the authors' new method. At the b eginning of the operation cochleostomy was prepared by means of lateral tym panotomy. Introduction of the electrode was performed through a tunnel that had been drilled previously through the posterior wall of the external aud itory canal. With a piece of muscle the active electrode was properly secur ed in the cochleostomy and also a narrow tunnel was prepared in the posteri or wall for securing the cable with a Dacron tie. The authors' method of im plantation proved to be perfect for introducing the electrode and also for fixing it with long-lasting results.