Intracochlear pressure changes during CI electrode insertion - modifications for minimizing intracochlear pressure

Introduction Different factors influence the atraumatic insertion of CI electrode arrays. The intracochlear pressure changes influence the preservation of residual hearing. The aim of our study was a to investigate whether a modification of the insertion sheat could minimize intracochlear pressure changes during the CI insertion.

Material and Methods Insertion of the electrode array were performed in an artificial cochlear model. Intracochlear pressure changes were recorded with a micro-optical pressure sensor in the apical part of the cochlear. The insertion sheat has a 'stopper' that seals the round window during the insertion. The volume of this 'stopper' was reduced. All insertions were performed with the same speed.

Results Significant differneces were meaured with different diameters and volumes of the stopper. With reduced volume of the 'stopper' the intracochlear pressure changes can be reduced significant.

Conclusion The design and the volume of the insertion sheat have significant influence on the intracochlear pressure changes. With reduced volume of the sheat the probability increases to reduce intracochlear pressure changes. These differences could be a reason to rethink the design of the sheat and to preserve residual hearing.

Poster-PDF A-1601.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021