Autologous cell transplantation in cochlear implantation

Athanasia Warnecke, Rolf Salcher, Jurgita Ivanauskaite, Thomas Lenarz, Anke, Lesinski-Schiedat, Nils K. Prenzler

Introduction Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) have been shown to release factors that exert protective and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, they are suited as adjuvant treatment in cochlear implantation to prevent inflammation and to protect residual hearing. We have applied autologous mononuclear cells to patients undergoing cochlear implantation to prevent inflammation and protect residual cells.

Methods The inner ear catheter provided by MED-EL (Innsbruck, Austria) has been used to apply BM-MNC to the cochlea via the round window prior to cochlear implantation in 8 patients. Impedances as well as hearing performance with the implant were analysed.

Results Four of the patients have follow-up data up to 5 years after transplantation of BM-MNC. Impedances were slightly increased in patients receiving autologous cell transplantation when compared to a control group that received steroids via the catheter. Hearing performance with the implant was within the expected range and comparable to the control group. No adverse effects were observed after autologous cell transplantation to the inner ear.

Conclusions Autologous BM-MNC transplantation to the cochlear using the inner ear catheter during cochlear implantation seems to be a feasible and safe procedure.

Funding information DFG Exzellenzcluster

Publication History

Article published online:
19 April 2024