Implanting common cavity malformations using intraoperative fluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a safe and effective technique for the implantation of common cavity cochleae.

METHODS

Retrospective case review.

METHODS

Tertiary referral center.

METHODS

Fifteen cochleae in 9 adults and children with common cavity deformities implanted with and without the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy.

METHODS

: Fluoroscopically assisted cochlear implantation.

METHODS

Rates of extracochlear placement, bending, kinking, intrameatal placement, and complications were analyzed. Numbers of electrodes inserted, number of active electrodes, and speech performance were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Half of the nonfluoroscopy group had suboptimal placement of their electrode arrays. This group also had a higher rate of complications, lower numbers of electrodes implanted, and lower number of active electrodes at follow-up. Results of speech perception testing suggest that fluoroscopically assisted implantation of the common cavity results in improved performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative fluoroscopy is an easy, safe, and effective technique that results in improved outcomes for cochlear implant patients with common cavity deformities.