Special electrodes for demanding cochlear conditions

Abstract

Optimal matching of an electrode array to the cochlear anatomy plays a key role in bringing the best benefit of CI technology to the users. Even within the category of normal anatomy cochlea, the size variation is huge justifying MED-EL’s FLEX electrode array to be available in five different lengths. Within the malformed inner-ear category the anatomical variation is huge, convincing MED-EL to custom-design the electrode array as per the request from the operating surgeons. Thanks to G. Bredberg, M. Beltrame, L. Sennaroglu, J. Gavilan, S. Plontke, T. Lenarz, J. Müller, and few others for their valuable suggestions on unique electrode designs satisfying various needs. Translational research efforts at MED-EL in cooperation with CI surgeons from across the world led to the implantation of a variety of electrode array designs in patients with special cochlear needs.

Graphical Abstract

Chinese abstract

在为CI使用者带来CI技术的最大益处方面, 与耳蜗解剖结构匹配的电极阵列的最佳放置起着关键作用。比以往任何时候都更清楚的是, 在需要不同设计的电极阵列的人群中, 人工耳蜗的解剖结构差异很大。在正常解剖型耳蜗类别中, 尺寸变化巨大, 证明MED-EL的FLEX电极阵列提供六种不同的长度是必须的。在畸形的内耳类别中, 解剖学差异很大, 这使MED-EL能够根据手术医生的要求定制设计电极阵列。感谢Bredberg教授、Beltrame教授、Sennaroglu教授、Gavilan教授、Plontke教授、Lenarz教授和Müller教授, 以及其他几位, 为满足耳蜗各种需求的独特电极设计提出的宝贵建议。本章展示了MED-EL与来自世界各地的CI外科医生一起进行的转化研究工作。这些研究导致为有特殊耳蜗需求的患者植入各种电极阵列设计。

Keywords:

• Cochlear size variation
• inner ear malformation
• ossified cochlea
• common cavity
• incomplete partition
• cochlear nerve deficiency
• intra-labyrinthine schwannoma

Acknowledgments

The authors would gratefully like to acknowledge the key contributors to the development of the subject matter. Their contributions are outlined in this article. The authors further acknowledge Claude Jolly from MED-EL for his valuable input and comments during several rounds of review meetings that contributed to the final version of this article.

Disclosure statement

This article is sponsored by MED-EL and has not undergone the regular peer-review process of Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Both the authors are affiliated with MED-EL.