Related Experiment Videos
Impact of dental devices on cochlear implants
Steven Roberts1, Lesley A West, Frederick R Liewehr
1US Army Dental Corps, US Army Endodontic Residency Program, Fort Gordon, GA, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|January 25, 2002
Summary
Electromagnetic interference with cochlear implants (CI) is minimal from most dental devices. However, electrosurgery units at level 7 can damage CI circuitry, necessitating caution for patients with cochlear implants.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Cochlear implants (CI) restore hearing by converting sound to electrical signals for the cochlear nerve.
- Assessing electromagnetic compatibility of medical devices is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) between common dental and radiographic equipment and cochlear implant (CI) function.
- To determine the safety of using electric pulp testers, apex locators, electrocautery, electrosurgery units, and panoramic radiography in patients with CIs.
Main Methods:
- A cadaver model with a surgically implanted CI was used to test intraoral dental devices.
- A human skull with a CI underwent exposure to 50 panoramic radiographs.
- Implant circuitry integrity was assessed after each device trial and radiographic exposure.
Main Results:
- Most tested devices, including electric pulp testers, apex locators, electrocautery units, and panoramic radiography, showed negligible EMI with the CI.
- The electrosurgery unit, when operated at level 7, caused complete destruction of the CI's internal circuitry.
Conclusions:
- Dental and radiographic equipment, except for high-level electrosurgery, appear safe for use in patients with cochlear implants.
- Electrosurgery units, particularly at higher settings (level 7), pose a significant risk of damaging CI function and should be avoided in CI patients.