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Influence of ionizing radiation on nucleus 24 cochlear implants
T Klenzner1, F Knapp, F Röhner
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Klenzner@hno1.ukl.uni-reiburg.de
Summary
Radiotherapy can be safely applied to Nucleus cochlear implant systems, even at high doses. This study found that Nucleus CI24M and CI24R(CS) implants maintained function within clinically relevant radiation ranges.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Medical Physics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Over 70,000 cochlear implant recipients worldwide necessitate understanding radiotherapy's impact.
- Head, neck, or brain tumors may require radiotherapy in cochlear implant patients.
- Assessing radiotherapy effects on cochlear implant systems is crucial for patient and center considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of conventional or hyperfractionated radiotherapy on Nucleus CI24M and CI24R(CS) cochlear implant systems.
- To determine the safety and functional limits of these cochlear implants under various radiotherapy fractionation schemes.
Main Methods:
- Examined the effect of ionizing radiation on Nucleus CI24M and CI24R(CS) implant function.
- Modeled conventional (120 Gy) and hyperfractionated (116 Gy) radiotherapy doses.
- Quantified implant output amplitude, charge balance, and impedance telemetry accuracy.
Main Results:
- All four devices functioned normally within the clinically relevant dose range (< 80 Gy).
- One Nucleus CI24R(CS) device failed at 106 Gy (hyperfractionation).
- Impedance measurement failed at 111 Gy in the same device.
Conclusions:
- Conventional or hyperfractionated radiotherapy can be safely applied to Nucleus CI24M or CI24R(CS) implant systems.
- Results suggest applicability in clinical practice for patients requiring radiotherapy.
- Cochlear implant function is generally preserved within clinically relevant radiotherapy doses.