Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Performing Repeated Intraoperative Impedance Telemetry Measurements during Cochlear Implantation
Published on: August 4, 2023
Complication rate of minimally invasive cochlear implantation
Elias D Stratigouleas1, Brian P Perry, Susan Marenda King
1Ear Medical Group, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78284, USA. estratigo@gmail.com
Objectives:
To assess the complication rate of minimally invasive cochlear implantation (MICI).
Study Design And Setting:
Data for this study were obtained via a retrospective analysis of records at the Ear Medical Group, San Antonio, TX, after IRB approval at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The surgical complications of MICI were recorded in a spreadsheet format; 176 patients were included in the study.
Results:
A total of 22 (12.5%) complications were noted in the study. There were 0 life-threatening, 7 major, and 15 minor complications. Of the 7 major complications, 3 were device failures, 2 developed delayed mastoiditis, 1 required receiver/stimulator repositioning, and 1 involved facial paralysis.
Conclusions:
MICI is as safe as standard cochlear implantation (SCI) and affords with it other benefits. Eliminating the scalp flap avoids devascularization and minimizes the opportunity of flap infection or necrosis. Complications not related to the flap are similar to SCI.
Ebm Rating:
C-4.
