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A case of cochlear implant with internal mechanical failure
Tsunehisa Ohno1, Takehiro Iki, Aiko Taniguchi
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan. tohno@ent.kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum
|April 25, 2007
Summary
Cochlear re-implantation was successful in a child experiencing device failure after head trauma. Internal mechanical failure of the cochlear implant was confirmed by device analysis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Cochlear implantation is a standard treatment for profound deafness.
- Re-implantation may be necessary due to device failure, trauma, or infection.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old boy with a cochlear implant sustained head trauma.
- The trauma led to suspected internal mechanical failure of the device.
Findings:
- Clinical and radiographic findings indicated internal device failure.
- Cochlear re-implantation in the same ear was performed successfully.
- Device analysis revealed a cracked hybrid integrated circuit as the cause of failure.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of internal cochlear implant failure due to trauma.
- Successful re-implantation demonstrates the viability of revision surgery.
- Understanding failure mechanisms aids in improving device design and patient management.
