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Performing Repeated Intraoperative Impedance Telemetry Measurements during Cochlear Implantation
Published on: August 4, 2023
Skin flap thickness in cochlear implant patients - a prospective study.
C H Raine1, C A Lee, D R Strachan
1Yorkshire Cochlear Implant Service, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, UK. CHRaine@aol.com
Cochlear Implants International
|September 15, 2007
Summary
Skin thickness over cochlear implants changes post-surgery. Adults show thinning, while children
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Skin thickness over cochlear implant receiver-stimulator packages is critical for device integrity and function.
- Excessive thickness can impede electronic signals and magnetic coupling, while insufficient thickness risks flap breakdown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and prospectively measure skin thickness over cochlear implants during the first year post-surgery.
- To assess changes in skin thickness in adult and pediatric patient cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Hall Effect electrode principle to measure magnetic flux density of the implant's magnet.
- Assessed skin thickness in 35 adults and 23 children implanted with MED-EL COMBI 40+ devices.
Main Results:
- Adult skin thickness significantly thinned post-implantation before stabilizing.
- Skin thickness changes were less pronounced in children, likely due to concurrent growth-related skin thickening.
Conclusions:
- Understanding post-operative skin thickness is essential for optimizing cochlear implant function.
- Knowledge of skin thickness can help mitigate potential flap-related complications.