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Implantation of the Melbourne/Cochlear multiple-electrode extracochlear prosthesis.
B K Franz1, J A Kuzma, E Lehnhardt
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Australia.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|August 1, 1989
Summary
The Melbourne/Cochlear implant offers a new option for deaf patients unsuitable for intracochlear devices. This extracochlear implant uses six electrodes placed surgically near the cochlea for auditory stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Traditional cochlear implants are intracochlear, requiring insertion into the cochlea.
- Some patients are not candidates for intracochlear devices due to anatomical or medical reasons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the design and surgical placement of the Melbourne/Cochlear multiple-electrode extracochlear implant.
- To present an alternative auditory implant for patients unsuitable for intracochlear implantation.
Main Methods:
- The implant features a receiver-stimulator package and six electrodes.
- Surgical approach involves a combined middle ear approach with anterior and posterior tympanotomies.
- Four soft-ball electrodes are placed in cavities over cochlear turns, one hard-ball electrode in the round window niche, and one reference electrode in the hypotympanum.
Main Results:
- The described surgical technique facilitates the placement and fixation of the electrodes.
- The extracochlear approach bypasses the need for intracochlear insertion.
Conclusions:
- The Melbourne/Cochlear extracochlear implant provides a viable alternative for specific deaf patient populations.
- This device expands audiology treatment options for individuals not suited for conventional cochlear implants.