Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
Radial Forearm Free Flap for Cochlear Implant Coverage in a Post-Irradiated Field
Nicholas A Dewyer1,2,3, Rosh K Sethi1,2, Alisa Yamasaki1,2
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Massachusetts General Hospital.
Objective:
To describe a novel use of a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for soft tissue coverage over a cochlear implant (CI) in a post-irradiated field.
Patients:
Single patient case report of a woman with a history of radiation therapy for brainstem astrocytoma who suffered from repeated CI extrusion despite tympanomastoid obliteration and locoregional pedicled flap soft tissue coverage.
Intervention(S):
Sequential bilateral, single-staged revision cochlear implantation with RFFF soft tissue coverage.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Postoperative wound healing complications including infection or device extrusion.
Results:
There have been no further issues with wound healing, infection, or device extrusion with a follow up period of 3 years on one side and 8 months on the second side. Both CIs are functioning well with the flaps being sufficiently thin to allow for the use of typical external processor magnets.
Conclusions:
A RFFF can be used to provide robust soft tissue coverage over a CI in a post-irradiated field. The RFFF and CI may safely be performed in a single operation.
