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Cochlear Implant Receiver Location and Migration: Experimental Validation Pilot Study of a Clinically Applicable
Laura M Markodimitraki1,2, Inge Stegeman1,2, Adriana L Smit1,2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Surgery
|February 4, 2020
Summary
A new method using head landmarks reliably detects cochlear implant receiver device migration. Measuring distances to the external magnet from the lateral canthus and tragus tip offers a clinically applicable screening tool for postoperative follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Postoperative monitoring of cochlear implant receiver devices is crucial.
- Current methods for detecting device migration lack reliability.
- A validated, non-invasive screening tool is needed for clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a practical method for assessing cochlear implant receiver device position.
- To evaluate the reliability of measuring distances from specific head landmarks to the external magnet.
- To establish a screening tool for detecting postoperative implant migration.
Main Methods:
- A validation study involving volunteers with cochlear implants.
- Placement of markers on the head representing the external magnet.
- Measurement of distances from reference points (lateral canthus, tragus tip, mastoid angle, mandibular angle) to the marker by four clinicians.
- Inter-clinician reliability assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).
Main Results:
- High inter-clinician reliability (ICC > 0.80) was found for measurements using the lateral canthus and tragus tip.
- Moderate reliability was observed for the mastoid angle (ICC > 0.68).
- Low reliability was noted for the mandibular angle (ICC < 0.50).
Conclusions:
- Measuring the distance between the lateral canthus or tragus tip and the external magnet provides a reliable method for assessing cochlear implant receiver device location.
- This technique can be implemented for postoperative registration of implant position.
- The validated method aids in the early detection of implant migration, improving patient care.
