Ultrasonic Wave Bone Cutting Technique (Piezotome) in Cochlear Implant Surgery by Veria Technique

To study use of ultrasonic wave bone cutting technique (piezotome) in cochlear implant surgery by veria technique. The Piezoelectric device is a bone cutting tool that transmits ultrasonic high frequency vibrations through a metallic tip to selectively cut bone while sparing the surrounding soft tissues. We have used the piezo tools instead of the perforator in over 50 cases of Cochlear Implant by the non mastoidectomy Veria technique [which uses a specially designed hand piece perforator with a guide (Kiratzidisa et al. in ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 64:413-416, 2002)]. These tools are helpful in: straightening the posterior bony canal wall, making the well for Implant bed, making space for excess electrodes and removing bone tissue close to dura without risk of injury to dura. Though use of Piezo tools in various otologic surgeries has been described but we feel the piezo tools will be an important tool in a CI surgeon's armament.