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Cochlear Implantation With a Dexamethasone Eluting Electrode Array: Functional and Anatomical Changes in Non-Human
Raquel Manrique-Huarte1, Cristina Zulueta-Santos1, Diego Calavia1
1Otorhinolaryngology Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
Summary
The dexamethasone-eluting electrode (DEXEL) shows promise for improving hearing outcomes and reducing inflammation in cochlear implant (CI) recipients. This study found DEXEL enhanced auditory function and decreased tissue reactions compared to conventional CI devices.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomaterials Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cochlear implants (CI) are crucial for hearing restoration.
- Inflammation and tissue reactions post-implantation can impact CI efficacy.
- Dexamethasone-eluting electrodes offer a potential solution to mitigate these issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects and performance of a dexamethasone-eluting electrode (DEXEL) in a normal hearing cochlear implant model.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of DEXEL compared to conventional CI devices.
Main Methods:
- Ten normal hearing cynomolgus macaques were divided into DEXEL (DG) and conventional CI (CG) groups.
- Electrode insertion into the scala tympani.
- Monthly auditory, impedance, and electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) measurements over 6 months.
- Histologic analysis post-explantation.
Main Results:
- The DEXEL group exhibited lower auditory brainstem response threshold shifts and mean impedance values at 6 months.
- eCAP amplitude was significantly higher in the DEXEL group (1338.86 ± 637.87 μV) compared to the conventional CI group (545.00 ± 137.37 μV).
- Reduced tissue reactions, including less fibrosis and ossification, were observed in the DEXEL group.
Conclusions:
- DEXEL demonstrates a protective anti-inflammatory effect in the implanted cochlea.
- The dexamethasone-eluting component may lead to rapid and sustained hearing improvement.
- Fewer neural tissue reactions suggest improved biocompatibility and long-term outcomes for DEXEL.
