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Drug delivery in cochlear implantation.
Anandhan Dhanasingh1, Ingeborg Hochmair1
1MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete Gesellschaft m.b.H., Innsbruck, Austria.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|April 5, 2021
Summary
Corticosteroids delivered via cochlear implant (CI) electrodes can reduce fibrous tissue formation, improving device function and explantation. This research details twenty years of translational efforts in drug delivery for CI applications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Fibrous tissue formation around cochlear implant (CI) electrodes can negatively impact electrode impedance and complicate reimplantation.
- Corticosteroid application during cochlear implantation is a strategy to mitigate this intra-cochlear fibrotic response.
Observation:
- The concept of drug delivery in CI was first proposed in 2000.
- Extensive preclinical research on corticosteroid safety and efficacy was conducted over two decades.
- Development of specialized tools, including an inner ear catheter (CE marked 2020), facilitated drug administration within the cochlea.
Findings:
- A dexamethasone-eluting electrode array for CI has been developed.
- A human feasibility study for this drug-eluting CI electrode commenced in June 2020.
Implications:
- This translational research has culminated in advanced drug-eluting CI electrode designs.
- Future CI surgeries may benefit from targeted drug delivery to enhance outcomes and simplify revision procedures.
