Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2025
Whole Neonatal Cochlear Explants as an In vitro Model
Published on: July 28, 2023
Cochlear implant explantation: An in vitro model to evaluate electrode explant force and trauma
Leena Asfour1, Frank Risi2, Hanif Miah2
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
Objectives:
Removal of a cochlear implant and its intracochlear electrode array is sometimes necessary, potentially causing cochlear explant trauma. Explantation typically occurs years post-implantation by which time reactive tissue has formed around the electrode. We aimed to create an in-vitro electrode explant model to examine explant forces and intracochlear trauma across multiple electrode types and insertion depths.
Study Design:
An in-vitro model using gel to represent tissue surrounding the electrode was developed. Pre-curved electrodes and straight electrodes at different insertion depths (20mm, 25mm, 28mm) were explanted from the model. During explantation, explant force was measured, and high-definition videos were recorded to capture electrode exit path and gel disruption.
Results:
Explant force patterns varied based on electrode position in the scala tympani. Explant forces did not correlate with gel disruption, which represented explant trauma. The least gel disruption occurred with pre-curved electrodes and the under-inserted straight electrode. The greatest disruption occurred with the overly inserted straight electrode.
Conclusion:
An in-vitro model using gel to mimic tissue surrounding the electrode may provide insights into potential electrode explant trauma. Explant force did not correlate with explant trauma in our model. Pre-curved electrodes and shallower insertion depth of a straight electrode resulted in the least amount of explant trauma.
