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Published on: September 13, 2022
Early experience with next-generation wireless technology for detecting cochlear implant electrode tip fold-over and
Chang-Hee Kim1, Bong Jik Kim2, Jung Kyu Lee3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effectiveness of the SmartNav technology in detection of the well-known phenomenon of tip fold-over (TFO) during cochlear implantation (CI) using slim modiolar electrode (SME), comparing it to intraoperative X-ray imaging.
Method:
In 134 ears with normal anatomy that underwent CI using SME at a tertiary center, SmartNav results were compared to intraoperative X-ray findings, with X-ray used as the gold standard for verifying TFO.
Results:
SmartNav identified all 8 TFO cases (100% sensitivity, 99.21% specificity) confirmed by X-ray, including one with subtle distal kinking that X-ray could have missed. Additionally, SmartNav technology was effective in cases with cochlear nerve deficiency and performed reliably under local anesthesia and in revision surgeries.
Conclusion:
SmartNav offers a highly sensitive and reliable method for detecting TFO during CI at least in normal cochlear anatomy, dramatically reducing the need for intraoperative X-ray, thereby decreasing anesthesia time and eliminating radiation exposure.
