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Does Monopolar Electrosurgery Adversely Impact the Bone Conduction Hearing Implant Bonebridge?
Kai-Chieh Chan1,2, Kuan-Ting Yeh3, Valerie Wai-Yee Ho4
1Division of Otology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Taiwan.
OTO Open
|November 20, 2025
Summary
Monopolar electrosurgery during subsequent surgeries did not negatively impact Bonebridge implants in this study. Patients showed no adverse events or hearing impairment after exposure, suggesting the device is safe.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Bonebridge is a bone conduction hearing implant.
- Electrosurgery is commonly used in head and neck surgeries.
- Potential risks of electrosurgery to implanted devices require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of monopolar electrosurgery in patients with Bonebridge implants.
- To determine if electrosurgery affects Bonebridge implant function or patient hearing.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 12 patients with Bonebridge implants exposed to monopolar electrosurgery.
- Analysis of pre- and post-electrosurgery Bonebridge-aided sound field thresholds.
- Assessment of subjective patient outcomes and adverse events.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in hearing thresholds before and after electrosurgery (P=.203).
- No implant malfunctions or adverse events reported.
- Electrosurgery exposures were brief and not in the ipsilateral temporoparietal region.
Conclusions:
- Monopolar electrosurgery appears safe for Bonebridge implants when used cautiously.
- Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings in larger populations.
