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Paediatric auditory brainstem implant: How we do it
Peter John Kullar1, Simon Freeman1, Scott Rutherford1
1Manchester Skull Base Unit, Salford Royal Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, UK.
Background:
The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is a surgically implanted neuroprosthetic that may be used in the management of profound hearing loss in paediatric patients that are ineligible for cochlear implantation, primarily due to anatomical constraints.
Method:
We describe our technique for the implantation of a paediatric ABI. Surgical steps include post auricular incision, the creation of a periosteal flap, subperiosteal pocket and bony recess for the device, retrosigmoid craniotomy, placement of the electrodes adjacent to the cochlear nucleus and multi-layer closure. We highlight novel technical modifications to reduce the risk of complications and optimise outcomes.
Conclusion:
Paediatric auditory brainstem implants offer the possibility of sound awareness to patients with profound hearing loss that would not benefit from cochlear implantation or other hearing aid solutions.
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