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Electrode Choices in Cochlear Incomplete Partition Type III: The Experience of a Romanian Tertiary Unit
Dan-Cristian Gheorghe1, Mihai Dumitru2, Gabriela Musat3
1ENT Department, Emergency Hospital for Children "Marie Curie", Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 041451 Bucharest, Romania.
Biomedicines
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Cochlear implant (CI) surgery in patients with incomplete partition type III malformations shows perimodiolar electrodes can be safely used. Careful selection is key to avoid electrode misplacement into the internal auditory canal (IAC).
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Incomplete partition type III is a rare inner ear malformation involving the modiolus and cochlea-internal auditory canal (IAC) communication.
- Cochlear implant (CI) surgery in these patients carries a risk of electrode array misplacement into the IAC.
- This study evaluates CI device utilization and outcomes in patients with incomplete partition type III.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the authors' experience with cochlear implantation in patients diagnosed with incomplete partition type III.
- To report on the types of cochlear implant devices used in this patient cohort.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of different electrode arrays in this specific anatomical context.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients with incomplete partition type III undergoing cochlear implantation.
- Data collected over a 16-year period at a tertiary referral center.
- Review of electrode array types, insertion success, and intraoperative factors.
Main Results:
- Four out of five perimodiolar electrodes were correctly positioned initially without reinsertion.
- One lateral wall electrode array CI required two insertion attempts due to misplacement into the IAC.
- Electrode array choice was influenced by surgeon preference and intraoperative conditions like gushers.
Conclusions:
- Perimodiolar CI electrodes may be suitable for selected incomplete partition type III cases, without an apparent increased risk of IAC misplacement.
- Lateral wall arrays can also be misplaced into the IAC and might be considered for severe gushers.
- Findings are based on limited experience and should be interpreted cautiously; further research is needed.
