Related Experiment Videos
Evaluation of expandable leadwires for pediatric cochlear implants
S A Xu1, R K Shepherd, G M Clark
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
The American Journal of Otology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Pediatric cochlear implants need expandable leadwires to accommodate skull growth. V- and Z-shaped designs within flexible envelopes minimized tissue adhesion and expanded effectively in young cats, showing promise for pediatric use.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Cochlear implant development for infants requires accommodating temporal bone growth.
- Leadwires must expand up to 20 mm to match skull growth between the round window and receiver-stimulator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the morphologic and biomechanical performance of five expandable leadwire designs in pediatric cochlear implants.
- To identify leadwire designs that minimize tissue adhesion and accommodate growth in young patients.
Main Methods:
- Implantation of five expandable leadwire designs in young cats.
- Morphologic and biomechanical evaluation of leadwires after implantation periods up to 2 years.
- Assessment of fibrous tissue adhesions and leadwire expansion capabilities.
Main Results:
- Helical leadwire designs showed extensive fibrous tissue adhesions and breakage.
- Thin, flexible Silastic envelopes effectively minimized tissue adhesions.
- V- and Z-shaped leadwires within envelopes exhibited minimal adhesions and demonstrated effective expansion during growth and biomechanical testing.
Conclusions:
- Expandable V- and Z-shaped leadwires enclosed in flexible Silastic envelopes are suitable for pediatric cochlear implants.
- These designs effectively manage tissue integration and accommodate skull growth in young children.
- The study provides promising candidates for future pediatric cochlear implant leadwire technology.