First experience with a new 34-mm-long cochlear implant array for very long cochleae

What is it about?

In cochlear implantation choosing the ideal electrode for each patient is crucial. It has been shown that there is a broad variation of the morphology of the cochlea, which can be estimated by the cochlear duct length (CDL). From our patients a relevant proportion has a relatively long CDL and therefore needs a longer electrode for a better electrical cochlear coverage. To optimize tonotopic mapping, a 34 mm long electrode array was designed by MED-EL. This study describes the first experience with the new FLEX34, including surgical experience, patients" characteristics and outcomes.

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Photo by Daniil Yakovchik on Unsplash

Photo by Daniil Yakovchik on Unsplash

Why is it important?

So far, seventeen patients have received the new FLEX34. Patient characteristics and audiometry results were collected and CDL, angular insertion depth (AID) and electrical cochlear coverage (CC) were calculated with OTOPLAN. Statistical analysis was conducted by computing the mean and standard deviation (SD). Results All patients had a full insertion. The mean CDL was 38.7 mm (SD+/- 2,1 mm), the mean CC was 74,1% (SD+/- 4,1%) and the mean AID was 667,1° (SD+/- 36,5°). Postoperative vertigo was observed in one patient with simultaneous endolymphatic sac surgery. One patient had a postoperative emphysema, which regressed after conservative treatment. No other postoperative complications were observed (incomplete insertion, tip-foldover, kinking, vestibular symptoms). Speech understanding showed mean 65% monosyllables at 65 dB one year postoperatively (SD+/- 20%).

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