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Shah DD, Carter P, Shivdasani MN, Fong N, Duan W, Esrafilzadeh D, Poole-Warren LA, Aregueta Robles UA. Deciphering platinum dissolution in neural stimulation electrodes: Electrochemistry or biology? Biomaterials 2024; 309:122575. [PMID: 38677220 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Platinum (Pt) is the metal of choice for electrodes in implantable neural prostheses like the cochlear implants, deep brain stimulating devices, and brain-computer interfacing technologies. However, it is well known since the 1970s that Pt dissolution occurs with electrical stimulation. More recent clinical and in vivo studies have shown signs of corrosion in explanted electrode arrays and the presence of Pt-containing particulates in tissue samples. The process of degradation and release of metallic ions and particles can significantly impact on device performance. Moreover, the effects of Pt dissolution products on tissue health and function are still largely unknown. This is due to the highly complex chemistry underlying the dissolution process and the difficulty in decoupling electrical and chemical effects on biological responses. Understanding the mechanisms and effects of Pt dissolution proves challenging as the dissolution process can be influenced by electrical, chemical, physical, and biological factors, all of them highly variable between experimental settings. By evaluating comprehensive findings on Pt dissolution mechanisms reported in the fuel cell field, this review presents a critical analysis of the possible mechanisms that drive Pt dissolution in neural stimulation in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation parameters, such as aggregate charge, charge density, and electrochemical potential can all impact the levels of dissolved Pt. However, chemical factors such as electrolyte types, dissolved gases, and pH can all influence dissolution, confounding the findings of in vitro studies with multiple variables. Biological factors, such as proteins, have been documented to exhibit a mitigating effect on the dissolution process. Other biological factors like cells and fibro-proliferative responses, such as fibrosis and gliosis, impact on electrode properties and are suspected to impact on Pt dissolution. However, the relationship between electrical properties of stimulating electrodes and Pt dissolution remains contentious. Host responses to Pt degradation products are also controversial due to the unknown chemistry of Pt compounds formed and the lack of understanding of Pt distribution in clinical scenarios. The cytotoxicity of Pt produced via electrical stimulation appears similar to Pt-based compounds, including hexachloroplatinates and chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin. While the levels of Pt produced under clinical and acute stimulation regimes were typically an order of magnitude lower than toxic concentrations observed in vitro, further research is needed to accurately assess the mass balance and type of Pt produced during long-term stimulation and its impact on tissue response. Finally, approaches to mitigating the dissolution process are reviewed. A wide variety of approaches, including stimulation strategies, coating electrode materials, and surface modification techniques to avoid excess charge during stimulation and minimise tissue response, may ultimately support long-term and safe operation of neural stimulating devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhyey Devashish Shah
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul Carter
- Cochlear Ltd, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Nicole Fong
- Cochlear Ltd, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Wenlu Duan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dorna Esrafilzadeh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Laura Anne Poole-Warren
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; The Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Wang L, Zhang R, Jiang L, Gao S, Wu J, Jiao Y. Biomaterials as a new option for treating sensorineural hearing loss. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:4006-4023. [PMID: 38979939 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00518j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) usually involves damage to complex auditory pathways such as inner ear cells and auditory nerves. The highly intricate and nuanced characteristics of these cells render their repair and regeneration extremely challenging, making it difficult to restore hearing to normal levels once it has been compromised. The effectiveness of traditional drugs is so minimal that they provide little help with the treatment. Fortunately, extensive experiments have demonstrated that combining biomaterials with conventional techniques significantly enhances drug effectiveness. This article reviews the research progress of biomaterials in protecting hair cells and the auditory nerve, repairing genes related to hearing, and developing artificial cochlear materials. By organizing the knowledge presented in this article, perhaps new insights can be provided for the clinical management of SNHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital (The Affiliated Twelfth People's Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University), Guangzhou 510620, China
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510620, China.
| | - Ruhe Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Linlan Jiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital (The Affiliated Twelfth People's Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University), Guangzhou 510620, China
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510620, China.
| | - Shuyi Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital (The Affiliated Twelfth People's Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University), Guangzhou 510620, China
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510620, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510620, China.
- Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Nansha, Guangzhou 511400, China.
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuenong Jiao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital (The Affiliated Twelfth People's Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University), Guangzhou 510620, China
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510620, China.
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Vecchi JT, Claussen AD, Hansen MR. Decreasing the physical gap in the neural-electrode interface and related concepts to improve cochlear implant performance. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1425226. [PMID: 39114486 PMCID: PMC11303154 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1425226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CI) represent incredible devices that restore hearing perception for those with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, the ability of a CI to restore complex auditory function is limited by the number of perceptually independent spectral channels provided. A major contributor to this limitation is the physical gap between the CI electrodes and the target spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). In order for CI electrodes to stimulate SGNs more precisely, and thus better approximate natural hearing, new methodologies need to be developed to decrease this gap, (i.e., transitioning CIs from a far-field to near-field device). In this review, strategies aimed at improving the neural-electrode interface are discussed in terms of the magnitude of impact they could have and the work needed to implement them. Ongoing research suggests current clinical efforts to limit the CI-related immune response holds great potential for improving device performance. This could eradicate the dense, fibrous capsule surrounding the electrode and enhance preservation of natural cochlear architecture, including SGNs. In the long term, however, optimized future devices will likely need to induce and guide the outgrowth of the peripheral process of SGNs to be in closer proximity to the CI electrode in order to better approximate natural hearing. This research is in its infancy; it remains to be seen which strategies (surface patterning, small molecule release, hydrogel coating, etc.) will be enable this approach. Additionally, these efforts aimed at optimizing CI function will likely translate to other neural prostheses, which face similar issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T. Vecchi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Alexander D. Claussen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Marlan R. Hansen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Chen Y, Luo Z, Meng W, Liu K, Chen Q, Cai Y, Ding Z, Huang C, Zhou Z, Jiang M, Zhou L. Decoding the "Fingerprint" of Implant Materials: Insights into the Foreign Body Reaction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310325. [PMID: 38191783 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Foreign body reaction (FBR) is a prevalent yet often overlooked pathological phenomenon, particularly within the field of biomedical implantation. The presence of FBR poses a heavy burden on both the medical and socioeconomic systems. This review seeks to elucidate the protein "fingerprint" of implant materials, which is generated by the physiochemical properties of the implant materials themselves. In this review, the activity of macrophages, the formation of foreign body giant cells (FBGCs), and the development of fibrosis capsules in the context of FBR are introduced. Additionally, the relationship between various implant materials and FBR is elucidated in detail, as is an overview of the existing approaches and technologies employed to alleviate FBR. Finally, the significance of implant components (metallic materials and non-metallic materials), surface CHEMISTRY (charge and wettability), and physical characteristics (topography, roughness, and stiffness) in establishing the protein "fingerprint" of implant materials is also well documented. In conclusion, this review aims to emphasize the importance of FBR on implant materials and provides the current perspectives and approaches in developing implant materials with anti-FBR properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangmengfan Chen
- Orthopedic Research Institution, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zeyu Luo
- Orthopedic Research Institution, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Weikun Meng
- Orthopedic Research Institution, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Yongrui Cai
- Orthopedic Research Institution, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zichuan Ding
- Orthopedic Research Institution, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Orthopedic Research Institution, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zongke Zhou
- Orthopedic Research Institution, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meng Jiang
- Emergency and Trauma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Liqiang Zhou
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078, China
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Peel A, Bennion D, Horne R, Hansen MR, Guymon CA. Photografted Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coating Durability for Reduced Foreign Body Response to Cochlear Implants. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:3124-3135. [PMID: 38584364 PMCID: PMC11110053 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The durability of photografted zwitterionic hydrogel coatings on cochlear implant biomaterials was examined to determine the viability of these antifouling surfaces during insertion and long-term implant usage. Tribometry was used to determine the effect of zwitterionic coatings on the lubricity of surfaces with varying hydration levels, applied normal force, and time frame. Additionally, flexural resistance was investigated using mandrel bending. Ex vivo durability was assessed by determining the coefficient of friction between tissues and treated surfaces. Furthermore, cochlear implantation force was measured using cadaveric human cochleae. Hydrated zwitterionic hydrogel coatings reduced frictional resistance approximately 20-fold compared to uncoated PDMS, which led to significantly lower mean force experienced by coated cochlear implants during insertion compared to uncoated systems. Under flexural force, zwitterionic films resisted failure for up to 60 min of desiccation. The large increase in lubricity was maintained for 20 h under continual force while hydrated. For loosely cross-linked systems, films remained stable and lubricious even after rehydration following complete drying. All coatings remained hydrated and functional under frictional force for at least 30 min in ambient conditions allowing drying, with lower cross-link densities showing the greatest longevity. Moreover, photografted zwitterionic hydrogel samples showed no evidence of degradation and nearly identical lubricity before and after implantation. This work demonstrates that photografted zwitterionic hydrogel coatings are sufficiently durable to maintain viability before, during, and after implantation. Mechanical properties, including greatly increased lubricity, are preserved after complete drying and rehydration for various applied forces. Additionally, this significantly enhanced lubricity translates to significantly decreased force during insertion of implants which should result in less trauma and scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adreann Peel
- Department
of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Douglas Bennion
- Department
of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Ryan Horne
- Department
of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Marlan R. Hansen
- Department
of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - C. Allan Guymon
- Department
of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
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Yancey KL, Patro A, Smetak M, Perkins EL, Isaacson B, Bennett ML, O'Malley M, Haynes DS, Hunter JB. Evaluating calcium channel blockers and bisphosphonates as otoprotective agents in cochlear implantation hearing preservation candidates. Cochlear Implants Int 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38738388 DOI: 10.1080/14670100.2024.2338003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate potential effects of calcium channel blockers (CCB) and bisphosphonates (BP) on residual hearing following cochlear implantation. METHODS Medications of 303 adult hearing preservation (HP) candidates (low frequency pure tone average [LFPTA] of 125, 250, and 500 Hz ≤80 dB HL) were reviewed. Postimplantation LFPTA of patients taking CCBs and BPs were compared to controls matched by age and preimplantation LFPTA. RESULTS Twenty-six HP candidates were taking a CCB (N = 14) or bisphosphonate (N = 12) at implantation. Median follow-up was 1.37 years (range 0.22-4.64y). Among subjects with initial HP, 29% (N = 2 of 7) CCB users compared to 50% (N = 2 of 4) controls subsequently lost residual hearing 3-6 months later (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.04-4.32, p = 0.58). None of the four BP patients with initial HP experienced delayed loss compared to 50% (N = 2 of 4) controls with initial HP (OR = 0.00, 95% CI = 0.00-1.95, P = 0.43). Two CCB and one BP patients improved to a LFPTA <80 dB HL following initial unaided thresholds that suggested loss of residual hearing. DISCUSSION There were no significant differences in the odds of delayed loss of residual hearing with CCBs or BPs. CONCLUSION Further investigation into potential otoprotective adjuvants for maintaining residual hearing following initial successful hearing preservation is warranted, with larger cohorts and additional CCB/BP agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Yancey
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ankita Patro
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Miriam Smetak
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Perkins
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brandon Isaacson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Marc L Bennett
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew O'Malley
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David S Haynes
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jacob B Hunter
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Vecchi JT, Rhomberg M, Guymon CA, Hansen MR. The geometry of photopolymerized topography influences neurite pathfinding by directing growth cone morphology and migration. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:026027. [PMID: 38547528 PMCID: PMC10993768 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad38dc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Cochlear implants provide auditory perception to those with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss: however, the quality of sound perceived by users does not approximate natural hearing. This limitation is due in part to the large physical gap between the stimulating electrodes and their target neurons. Therefore, directing the controlled outgrowth of processes from spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) into close proximity to the electrode array could provide significantly increased hearing function.Approach.For this objective to be properly designed and implemented, the ability and limits of SGN neurites to be guided must first be determined. In this work, we engineer precise topographical microfeatures with angle turn challenges of various geometries to study SGN pathfinding and use live imaging to better understand how neurite growth is guided by these cues.Main Results.We find that the geometry of the angled microfeatures determines the ability of neurites to navigate the angled microfeature turns. SGN neurite pathfinding fidelity is increased by 20%-70% through minor increases in microfeature amplitude (depth) and by 25% if the angle of the patterned turn is made obtuse. Further, we see that dorsal root ganglion neuron growth cones change their morphology and migration to become more elongated within microfeatures. Our observations also indicate complexities in studying neurite turning. First, as the growth cone pathfinds in response to the various cues, the associated neurite often reorients across the angle topographical microfeatures. Additionally, neurite branching is observed in response to topographical guidance cues, most frequently when turning decisions are most uncertain.Significance.Overall, the multi-angle channel micropatterned substrate is a versatile and efficient system to assess neurite turning and pathfinding in response to topographical cues. These findings represent fundamental principles of neurite pathfinding that will be essential to consider for the design of 3D systems aiming to guide neurite growthin vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Vecchi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Madeline Rhomberg
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - C Allan Guymon
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
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Geerardyn A, Zhu M, Verhaert N, Quesnel AM. Intracochlear Trauma and Local Ossification Patterns Differ Between Straight and Precurved Cochlear Implant Electrodes. Otol Neurotol 2024; 45:245-255. [PMID: 38270168 PMCID: PMC10922381 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000004102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Trauma to the osseous spiral lamina (OSL) or spiral ligament (SL) during cochlear implant (CI) insertion segregates with electrode type and induces localized intracochlear ossification and fibrosis. BACKGROUND The goal of atraumatic CI insertion is to preserve intracochlear structures, limit reactive intracochlear tissue formation, and preserve residual hearing. Previous qualitative studies hypothesized a localized effect of trauma on intracochlear tissue formation; however, quantitative studies failed to confirm this. METHODS Insertional trauma beyond the immediate insertion site was histologically assessed in 21 human temporal bones with a CI. Three-dimensional reconstructions were generated and virtually resectioned perpendicular to the cochlear spiral at high resolution. The cochlear volume occupied by ossification or fibrosis was determined at the midpoint of the trauma and compared with regions proximal and distal to this point. RESULTS Seven cases, all implanted with precurved electrodes, showed an OSL fracture beyond the immediate insertion site. Significantly more intracochlear ossification was observed at the midpoint of the OSL fracture, compared with the -26 to -18 degrees proximal and 28 to 56 degrees distal to the center. No such pattern was observed for fibrosis. In the 12 cases with a perforation of the SL (9 straight and 3 precurved electrodes), no localized pattern of ossification or fibrosis was observed around these perforations. CONCLUSION OSL fractures were observed exclusively with precurved electrodes in this study and may serve as a nidus for localized intracochlear ossification. Perforation of the SL, in contrast, predominantly occurred with straight electrodes and was not associated with localized ossification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - MengYu Zhu
- Otopathology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Geerardyn A, Zhu M, Klabbers T, Huinck W, Mylanus E, Nadol JB, Verhaert N, Quesnel AM. Human Histology after Structure Preservation Cochlear Implantation via Round Window Insertion. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:945-953. [PMID: 37493203 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current surgical techniques aim to preserve intracochlear structures during cochlear implant (CI) insertion to maintain residual cochlear function. The optimal technique to minimize damage, however, is still under debate. The aim of this study is to histologically compare insertional trauma and intracochlear tissue formation in humans with a CI implanted via different insertion techniques. METHODS One recent temporal bone from a donor who underwent implantation of a full-length CI (576°) via round window (RW) insertion was compared with nine cases implanted via cochleostomy (CO) or extended round window (ERW) approach. Insertional trauma was assessed on H&E-stained histological sections. 3D reconstructions were generated and virtually re-sectioned to measure intracochlear volumes of fibrosis and neo-ossification. RESULTS The RW insertion case showed electrode translocation via the spiral ligament. 2/9 CO/ERW cases showed no insertional trauma. The total volume of the cochlea occupied by fibro-osseous tissue was 10.8% in the RW case compared with a mean of 30.6% (range 8.7%-44.8%, N = 9) in the CO/ERW cases. The difference in tissue formation in the basal 5 mm of scala tympani, however, was even more pronounced when the RW case (12.3%) was compared with the cases with a CO/ERW approach (mean of 93.8%, range 81% to 100%, N = 9). CONCLUSIONS Full-length CI insertions via the RW can be minimally traumatic at the cochlear base without inducing extensive fibro-osseous tissue formation locally. The current study further supports the hypothesis that drilling of the cochleostomy with damage to the endosteum incites a local tissue reaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Case-control study Laryngoscope, 134:945-953, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Geerardyn
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
- Otopathology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
- ExpORL, Department of Neurosciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - MengYu Zhu
- Otopathology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Tim Klabbers
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wendy Huinck
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Emmanuel Mylanus
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joseph B Nadol
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
- Otopathology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Nicolas Verhaert
- ExpORL, Department of Neurosciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alicia M Quesnel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
- Otopathology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
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Kashani RG, Kocharyan A, Bennion DM, Scheperle RA, Etler C, Oleson J, Dunn CC, Claussen AD, Gantz BJ, Hansen MR. Combining Intraoperative Electrocochleography with Robotics-Assisted Electrode Array Insertion. Otol Neurotol 2024; 45:143-149. [PMID: 38206061 PMCID: PMC10786337 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000004094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the use of robotics-assisted electrode array (EA) insertion combined with intraoperative electrocochleography (ECochG) in hearing preservation cochlear implant surgery. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, single-arm, open-label study. SETTING All procedures and data collection were performed at a single tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Twenty-one postlingually deaf adult subjects meeting Food and Drug Administration indication criteria for cochlear implantation with residual acoustic hearing defined as thresholds no worse than 65 dB at 125, 250, and 500 Hz. INTERVENTION All patients underwent standard-of-care unilateral cochlear implant surgery using a single-use robotics-assisted EA insertion device and concurrent intraoperative ECochG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative pure-tone average over 125, 250, and 500 Hz measured at initial activation and subsequent intervals up to 1 year afterward. RESULTS Twenty-two EAs were implanted with a single-use robotics-assisted insertion device and simultaneous intraoperative ECochG. Fine control over robotic insertion kinetics could be applied in response to changes in ECochG signal. Patients had stable pure-tone averages after activation with normal impedance and neural telemetry responses. CONCLUSIONS Combining robotics-assisted EA insertion with intraoperative ECochG is a feasible technique when performing hearing preservation implant surgery. This combined approach may provide the surgeon a means to overcome the limitations of manual insertion and respond to cochlear feedback in real-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rustin G. Kashani
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Armine Kocharyan
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Douglas M. Bennion
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Rachel A. Scheperle
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Christine Etler
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jacob Oleson
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Camille C. Dunn
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Alexander D. Claussen
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Bruce J. Gantz
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Marlan R. Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
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11
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Soncini A, Franzini S, Di Marco F, Riccardi P, Bacciu A, Pasanisi E, Di Lella F. Early fitting in cochlear implant surgery: preliminary results. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 281:61-66. [PMID: 37417997 PMCID: PMC10764441 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08076-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cochlear implants are usually activated 3-5 weeks after surgery; to date, no universal protocol exists regarding switch on and fitting of these devices. The aim of the study was to assess safety and functional results of activation and fitting of cochlear implant within 24 h following surgery. METHODS In this retrospective case-control study, 15 adult patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery, for a total of 20 cochlear implant procedures were analyzed. In particular, clinical safety and feasibility were investigated by examinating patients at activation and at each follow-up. Values of electrodes' impedance and most comfortable loudness (MCL) were analyzed from the time of surgery to 12 months after activation. Free-field pure tone average (PTA) was also recorded. RESULTS No major or minor complications were reported and all patients could perform the early fitting. Activation modality influenced impedance values only in the short term but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Mean MCL values in the early fitting group were lower than MCL of the late fitting in all follow-up sessions, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean PTA was lower in the early fitting group but the difference was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Early fitting of cochlear implants is safe, allows for an early rehabilitation and can have possible beneficial effects on stimulation levels and dynamic range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Soncini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Gramsci 14, 43121, Parma, Italy.
| | - Sebastiano Franzini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Gramsci 14, 43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Marco
- Advanced Bionics Italia, Via Privata Raimondo Montecuccoli, 30, 20147, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - Pasquale Riccardi
- Advanced Bionics Italia, Via Privata Raimondo Montecuccoli, 30, 20147, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - Andrea Bacciu
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Gramsci 14, 43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Enrico Pasanisi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Gramsci 14, 43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Filippo Di Lella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Gramsci 14, 43121, Parma, Italy
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12
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Derdzakyan NA, Lava CX, Hakimi AA, Johns JD, Kim HJ, Hoa M. Variability in Perioperative Steroid Therapy Regimen for Cochlear Implantation as It Relates to Hearing Preservation. Otol Neurotol 2024; 45:e28-e35. [PMID: 38085763 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000004058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS We aimed to identify practice trends and association between physician training and administration of perioperative steroids for cochlear implantation (CI) as it relates to hearing preservation. BACKGROUND Perioperative steroid therapy regimens are postulated to protect residual hearing and improve hearing preservation outcomes in CI. METHODS A 27-question online survey was developed by the senior authors using the Qualtrics Survey Tool, then distributed via email from September to November 2022 to otolaryngologists specializing in otology or neurotology and who practice in the United States or Canada. RESULTS The survey was sent to 463 physicians, 162 (35.0%) of whom completed the survey. One hundred forty-four (31.1%) responses underwent analysis. All physicians administering preoperative steroids (n = 31) prefer preoperative oral prednisone. Of 143 physicians administering intraoperative steroids, 54.5% prefer intraoperative intravenous dexamethasone. More than half (77.6%) of 85 physicians administering postoperative steroids prefer postoperative oral prednisone. Postoperative steroid administration (p < 0.006) and taper utilization (p < 0.041) were greater among physicians who complete greater than 40 CIs annually (n = 47 [71.2%]; n = 30 [49.2%]) than physicians who complete up to 40 CIs annually (n = 37 [48.7%]; n = 20 [31.3%]), respectively. Physicians practicing for 5 to 20 years after residency are more prevalent in using postoperative steroid tapers than physicians practicing for fewer than 5 years after and more than 20 years after residency (n = 37 [51.4%] versus n = 14 [25.5%], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Consensus is needed about the optimal steroid treatment for CI patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amir A Hakimi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - J Dixon Johns
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - H Jeffrey Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Michael Hoa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
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13
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Seicol BJ, Guo Z, Garrity K, Xie R. Potential uses of auditory nerve stimulation to modulate immune responses in the inner ear and auditory brainstem. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1294525. [PMID: 38162822 PMCID: PMC10755874 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1294525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioelectronic medicine uses electrical stimulation of the nervous system to improve health outcomes throughout the body primarily by regulating immune responses. This concept, however, has yet to be applied systematically to the auditory system. There is growing interest in how cochlear damage and associated neuroinflammation may contribute to hearing loss. In conjunction with recent findings, we propose here a new perspective, which could be applied alongside advancing technologies, to use auditory nerve (AN) stimulation to modulate immune responses in hearing health disorders and following surgeries for auditory implants. In this article we will: (1) review the mechanisms of inflammation in the auditory system in relation to various forms of hearing loss, (2) explore nerve stimulation to reduce inflammation throughout the body and how similar neural-immune circuits likely exist in the auditory system (3) summarize current methods for stimulating the auditory system, particularly the AN, and (4) propose future directions to use bioelectronic medicine to ameliorate harmful immune responses in the inner ear and auditory brainstem to treat refractory conditions. We will illustrate how current knowledge from bioelectronic medicine can be applied to AN stimulation to resolve inflammation associated with implantation and disease. Further, we suggest the necessary steps to get discoveries in this emerging field from bench to bedside. Our vision is a future for AN stimulation that includes additional protocols as well as advances in devices to target and engage neural-immune circuitry for therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Seicol
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Zixu Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Katy Garrity
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ruili Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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14
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Rahman MT, Mostaert BJ, Hunger B, Saha U, Claussen AD, Razu I, Nasrin F, Khan NA, Eckard P, Coleman S, Oleson J, Kirk JR, Hirose K, Hansen MR. Contribution of macrophages to neural survival and intracochlear tissue remodeling responses following cochlear implantation. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:266. [PMID: 37974203 PMCID: PMC10652501 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02955-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cochlear implants (CIs) restore hearing to deafened patients. The foreign body response (FBR) following cochlear implantation (post-CI) comprises an infiltration of macrophages, other immune and non-immune cells, and fibrosis into the scala tympani, a space that is normally devoid of cells. This FBR is associated with negative effects on CI outcomes including increased electrode impedances and loss of residual acoustic hearing. This study investigates the extent to which macrophage depletion by an orally administered CSF-1R specific kinase (c-FMS) inhibitor, PLX-5622, modulates the tissue response to CI and neural health. MAIN TEXT 10- to 12-week-old CX3CR1 + /GFP Thy1 + /YFP mice on C57BL/6J/B6 background was fed chow containing 1200 mg/kg PLX5622 or control chow for the duration of the study. 7 days after starting the diet, 3-channel cochlear implants were implanted in the ear via the round window. Serial impedance and neural response telemetry (NRT) measurements were acquired throughout the study. Electric stimulation began 7 days post-CI until 28 days post-CI for 5 h/day, 5 days/week, with programming guided by NRT and behavioral responses. Cochleae harvested at 10, 28 or 56 days post-CI were cryosectioned and labeled with an antibody against α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) to identify myofibroblasts and quantify the fibrotic response. Using IMARIS image analysis software, the outlines of scala tympani, Rosenthal canal, modiolus, and lateral wall for each turn were traced manually to measure region volume. The density of nuclei, CX3CR1 + macrophages, Thy1 + spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) numbers, and the ratio of the α-SMA + volume/scala tympani volume were calculated. Cochlear implantation in control diet subjects caused infiltration of cells, including macrophages, into the cochlea. Fibrosis was evident in the scala tympani adjacent to the electrode array. Mice fed PLX5622 chow showed reduced macrophage infiltration throughout the implanted cochleae across all time points. However, scala tympani fibrosis was not reduced relative to control diet subjects. Further, mice treated with PLX5622 showed increased electrode impedances compared to controls. Finally, treatment with PLX5622 decreased SGN survival in implanted and contralateral cochleae. CONCLUSION The data suggest that macrophages play an important role in modulating the intracochlear tissue response following CI and neural survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Taifur Rahman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Brian J Mostaert
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Bryce Hunger
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Utsow Saha
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Alexander D Claussen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ibrahim Razu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Farjana Nasrin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Nashwaan Ali Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Peter Eckard
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Sarah Coleman
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jacob Oleson
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Keiko Hirose
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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15
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Delaney DS, Liew LJ, Lye J, Atlas MD, Wong EYM. Overcoming barriers: a review on innovations in drug delivery to the middle and inner ear. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1207141. [PMID: 37927600 PMCID: PMC10620978 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1207141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the development of therapeutics for hearing loss, drug delivery to the middle and inner ear remains a challenge. As conventional oral or intravascular administration are ineffective due to poor bioavailability and impermeability of the blood-labyrinth-barrier, localized delivery is becoming a preferable approach for certain drugs. Even then, localized delivery to the ear precludes continual drug delivery due to the invasive and potentially traumatic procedures required to access the middle and inner ear. To address this, the preclinical development of controlled release therapeutics and drug delivery devices have greatly advanced, with some now showing promise clinically. This review will discuss the existing challenges in drug development for treating the most prevalent and damaging hearing disorders, in particular otitis media, perforation of the tympanic membrane, cholesteatoma and sensorineural hearing loss. We will then address novel developments in drug delivery that address these including novel controlled release therapeutics such as hydrogel and nanotechnology and finally, novel device delivery approaches such as microfluidic systems and cochlear prosthesis-mediated delivery. The aim of this review is to investigate how drugs can reach the middle and inner ear more efficiently and how recent innovations could be applied in aiding drug delivery in certain pathologic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek S. Delaney
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Lawrence J. Liew
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Joey Lye
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Marcus D. Atlas
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Elaine Y. M. Wong
- Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
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16
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Zhang D, Chen D, Wang K, Pan J, Tang J, Zhang H. Electrical stimulation of cochlear implant promotes activation of macrophages and fibroblasts under inflammation. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2023; 8:1390-1400. [PMID: 37899874 PMCID: PMC10601573 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The implanted electrodes deliver electric signals to spiral ganglion neurons, conferring restored hearing of cochlear implantation (CI) recipients. Postimplantation intracochlear fibrosis, which is observed in most CI recipients, disturbs the electrical signals and impairs the long-term outcome of CI. The macrophages and fibroblasts activation is critical for the development of intracochlear fibrosis. However, the effect of electric stimulation of cochlear implant (ESCI) on the activity of macrophages and fibroblasts was unclear. In the present study, a human cochlear implant was modified to stimulate cultured macrophages and fibroblasts. Methods By measuring cellular marker and the expression level of cytokine production, the polarization and activity of macrophages and fibroblasts were examined with or without ESCI. Results Our data showed that ESCI had little effects on the morphology, density, and distribution of culturing macrophages and fibroblasts. Furthermore, ESCI alone did not affect the polarization of macrophages or the function of fibroblasts without the treatment of inflammatory factors. However, in the presence of LPS or IL-4, ESCI further promoted the polarization of macrophages, and increased the expression of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory factors, respectively. For fibroblasts, ESCI further increased the collagen I synthesis induced by TGF-β1 treatment. Nifedipine inhibited ESCI induced calcium influx, and hereby abolished the promoted polarization and activation of macrophages and fibroblasts. Conclusion Our results suggest that acute inflammation should be well inhibited before the activation of cochlear implants to control the postoperative intracochlear fibrosis. The voltage-gated calcium channels could be considered as the targets for reducing postimplantation inflammation and fibrosis. Level of Evidence NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingling Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Dongxiu Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Kaiye Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Pan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of PhysiologySouthern Medical University School of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of EducationSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Hearing Research CenterSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hongzheng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Hearing Research CenterSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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17
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de Rijk SR, Boys AJ, Roberts IV, Jiang C, Garcia C, Owens RM, Bance M. Tissue-Engineered Cochlear Fibrosis Model Links Complex Impedance to Fibrosis Formation for Cochlear Implant Patients. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300732. [PMID: 37310792 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cochlear implants are a life-changing technology for those with severe sensorineural hearing loss, partially restoring hearing through direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. However, they are known to elicit an immune response resulting in fibrotic tissue formation in the cochlea that is linked to residual hearing loss and suboptimal outcomes. Intracochlear fibrosis is difficult to track without postmortem histology, and no specific electrical marker for fibrosis exists. In this study, a tissue-engineered model of cochlear fibrosis is developed following implant placement to examine the electrical characteristics associated with fibrotic tissue formation around electrodes. The model is characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and an increase in the resistance and a decrease in capacitance of the tissue using a representative circuit are found. This result informs a new marker of fibrosis progression over time that is extractable from voltage waveform responses, which can be directly measured in cochlear implant patients. This marker is tested in a small sample size of recently implanted cochlear implant patients, showing a significant increase over two postoperative timepoints. Using this system, complex impedance is demonstrated as a marker of fibrosis progression that is directly measurable from cochlear implants to enable real-time tracking of fibrosis formation in patients, creating opportunities for earlier treatment intervention to improve cochlear implant efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone R de Rijk
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Cambridge, CB2 8AF, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3 EB, UK
| | - Alexander J Boys
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Cambridge, CB2 8AF, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Iwan V Roberts
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Cambridge, CB2 8AF, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3 EB, UK
| | - Chen Jiang
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Cambridge, CB2 8AF, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3 EB, UK
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Charlotte Garcia
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Cambridge, CB2 8AF, UK
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Cambridge, CB2 8AF, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Manohar Bance
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Cambridge, CB2 8AF, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3 EB, UK
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18
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Braack KJ, Miles T, Amat F, Brown DJ, Atlas MD, Kuthubutheen J, Mulders WH, Prêle CM. Using x-ray micro computed tomography to quantify intracochlear fibrosis after cochlear implantation in a Guinea pig model. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19343. [PMID: 37662829 PMCID: PMC10474428 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CIs) allow individuals with profound hearing loss to understand speech and perceive sounds. However, not all patients obtain the full benefits that CIs can provide and the cause of this disparity is not fully understood. One possible factor for the variability in outcomes after cochlear implantation, is the development of fibrotic scar tissue around the implanted electrode. It has been hypothesised that limiting the extent of fibrosis after implantation may improve overall CI function, and longevity of the device. Currently, histology is often used to quantify the extent of intracochlear tissue growth after implantation however this method is labour intensive, time-consuming, often involves significant user bias, and causes physical distortion of the fibrosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate x-ray micro computed tomography (μCT) as a method to measure the amount and distribution of fibrosis in a guinea pig model of cochlear implantation. Adult guinea pigs were implanted with an inactive electrode, and cochleae harvested eight weeks later (n = 7) and analysed using μCT, to quantify the extent of tissue reaction, followed by histological analysis to confirm that the tissue was indeed fibrotic. Cochleae harvested from an additional six animals following implantation were analysed by μCT, before and after contrast staining with osmium tetroxide (OsO4), to enhance the visualisation of soft tissues within the cochlea, including the tissue reaction. Independent analysis by two observers showed that the quantification method was robust and provided additional information on the distribution of the response within the cochlea. Histological analysis revealed that μCT visualised dense collagenous material and new bone formation but did not capture loose, areolar fibrotic tissue. Treatment with OsO4 significantly enhanced the visible tissue reaction detected using μCT. Overall, μCT is an alternative and reliable method that can be used to quantify the extent of the CI-induced intracochlear tissue response and will be a useful tool for the in vivo assessment of novel anti-fibrotic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kady J. Braack
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Tylah Miles
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Farah Amat
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Brown
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Marcus D. Atlas
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Jafri Kuthubutheen
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | | | - Cecilia M. Prêle
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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19
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Tejani VD, Kim JS, Etler CP, Skidmore J, Yuan Y, He S, Hansen MR, Gantz BJ, Abbas PJ, Brown CJ. Longitudinal Electrocochleography as an Objective Measure of Serial Behavioral Audiometry in Electro-Acoustic Stimulation Patients. Ear Hear 2023; 44:1014-1028. [PMID: 36790447 PMCID: PMC10425573 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Minimally traumatic surgical techniques and advances in cochlear implant (CI) electrode array designs have allowed acoustic hearing present in a CI candidate prior to surgery to be preserved postoperatively. As a result, these patients benefit from combined electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS) postoperatively. However, 30% to 40% of EAS CI users experience a partial loss of hearing up to 30 dB after surgery. This additional hearing loss is generally not severe enough to preclude use of acoustic amplification; however, it can still impact EAS benefits. The use of electrocochleography (ECoG) measures of peripheral hair cell and neural auditory function have shed insight into the pathophysiology of postimplant loss of residual acoustic hearing. The present study aims to assess the long-term stability of ECoG measures and to establish ECoG as an objective method of monitoring residual hearing over the course of EAS CI use. We hypothesize that repeated measures of ECoG should remain stable over time for EAS CI users with stable postoperative hearing preservation. We also hypothesize that changes in behavioral audiometry for EAS CI users with loss of residual hearing should also be reflected in changes in ECoG measures. DESIGN A pool of 40 subjects implanted under hearing preservation protocol was included in the study. Subjects were seen at postoperative visits for behavioral audiometry and ECoG recordings. Test sessions occurred 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12 months, and annually after 12 months postoperatively. Changes in pure-tone behavioral audiometric thresholds relative to baseline were used to classify subjects into two groups: one group with stable acoustic hearing and another group with loss of acoustic hearing. At each test session, ECoG amplitude growth functions for several low-frequency stimuli were obtained. The threshold, slope, and suprathreshold amplitude at a fixed stimulation level was obtained from each growth function at each time point. Longitudinal linear mixed effects models were used to study trends in ECoG thresholds, slopes, and amplitudes for subjects with stable hearing and subjects with hearing loss. RESULTS Preoperative, behavioral audiometry indicated that subjects had an average low-frequency pure-tone average (125 to 500 Hz) of 40.88 ± 13.12 dB HL. Postoperatively, results showed that ECoG thresholds and amplitudes were stable in EAS CI users with preserved residual hearing. ECoG thresholds increased (worsened) while ECoG amplitudes decreased (worsened) for those with delayed hearing loss. The slope did not distinguish between EAS CI users with stable hearing and subjects with delayed loss of hearing. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a new application of postoperative ECoG as an objective tool to monitor residual hearing and understand the pathophysiology of delayed hearing loss. While our measures were conducted with custom-designed in-house equipment, CI companies are also designing and implementing hardware and software adaptations to conduct ECoG recordings. Thus, postoperative ECoG recordings can potentially be integrated into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viral D Tejani
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jeong-Seo Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Hearing Research Laboratory, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Christine P Etler
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jeffrey Skidmore
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye and Ear Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye and Ear Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shuman He
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye and Ear Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bruce J Gantz
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Paul J Abbas
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Carolyn J Brown
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Vecchi JT, Rhomberg M, Guymon CA, Hansen MR. The geometry of photopolymerized topography influences neurite pathfinding by directing growth cone morphology and migration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.28.555111. [PMID: 37693432 PMCID: PMC10491164 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.28.555111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CIs) provide auditory perception to those with profound sensorineural hearing loss: however, the quality of sound perceived by a CI user does not approximate natural hearing. This limitation is due in part to the large physical gap between the stimulating electrodes and their target neurons. Therefore, directing the controlled outgrowth of processes from spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) into close proximity to the electrode array could provide significantly increased hearing function. For this objective to be properly designed and implemented, the ability and limits of SGN neurites to be guided must first be determined. In this work, we engineered precise topographical microfeatures with angle turn challenges of various geometries to study SGN pathfinding. Additionally, we analyze sensory neurite growth in response to topographically patterned substrates and use live imaging to better understand how neurite growth is guided by these cues. In assessing the ability of neurites to sense and turn in response to topographical cues, we find that the geometry of the angled microfeatures determines the ability of neurites to navigate the angled microfeature turns. SGN neurite pathfinding fidelity can be increased by 20-70% through minor increases in microfeature amplitude (depth) and by 25% if the angle of the patterned turn is made more obtuse. Further, by using engineered topographies and live imaging of dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGNs), we see that DRGN growth cones change their morphology and migration to become more elongated within microfeatures. However, our observations also indicate complexities in studying neurite turning. First, as the growth cone pathfinds in response to the various cues, the associated neurite often reorients across the angle topographical microfeatures. This reorientation is likely related to the tension the neurite shaft experiences when the growth cone elongates in the microfeature around a turn. Additionally, neurite branching is observed in response to topographical guidance cues, most frequently when turning decisions are most uncertain. Overall, the multi-angle channel micropatterned substrate is a versatile and efficient system to assess SGN neurite turning and pathfinding in response to topographical cues. These findings represent fundamental principles of neurite pathfinding that will be essential to consider for the design of 3D systems aiming to guide neurite growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T. Vecchi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Madeline Rhomberg
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - C. Allan Guymon
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marlan R. Hansen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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21
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Itamura K, Geerardyn A, Podury A, Lopez IA, Wong YT, Ishiyama A, Quesnel AM, Miller ME. Cochlear Ossification After Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Temporal Bone Study. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 169:333-339. [PMID: 36939596 PMCID: PMC10894684 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate patterns of cochlear ossification (CO) in cadaveric temporal bones of patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery via the translabyrinthine (TL), middle cranial fossa (MF), or retrosigmoid (RS) approaches. STUDY DESIGN Histopathologic analysis of cadaveric temporal bones. SETTING Multi-institutional national temporal bone repository. METHODS The National Institute of Deafness and Communication Disorders and House Temporal Bone Laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Otopathology Laboratory were searched for cadaveric temporal bones with a history of VS for which microsurgery was performed. Exclusion criteria included non-VS and perioperative death within 30 days of surgery. Temporal bones were analyzed histologically for CO of the basal, middle, and apical turns. RESULTS Of 92 temporal bones with a history of schwannoma from both databases, 12 of these cases met the inclusion criteria. The approaches for tumor excision included 2 MF, 4 RS, and 6 TL approaches. CO was observed in all temporal bones that had undergone TL surgery. Among temporal bones that had undergone MF or RS surgeries, 5/6 had no CO, and 1/6 had partial ossification. This single case was noted to have intraoperative vestibular violation after RS surgery upon histopathologic and chart review. CONCLUSION In this temporal bone series, all temporal bones that had undergone TL demonstrated varying degrees of CO on histological analysis. MF and RS cases did not exhibit CO except in the case of vestibular violation. When cochlear implantation is planned or possible after VS surgery, surgeons may consider using a surgical approach that does not violate the labyrinth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyohei Itamura
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexander Geerardyn
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurosciences (ExpORL), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Archana Podury
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ivan A. Lopez
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yu-Tung Wong
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Akira Ishiyama
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alicia M. Quesnel
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mia E. Miller
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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22
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Horne R, Ben-Shlomo N, Jensen M, Ellerman M, Escudero C, Hua R, Bennion D, Guymon CA, Hansen MR. Reducing the foreign body response on human cochlear implants and their materials in vivo with photografted zwitterionic hydrogel coatings. Acta Biomater 2023; 166:212-223. [PMID: 37187301 PMCID: PMC10330692 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The foreign body response to implanted materials often complicates the functionality of sensitive biomedical devices. For cochlear implants, this response can reduce device performance, battery life and preservation of residual acoustic hearing. As a permanent and passive solution to the foreign body response, this work investigates ultra-low-fouling poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA) thin film hydrogels that are simultaneously photo-grafted and photo-polymerized onto polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The cellular anti-fouling properties of these coatings are robustly maintained even after six-months subcutaneous incubation and over a broad range of cross-linker compositions. On pCBMA-coated PDMS sheets implanted subcutaneously, capsule thickness and inflammation are reduced significantly in comparison to uncoated PDMS or coatings of polymerized poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (pPEGDMA). Further, capsule thickness is reduced over a wide range of pCBMA cross-linker compositions. On cochlear implant electrode arrays implanted subcutaneously for one year, the coating bridges over the exposed platinum electrodes and dramatically reduces the capsule thickness over the entire implant. Coated cochlear implant electrode arrays could therefore lead to persistent improved performance and reduced risk of residual hearing loss. More generally, the in vivo anti-fibrotic properties of pCBMA coatings also demonstrate potential to mitigate the fibrotic response on a variety of sensing/stimulating implants. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This article presents, for the first time, evidence of the in vivo anti-fibrotic effect of zwitterionic hydrogel thin films photografted to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and human cochlear implant arrays. The hydrogel coating shows no evidence of degradation or loss of function after long-term implantation. The coating process enables full coverage of the electrode array. The coating reduces fibrotic capsule thickness 50-70% over a broad range of cross-link densities for implantations from six weeks to one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Horne
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, United States of America; University of Iowa Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, United States of America
| | - Nir Ben-Shlomo
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Otolaryngology, United States of America
| | - Megan Jensen
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Otolaryngology, United States of America
| | - Morgan Ellerman
- University of Iowa Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, United States of America
| | - Caleb Escudero
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Rong Hua
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Otolaryngology, United States of America
| | - Douglas Bennion
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Otolaryngology, United States of America
| | - C Allan Guymon
- University of Iowa Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, United States of America
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Otolaryngology, United States of America.
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Duan W, Poole-Warren L, Esrafilzadeh D, Robles UA. Effect of Hydrogel-based Model Fibrosis on Electrical Properties of Bioelectrodes. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38082779 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Fibrous tissue encapsulation can impact the performance of bioelectrodes following implantation. For example, significant increases in electrode impedance can occur within four weeks post-implantation. A key limitation hindering the understanding of host response-mediated impedance change is the reliance on animal models or complex in vitro cell cultures for electrode testing. This study aimed to develop an in vitro acellular model that can reproduce the changes in electrical properties of bioelectrodes that occur due to host responses following implantation. Specifically, the effect of synthetic, biological, and bio-synthetic co-polymer hydrogel coatings on electrode impedance was measured. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), gelatin, and PVA-gelatin co-polymers (10 and 20 wt%) were coated onto platinum (Pt) electrodes. Polarisation and access voltage, key components of the voltage response that relate to cell adhesion and protein adsorption respectively, were measured pre and post hydrogel coating and the impedance change was calculated. Results showed that increasing the polymer concentration affects the access resistance regardless of the hydrogel chemistry but only high content gelatin hydrogels increased the polarisation resistance. The increase in total impedance was ~ 2-fold of bare Pt, similar to clinical observations. This study demonstrated that an acellular fibrosis model using hydrogels could reproduce the impedance changes observed in vivo. Such a model system will support research to better understand in vivo changes in electrical properties and the longer term function of neuroprosthetic electrodes.Clinical Relevance-This study proposes an acellular fibrosis model for preclinical research. This will support the design of improved clinical stimulation strategies and better understanding of the mechanisms of impedance change at the device-tissue interface.
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Ernst BP, Heinrich UR, Fries M, Meuser R, Rader T, Eckrich J, Stauber RH, Strieth S. Cochlear implantation impairs intracochlear microcirculation and counteracts iNOS induction in guinea pigs. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1189980. [PMID: 37448696 PMCID: PMC10336219 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1189980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Preservation of residual hearing remains a great challenge during cochlear implantation. Cochlear implant (CI) electrode array insertion induces changes in the microvasculature as well as nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vessel dysfunction which have been identified as possible mediators of residual hearing loss after cochlear implantation. Methods A total of 24 guinea pigs were randomized to receive either a CI (n = 12) or a sham procedure (sham) by performing a cochleostomy without electrode array insertion (n = 12). The hearing threshold was determined using frequency-specific compound action potentials. To gain visual access to the stria vascularis, a microscopic window was created in the osseous cochlear lateral wall. Cochlear blood flow (CBF) and cochlear microvascular permeability (CMP) were evaluated immediately after treatment, as well as after 1 and 2 h, respectively. Finally, cochleae were resected for subsequent immunohistochemical analysis of the iNOS expression. Results The sham control group showed no change in mean CBF after 1 h (104.2 ± 0.7%) and 2 h (100.8 ± 3.6%) compared to baseline. In contrast, cochlear implantation resulted in a significant continuous decrease in CBF after 1 h (78.8 ± 8.1%, p < 0.001) and 2 h (60.6 ± 11.3%, p < 0.001). Additionally, the CI group exhibited a significantly increased CMP (+44.9% compared to baseline, p < 0.0001) and a significant increase in median hearing threshold (20.4 vs. 2.5 dB SPL, p = 0.0009) compared to sham after 2 h. Intriguingly, the CI group showed significantly lower iNOS-expression levels in the organ of Corti (329.5 vs. 54.33 AU, p = 0.0003), stria vascularis (596.7 vs. 48.51 AU, p < 0.0001), interdental cells (564.0 vs. 109.1 AU, p = 0.0003) and limbus fibrocytes (119.4 vs. 18.69 AU, p = 0.0286). Conclusion Mechanical and NO-dependent microvascular dysfunction seem to play a pivotal role in residual hearing loss after CI electrode array insertion. This may be facilitated by the implantation associated decrease in iNOS expression. Therefore, stabilization of cochlear microcirculation could be a therapeutic strategy to preserve residual hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulf-Rüdiger Heinrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mathias Fries
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Regina Meuser
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tobias Rader
- Division of Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Jonas Eckrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Roland H. Stauber
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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Rahman MT, Mostaert BJ, Hunger B, Saha U, Claussen AD, Razu I, Farjana N, Khan NA, Coleman S, Oleson J, Kirk J, Keiko H, Hansen MR. Contribution of macrophages to intracochlear tissue remodeling responses following cochlear implantation and neural survival. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3065630. [PMID: 37461619 PMCID: PMC10350110 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3065630/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Cochlear implants (CIs) restore hearing to deafened patients. The foreign body response (FBR) following cochlear implantation (post-CI) comprises an infiltration of macrophages, other immune and non-immune cells, and fibrosis into the scala tympani; a space that is normally devoid of cells. This FBR is associated with negative effects on CI outcomes including increased electrode impedances and loss of residual acoustic hearing. This study investigates the extent to which macrophage depletion by an orally administered CSF-1R specific kinase (c-FMS) inhibitor, PLX-5622, modulates the tissue response to CI and neural health. Materials and methods 10-12-week-old CX3CR1+/GFP Thy1+/YFP mice on C57Bl6 background with normal hearing were fed chow containing 1200 mg/kg PLX5622 or control chow for the duration of the study. 7-days after starting the diet, 3-channel cochlear implants were implanted ear via the round window. Serial impedance and neural response telemetry (NRT) measurements were acquired throughout the study. Electric stimulation began 7 days post-CI until 28- days post-CI for 5 hrs/day, 5 days/week, with programming guided by NRT and behavioral responses. Cochleae harvested at 10-, 28- or 56-days post-CI were cryosectioned and labeled with antibody against α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) to identify myofibroblasts and quantify the fibrotic response. Using IMARIS image analysis software, the outlines of scala tympani, Rosenthal canal, modiolus and lateral wall for each turn were traced manually to measure region volume. Density of nuclei, CX3CR1+ macrophages, Thy1+ spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) numbers and ratio of volume of α-SMA+ space/volume of scala tympani were calculated. Results Cochlear implantation in control diet subjects caused infiltration of cells, including macrophages, into the cochlea: this response was initially diffuse throughout the cochlea and later localized to the scala tympani of the basal turn by 56-days post-CI. Fibrosis was evident in the scala tympani adjacent to the electrode array. Mice fed PLX5622 chow showed reduced macrophage infiltration throughout the implanted cochleae across all timepoints. However, scala tympani fibrosis was not reduced relative to control diet subjects. Further, mice treated with PLX5622 showed increased electrode impedances compared to controls. Finally, treatment with PLX5622 decreased SGN survival in implanted and contralateral cochleae. Discussion The data suggest that macrophages play an important role in modulating the intracochlear tissue response following CI and neural survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brain J Mostaert
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, IA
| | - Bryce Hunger
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, IA
| | - Utsow Saha
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, IA
| | | | - Ibrahim Razu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, IA
| | - Nasrin Farjana
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, IA
| | - Nashwaan Ali Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, IA
| | - Sarah Coleman
- Department of Statistics, The University of Iowa, IA
| | - Jackob Oleson
- Department of Statistics, The University of Iowa, IA
| | | | - Hirose Keiko
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, IA
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Schraivogel S, Aebischer P, Weder S, Caversaccio M, Wimmer W. Cochlear implant electrode impedance subcomponents as biomarker for residual hearing. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1183116. [PMID: 37288065 PMCID: PMC10242064 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1183116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and objectives Maintaining the structural integrity of the cochlea and preserving residual hearing is crucial for patients, especially for those for whom electric acoustic stimulation is intended. Impedances could reflect trauma due to electrode array insertion and therefore could serve as a biomarker for residual hearing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between residual hearing and estimated impedance subcomponents in a known collective from an exploratory study. Methods A total of 42 patients with lateral wall electrode arrays from the same manufacturer were included in the study. For each patient, we used data from audiological measurements to compute residual hearing, impedance telemetry recordings to estimate near and far-field impedances using an approximation model, and computed tomography scans to extract anatomical information about the cochlea. We assessed the association between residual hearing and impedance subcomponent data using linear mixed-effects models. Results The progression of impedance subcomponents showed that far-field impedance was stable over time compared to near-field impedance. Low-frequency residual hearing demonstrated the progressive nature of hearing loss, with 48% of patients showing full or partial hearing preservation after 6 months of follow-up. Analysis revealed a statistically significant negative effect of near-field impedance on residual hearing (-3.81 dB HL per kΩ; p < 0.001). No significant effect of far-field impedance was found. Conclusion Our findings suggest that near-field impedance offers higher specificity for residual hearing monitoring, while far-field impedance was not significantly associated with residual hearing. These results highlight the potential of impedance subcomponents as objective biomarkers for outcome monitoring in cochlear implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Schraivogel
- Hearing Research Laboratory, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of ENT—Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Aebischer
- Hearing Research Laboratory, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of ENT—Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Weder
- Department of ENT—Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Caversaccio
- Hearing Research Laboratory, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of ENT—Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wilhelm Wimmer
- Department of ENT—Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TUM School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Nguyen MH, Onken A, Wulff A, Foremny K, Torgau P, Schütte H, Hild S, Doll T. Computational Modeling of Diffusion-Based Delamination for Active Implantable Medical Devices. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050625. [PMID: 37237696 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Delamination at heterogeneous material interfaces is one of the most prominent failure modes in active implantable medical devices (AIMDs). A well-known example of an AIMD is the cochlear implant (CI). In mechanical engineering, a multitude of testing procedures are known whose data can be used for detailed modeling with respect to digital twins. Detailed, complex models for digital twins are still lacking in bioengineering since body fluid infiltration occurs both into the polymer substrate and along the metal-polymer interfaces. For a newly developed test for an AIMD or CI composed of silicone rubber and metal wiring or electrodes, a mathematical model of these mechanisms is presented. It provides a better understanding of the failure mechanisms in such devices and their validation against real-life data. The implementation utilizes COMSOL Multiphysics®, consisting of a volume diffusion part and models for interface diffusion (and delamination). For a set of experimental data, the necessary diffusion coefficient could be derived. A subsequent comparison of experimental and modeling results showed a good qualitative and functional match. The delamination model follows a mechanical approach. The results of the interface diffusion model, which follows a substance transport-based approach, show a very good approximation to the results of previous experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Hai Nguyen
- Department of Otolaryngology and Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all", Hannover Medical School MHH, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School MHH, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Adrian Onken
- Department of Otolaryngology and Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all", Hannover Medical School MHH, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School MHH, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Engineering, Jade University of Applied Sciences, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Anika Wulff
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School MHH, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina Foremny
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School MHH, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Patricia Torgau
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School MHH, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Helmut Schütte
- Department of Engineering, Jade University of Applied Sciences, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Sabine Hild
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Johannes Kepler University, 4010 Linz, Austria
| | - Theodor Doll
- Department of Otolaryngology and Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all", Hannover Medical School MHH, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School MHH, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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28
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Shepherd R, Gantz B. Hearing preservation in cochlear implantation. Hear Res 2023; 434:108787. [PMID: 37167888 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Shepherd
- Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne and the Bionics Institute.
| | - Bruce Gantz
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa
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29
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Schreib CC, Jarvis MI, Terlier T, Goell J, Mukherjee S, Doerfert MD, Wilson TA, Beauregard M, Martins KN, Lee J, Solis LS, Vazquez E, Oberli MA, Hanak BW, Diehl M, Hilton I, Veiseh O. Lipid Deposition Profiles Influence Foreign Body Responses. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2205709. [PMID: 36871193 PMCID: PMC10309593 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis remains a significant cause of failure in implanted biomedical devices and early absorption of proteins on implant surfaces has been shown to be a key instigating factor. However, lipids can also regulate immune activity and their presence may also contribute to biomaterial-induced foreign body responses (FBR) and fibrosis. Here it is demonstrated that the surface presentation of lipids on implant affects FBR by influencing reactions of immune cells to materials as well as their resultant inflammatory/suppressive polarization. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) is employed to characterize lipid deposition on implants that are surface-modified chemically with immunomodulatory small molecules. Multiple immunosuppressive phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and sphingomyelin) are all found to deposit preferentially on implants with anti-FBR surface modifications in mice. Significantly, a set of 11 fatty acids is enriched on unmodified implanted devices that failed in both mice and humans, highlighting relevance across species. Phospholipid deposition is also found to upregulate the transcription of anti-inflammatory genes in murine macrophages, while fatty acid deposition stimulated the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. These results provide further insights into how to improve the design of biomaterials and medical devices to mitigate biomaterial material-induced FBR and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian C. Schreib
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Maria I. Jarvis
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
- Present address: Lonza Inc. 14905 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77047
| | - Tanguy Terlier
- SIMS laboratory, Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Jacob Goell
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Sudip Mukherjee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
- Present address: School of Biomedial Engineering, ITT (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Michael D. Doerfert
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Taylor Anne Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University Health, 11234 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354
| | - Michael Beauregard
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Kevin N. Martins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University Health, 11234 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354
| | - Jared Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005
| | - Leo Sanchez Solis
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Esperanza Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
| | - Matthias A. Oberli
- Sigilon Therapeutics, 200 Dexter Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472
- Present address: Xibus systems Inc. 200 Dexter Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472
| | - Brian W. Hanak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University Health, 11234 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354
| | - Michael Diehl
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Isaac Hilton
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
- Program of Synthetic, Systems and Physical Biology, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Omid Veiseh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
- Program of Synthetic, Systems and Physical Biology, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
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Kirk JR, Smyth D, Dueck WF. A new paradigm of hearing loss and preservation with cochlear implants: Learnings from fundamental studies and clinical research. Hear Res 2023; 433:108769. [PMID: 37120894 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In 2010 Cochlear initiated a coordinated preclinical research program to identify the factors and underlying mechanisms of acoustic hearing loss following cochlear implantation and device use. At its inception the program was structured around several major hypotheses implicated in the loss of acoustic hearing. The understanding of causes evolved over the course of the program, leading to an increased appreciation of the role of the biological response in post-implant hearing loss. A systematic approach was developed which mapped the cochlear implant journey along a timeline that considers all events in an individual's hearing history. By evaluating the available data in this context, rather than by discrete hypothesis testing, causative and associated factors may be more readily detected. This approach presents opportunities for more effective research management and may aid in identifying new prospects for intervention. Many of the outcomes of the research program apply beyond preservation of acoustic hearing to factors important to overall cochlear health and considerations for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon R Kirk
- Cochlear Limited, 1 University Avenue, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Daniel Smyth
- Cochlear Limited, 1 University Avenue, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Wolfram F Dueck
- Cochlear Limited, 1 University Avenue, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
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Hashemi SB, Janipour M, Jahangiri R, Babaei A. The effect of cochlear implant insertion technique on post-operative neural response telemetry and impedance in paediatric patients. J Laryngol Otol 2023; 137:363-367. [PMID: 35445650 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215122000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare neural response telemetry and impedance between the round window and cochleostomy approaches for cochlear implantation. METHODS In this case-control study, 64 patients aged less than 3.5 years underwent cochlear implantation via the round window or cochleostomy approach. Post-operative neural response telemetry and impedance were measured. RESULTS The impedance measurements at electrodes 1, 11 and 22 showed no significant differences between the two groups three months after implantation (p = 0.90, p = 0.08 and p = 0.37, respectively). Similar results were observed six months after implantation (p = 0.71, p = 0.65 and p = 0.70, respectively). There was no significant difference in neural response telemetry between the two groups after three months. The neural response telemetry of electrode 1 in the cochleostomy group (171.26 ± 19.81 μV) was significantly higher in comparison with that of electrode 1 in the round window group (161.97 ± 12.71 μV) after six months (p = 0.03). The neural response telemetry values for electrodes 11 and 22 did not show any significant difference after six months (p = 0.14 and p = 0.48, respectively). CONCLUSION Both approaches provide equal stimulation of the cochlear nerve and impedance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Hashemi
- Otolaryngology Research Centre, Department of Otolaryngology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M Janipour
- Otolaryngology Research Centre, Department of Otolaryngology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - R Jahangiri
- Otolaryngology Research Centre, Department of Otolaryngology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - A Babaei
- Otolaryngology Research Centre, Department of Otolaryngology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Evaluation of a Less Invasive Cochlear Implant Surgery in OPA1 Mutations Provoking Deafblindness. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030627. [PMID: 36980899 PMCID: PMC10048538 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cochlear implantation (CI) for deafblindness may have more impact than for non-syndromic hearing loss. Deafblind patients have a double handicap in a society that is more and more empowered by fast communication. CI is a remedy for deafness, but requires revision surgery every 20 to 25 years, and thus placement should be minimally invasive. Furthermore, failed reimplantation surgery will have more impact on a deafblind person. In this context, we assessed the safety of minimally invasive robotically assisted cochlear implant surgery (RACIS) for the first time in a deafblind patient. Standard pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry were performed in a patient with deafblindness as part of this robotic-assisted CI study before and after surgery. This patient, with an optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) (OMIM#165500) mutation consented to RACIS for the second (contralateral) CI. The applicability and safety of RACIS were evaluated as well as her subjective opinion on her disability. RACIS was uneventful with successful surgical and auditory outcomes in this case of deafblindness due to the OPA1 mutation. RACIS appears to be a safe and beneficial intervention to increase communication skills in the cases of deafblindness due to an OPA1 mutation. The use of RACIS use should be widespread in deafblindness as it minimizes surgical trauma and possible failures.
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Karkas A, Boureille P, Laroche N, Vico L, Bergandi F, Marotte H. Imaging of the human cochlea using micro-computed tomography before and after cochlear implantation: comparison with cone-beam computed tomography. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:3131-3140. [PMID: 36604323 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07811-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Analysis of cochlear structures and postoperative temporal bone (TB) imaging are gaining importance in the evaluation of cochlear implantation (CI°). Our aims were to explore the microarchitecture of human cochlea using micro-computed tomography (μCT), analyze electrode's placement inside cochlea after CI°, and compare pre-/post-implantation μCT scans with cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans of same TBs. METHODS Cadaveric TBs were scanned using μCT and CBCT then underwent CI° using straight electrodes. Thereafter, they underwent again μCT and CBCT-imaging. RESULTS Ten TBs were studied. μCT allowed visualization of scala tympani, scala vestibuli, basilar membrane, osseous spiral lamina, crista fenestrae, and spiral ligament. CBCT showed same structures except spiral ligament and crista fenestrae. After CI°, μCT and CBCT displayed the scalar location and course of electrode array within the cochlea. There were 7 cases of atraumatic electrode insertion and 3 cases of insertion trauma: basilar membrane elevation, electrode foldover with limited migration into scala vestibuli, and electrode kinking with limited migration into scala vestibuli. Insertion trauma was not correlated with cochlea's size or crista's maximal height but with round window membrane diameter. Resolution of μCT was higher than CBCT but electrode artifacts were similar. CONCLUSIONS μCT was accurate in visualizing cochlear structures, and course and scalar position of electrode array inside cochlea with any possible trauma to cochlea or array. CBCT offers a good alternative to μCT in clinical practice for cochlear imaging and evaluation of CI°, with lower radiation and higher resolution than multi-slice CT. Difficulties related to non-traumatic CI° are multifactorial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Karkas
- Service Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie, Division of Otology/Neurotology, Hôpital Nord, University Medical Center of Saint-Etienne, CHU Saint-Etienne, 42055, Saint-Etienne, France. .,Laboratory of Biology of Osteo-Articular Tissues, SAINBIOSE Inserm U1059, Saint-Etienne, France. .,Laboratory of Anatomy of Medical School Jacques Lisfranc, Saint-Etienne, France.
| | - Pierre Boureille
- Laboratory of Biology of Osteo-Articular Tissues, SAINBIOSE Inserm U1059, Saint-Etienne, France.,Division of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Norbert Laroche
- Laboratory of Biology of Osteo-Articular Tissues, SAINBIOSE Inserm U1059, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Laurence Vico
- Laboratory of Biology of Osteo-Articular Tissues, SAINBIOSE Inserm U1059, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Florian Bergandi
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Medical School Jacques Lisfranc, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Hubert Marotte
- Laboratory of Biology of Osteo-Articular Tissues, SAINBIOSE Inserm U1059, Saint-Etienne, France.,Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Center of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
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Chen A, Chen D, Lv K, Li G, Pan J, Ma D, Tang J, Zhang H. Zwitterionic Polymer/Polydopamine Coating of Electrode Arrays Reduces Fibrosis and Residual Hearing Loss after Cochlear Implantation. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2200807. [PMID: 36177664 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the first surgery 50 years ago, cochlear implantation (CI) is the major treatment for patients with severe sensorineural hearing loss. However, unexpected foreign body reactions (FBRs) after surgery are reported in 90% of CI recipients, resulting in the formation of fibrosis in the cochlea and progressive residual hearing loss. Zwitterion modification is universally used to reduce bio-fouling and suppress FBRs but never for CI. In the present study, a zwitterionic coating is developed, which is composed of poly sulfobetaine methacrylate (PSB) and polydopamine (PDA) for cochlear implants. The PSB-PDA coating shows a series of characters for an ideal anti-FBRs material, including super-hydrophilicity, low protein and cell adsorption, long-term stability, and high biocompatibility. Compared to the uncoated controls, PSB-PDA coating inhibits the activation of macrophages and reduces the release of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, NO) and fibrosis-related factors (TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen I). PSB-PDA coated electrode arrays suppress fibrosis completely and preserve residual hearing significantly in rat CI models. These results suggest that PSB-PDA coating is a novel strategy for anti-fibrosis to improve the outcomes of CI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anning Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Dongxiu Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Kai Lv
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Drug Carrier Development, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Guowei Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jing Pan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Dong Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Drug Carrier Development, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hongzheng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
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Razmovski T, Bester C, Collins A, Tan E, O'Leary SJ. Four-Point Impedance Changes After Cochlear Implantation for Lateral Wall and Perimodiolar Implants. Otol Neurotol 2022; 43:e1107-e1114. [PMID: 36351225 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Monitor four-point impedance in cochlear implant recipients over time and determine if implant type, surgical approach, and electrode positioning affected impedance measurements. STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational. SETTING Hospital. PATIENTS Adult cochlear implant recipients implanted with a perimodiolar or lateral wall cochlear implant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mean values for four-point impedances were calculated for all electrode contacts at perioperative and 3 months after surgery. Linear mixed models were applied to the impedance data to compare between implant types and time points. The angular insertion depth and electrode position relative to the medial and lateral wall, commonly termed the Intracochlear Position Index (ICPI), were collected and compared with impedance measurements. RESULTS Perioperatively, the four-point impedance was similar between implant types, with perimodiolar implants having marginally higher impedance values in the basal region. At 3 months after surgery, impedances significantly increased in the basal half of the electrode array for both implants, with higher impedance values for CI532 implants. There were no significant differences in insertion angle depth between implant types. The ICPI values for the seven most basal electrodes were similar for both implants; however, CI532 arrays were significantly more medially placed along the remaining apical portion of the array, which is expected. ICPI values did not correlate with impedance measurements for either implant. CONCLUSIONS Four-point impedance increases at 3 months after surgery may reflect fibrous tissue formation after cochlear implantation. The higher impedance values in perimodiolar implants may reflect a more extensive fibrosis formation as a result of surgical approaches used, requiring drilling of the cochlea bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayla Razmovski
- Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), The University of Melbourne
| | | | - Aaron Collins
- Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), The University of Melbourne
| | - Eren Tan
- Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), The University of Melbourne
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Jensen MJ, Claussen AD, Higgins T, Vielman-Quevedo R, Mostaert B, Xu L, Kirk J, Hansen MR. Cochlear implant material effects on inflammatory cell function and foreign body response. Hear Res 2022; 426:108597. [PMID: 35963812 PMCID: PMC10875706 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of cochlear implant (CI) biomaterials on the function of macrophages and fibroblasts, two key mediators of the foreign body response (FBR) and to determine how these materials influence fibrous tissue growth and new bone formation within the cochlea. METHODS Macrophages and fibroblasts were cultured on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and platinum substrates and human CI electrodes in vitro. Cell count, cell proliferation, cytokine production, and cell adhesion were measured. CI electrodes were implanted into murine cochleae for three weeks without electrical stimulation. Implanted cochleae were harvested for 3D X-ray microscopy with the CI left in-situ. The location of new bone growth within the scala tympani (ST) with reference to different portions of the implant (PDMS vs platinum) was quantified. RESULTS Cell counts of macrophages and fibroblasts were significantly higher on platinum substrates and platinum contacts of CI electrodes. Fibroblast proliferation was greater on platinum relative to PDMS, and cells grown on platinum formed more/larger focal adhesions. 3D X-ray microscopy showed neo-ossification in the peri‑implant areas of the ST. Volumetric quantification of neo-ossification showed a trend toward greater bone formation adjacent to the platinum electrodes compared to areas opposite or away from the platinum electrode bearing surfaces. CONCLUSIONS Fibrotic reactions are biomaterial specific, as demonstrated by the differences in cell adhesion, proliferation, and fibrosis on platinum and PDMS. The inflammatory reaction to platinum contacts on CI electrodes likely contributes to fibrosis to a greater degree than PDMS, and platinum contacts may influence the deposition of new bone, as demonstrated in the in vivo data. This information can potentially be used to influence the design of future generations of neural prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Jensen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Alexander D Claussen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Timon Higgins
- Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Rene Vielman-Quevedo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Brian Mostaert
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Linjing Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | | | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States.
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Hoffmann JAC, Warnecke A, Timm ME, Kludt E, Prenzler NK, Gärtner L, Lenarz T, Salcher RB. Cochlear Implantation in Obliterated Cochlea: A Retrospective Analysis and Comparison between the IES Stiff Custom-Made Device and the Split-Array and Regular Electrodes. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206090. [PMID: 36294411 PMCID: PMC9605638 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Anatomical malformations, obliterations of the cochlea, or re-implantations pose particular challenges in cochlear implantation. Treatment methods rely on radiological and intraoperative findings and include incomplete insertion, the implantation of a double array, and radical cochleostomy. In addition, a stiff electrode array, e.g., the IE stiff (IES) custom-made device (CMD, MED-EL), was prescribed individually for those special cases and pre-inserted prior to facilitate cochlear implantation in challenging cases. Data on outcomes after implantation in obliterated cochleae are usually based on individual case reports since standardised procedures are lacking. A retrospective analysis was conducted to analyse our cases on obliterated cochleae treated with MED-EL devices in order to allow the different cases to be compared. Impedances and speech perception data of patients treated with the IES CMD and the double array were retrospectively compared to patients treated with a STANDARD or FLEX electrode array (the REGULAR group). Patients with a Split-Array CMD had a poor speech perception when compared to patients treated with the IES CMD device. Thus, the IES CMD can successfully be used in patients with obliterated cochleae who would otherwise be non-users, candidates for a Split-Array CMD, or candidates for partial insertion with insufficient cochlear coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Athanasia Warnecke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medial School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Max Eike Timm
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medial School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Eugen Kludt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medial School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nils Kristian Prenzler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medial School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lutz Gärtner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medial School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Lenarz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medial School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Rolf Benedikt Salcher
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medial School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence:
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38
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Wang R, Luo J, Chao X, Wang H, Fan Z, Xu L. Minimally invasive surgical techniques in vestibular function preservation in patients with cochlear implants. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:900879. [PMID: 36238083 PMCID: PMC9551174 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.900879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cochlear implantation (CI) is an effective and successful method of treating individuals with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Coupled with it’s great clinical effectiveness, there is a risk of vestibular damage. With recent advances in surgical approach, modified electrode arrays and other surgical techniques, the potential of hearing preservation (HP) has emerged, in order to preserve the inner ear function. These techniques may also lead to less vestibular damage. However, a systematic study on this at different follow-ups after CI surgery has not been documented before. Aims To investigate changes of vestibular function systematically in recipients at short and long follow-ups after a minimally invasive CI surgery. Methods In this retrospective study, 72 patients (72 ears) with minimally invasive CI were recruited. All participants selected had bilateral SNHL and pre-operative residual hearing (RH) and underwent unilateral CI. They were treated to comprehensive care. All patients underwent vestibular function tests 5 days prior to CI. During the post-operative period, follow-up tests were performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The contemporaneous results of caloric, cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP), and video head impulse (vHIT) tests were followed together longitudinally. Results On the implanted side, the percent fail rate of caloric test was significantly higher than that of vHIT at 1, 3, and 9 months post-operatively (p < 0.05); the percent fail rate of oVEMP was higher than vHIT of superior semicircular canal (SSC), posterior semicircular canal (PSC), or horizontal semicircular canal (HSC) at 1, 3, and 9 months (p < 0.05); at 3 and 9 months, the percent fail rate of cVEMP was higher than that of SSC and PSC (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the percent fail rates among all tests at 6 and 12 months post-CI (p > 0.05). The percent fail rates showed decreased trends in caloric (p = 0.319) and HSC tested by vHIT (p = 0.328) from 1–3 to 6–12 months post-operatively. There was no significant difference in cVEMP between 1–3 and 6–12 months (p = 0.597). No significant differences on percent fail rates of cVEMP and oVEMP between short- and long-terms post-CI were found in the same subjects (p > 0.05). Before surgery, the abnormal cVEMP and oVEMP response rates were both lower in patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) than patients with a normal cochlea (p = 0.001, 0.018, respectively). Conclusion The short- and long-term impacts on the vestibular function from minimally invasive CI surgery was explored. Most of the vestibular functions can be preserved with no damage discrepancy among the otolith and three semicircular canal functions at 12 months post-CI. Interestingly, a similar pattern of changes in vestibular function was found during the early and the later stages of recovery after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Auditory Implantation, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jianfen Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Auditory Implantation, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuhua Chao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Auditory Implantation, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaomin Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Auditory Implantation, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Xu,
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Reiss LA, Kirk J, Claussen AD, Fallon JB. Animal Models of Hearing Loss after Cochlear Implantation and Electrical Stimulation. Hear Res 2022; 426:108624. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Rahman MT, Chari DA, Ishiyama G, Lopez I, Quesnel AM, Ishiyama A, Nadol JB, Hansen MR. Cochlear implants: Causes, effects and mitigation strategies for the foreign body response and inflammation. Hear Res 2022; 422:108536. [PMID: 35709579 PMCID: PMC9684357 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cochlear implants provide effective auditory rehabilitation for patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Recent advances in cochlear implant technology and surgical approaches have enabled a greater number of patients to benefit from this technology, including those with significant residual low frequency acoustic hearing. Nearly all cochleae implanted with a cochlear implant electrode array develop an inflammatory and fibrotic response. This tissue reaction can have deleterious consequences for implant function, residual acoustic hearing, and the development of the next generation of cochlear prosthetics. This article reviews the current understanding of the inflammatory/foreign body response (FBR) after cochlear implant surgery, its impact on clinical outcome, and therapeutic strategies to mitigate this response. Findings from both in human subjects and animal models across a variety of species are highlighted. Electrode array design, surgical techniques, implant materials, and the degree and type of electrical stimulation are some critical factors that affect the FBR and inflammation. Modification of these factors and various anti-inflammatory pharmacological interventions have been shown to mitigate the inflammatory/FBR response. Ongoing and future approaches that seek to limit surgical trauma and curb the FBR to the implanted biomaterials of the electrode array are discussed. A better understanding of the anatomical, cellular and molecular basis of the inflammatory/FBR response after cochlear implantation has the potential to improve the outcome of current cochlear implants and also facilitate the development of the next generation of neural prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad T Rahman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Divya A Chari
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gail Ishiyama
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, LA, USA
| | - Ivan Lopez
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, LA, USA
| | - Alicia M Quesnel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Akira Ishiyama
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, LA, USA
| | - Joseph B Nadol
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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The Effect of Pluronic-Coated Gold Nanoparticles in Hearing Preservation Following Cochlear Implantation-Pilot Study. Audiol Res 2022; 12:466-475. [PMID: 36136854 PMCID: PMC9498366 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres12050047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: During cochlear implantation, electrode insertion can cause cochlear damage, inflammation, and apoptosis, which can affect the residual hearing. Nanoparticles are increasingly studied as a way to increase the availability of inner ear protective factors. We studied the effect on rats of Pluronic-coated gold nanoparticles (Plu-AuNPs) containing dexamethasone, which were applied locally in the rat’s middle ear following the implant procedure. Methods: Seven rats were used in the study. The right ear served as a model for the Dex-Plu-AuNP group. Following the intracochlear dummy electrode insertion through the round window, Dex-Plu-AuNPs were placed in the round window niche. In the right ear, following the same insertion procedure, free dexamethasone (Dex) was placed in the same manner. Auditory brainstem response thresholds (click stimulus, pure tones at 8 kHz, 16 kHz, 24 kHz, and 32 kHz) were measured before and one week after the procedure. A two-tailed T-test was used for the variables. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. Results: In the Dex-Plu-AuNP group, the threshold shift was less than that in the free dexamethasone group, but no statistical significance was noted between the groups. When compared individually, only the 8 kHz frequency showed statistically significant, better results after one week, in favor of the Dex-Plu-AuNP group. The mean postoperative 8 kHz threshold in the Dex-Plu-AuNPs was significantly lower than that of the control group (p = 0.048, t-test). For the other frequencies, statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the mean threshold shifts of the two cohorts. Conclusions: The local application of Plu-AuNPs containing dexamethasone following cochlear implantation may better protect the residual hearing than dexamethasone alone, but a larger sample size is needed to reach a possible statistical significance. Dex-Plu-AuNPs do not seem to cause ototoxicity and may be used as a carrier for other agents. In a clinical setting, Dex-Plu-AuNPs may have the effect of protecting lower frequencies in patients with partial deafness who are candidates for electric acoustic stimulation (EAS). If we consider this tendency, Dex-Plu-AuNPs may also be beneficial for patients with Ménière’s disease.
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Henslee AM, Kaufmann CR, Andrick MD, Reineke PT, Tejani VD, Hansen MR. Development and Characterization of an Electrocochleography-Guided Robotics-Assisted Cochlear Implant Array Insertion System. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 167:334-340. [PMID: 34609909 PMCID: PMC9969559 DOI: 10.1177/01945998211049210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electrocochleography (ECochG) is increasingly being used during cochlear implant (CI) surgery to detect and mitigate insertion-related intracochlear trauma, where a drop in ECochG signal has been shown to correlate with a decline in hearing outcomes. In this study, an ECochG-guided robotics-assisted CI insertion system was developed and characterized that provides controlled and consistent electrode array insertions while monitoring and adapting to real-time ECochG signals. STUDY DESIGN Experimental research. SETTING A research laboratory and animal testing facility. METHODS A proof-of-concept benchtop study evaluated the ability of the system to detect simulated ECochG signal changes and robotically adapt the insertion. Additionally, the ECochG-guided insertion system was evaluated in a pilot in vivo sheep study to characterize the signal-to-noise ratio and amplitude of ECochG recordings during robotics-assisted insertions. The system comprises an electrode array insertion drive unit, an extracochlear recording electrode module, and a control console that interfaces with both components and the surgeon. RESULTS The system exhibited a microvolt signal resolution and a response time <100 milliseconds after signal change detection, indicating that the system can detect changes and respond faster than a human. Additionally, animal results demonstrated that the system was capable of recording ECochG signals with a high signal-to-noise ratio and sufficient amplitude. CONCLUSION An ECochG-guided robotics-assisted CI insertion system can detect real-time drops in ECochG signals during electrode array insertions and immediately alter the insertion motion. The system may provide a surgeon the means to monitor and reduce CI insertion-related trauma beyond manual insertion techniques for improved CI hearing outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Viral D. Tejani
- iotaMotion, Inc, Iowa City, Iowa, USA,Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Marlan R. Hansen
- iotaMotion, Inc, Iowa City, Iowa, USA,Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Four-point Impedance Changes in the Early Post-Operative Period After Cochlear Implantation. Otol Neurotol 2022; 43:e730-e737. [PMID: 35861642 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Monitoring four-point impedance changes after cochlear implantation with comparison to conventional impedance measurements. Four-point impedance provides information regarding the bulk biological environment surrounding the electrode array, which is not discernible with conventional impedances. STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational. SETTING Hospital. PATIENTS Adult cochlear implant recipients with no measurable hearing before implantation and implanted with a perimodiolar cochlear implant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mean values for four-point and common ground impedances were calculated for all electrode contacts at intra-operative, 1 day, 1 week, 4 to 6 weeks, and 3 months post implantation. Linear mixed models were applied to the impedance data to compare between impedances and time points. Furthermore, patients were divided into groups dependent on the normalized change in four-point impedance from intra-operative to 1 day post-operative. The normalized change was then calculated for all other time points and compared across the two groups. RESULTS Significant increases in four-point impedance occurred 1 day and 3 months after surgery, particularly in the basal half of the array. Four-point impedance at 1 day was highly predictive of four-point impedance at 3 months. Four-point impedance at the other time points showed marginal or no increases from intra-operative. Patients with an average increase higher than 10% in four-point impedance from intra-operative to 1 day, had significantly higher values at 3 months ( p = 0.012). These patterns were not observed in common ground impedance. CONCLUSION This is the first study to report increases in four-point impedance within 24 hours of cochlear implantation. The increases at 1 day and 3 months align with the natural timeline of an acute and chronic inflammatory responses.
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Leblans M, Sismono F, Vanpoucke F, van Dinther J, Lerut B, Kuhweide R, Offeciers E, Zarowski A. Novel Impedance Measures as Biomarker for Intracochlear Fibrosis. Hear Res 2022; 426:108563. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Brotto D, Caserta E, Sorrentino F, Favaretto N, Marioni G, Martini A, Bovo R, Gheller F, Trevisi P. Long-Term Impedance Trend in Cochlear Implant Users with Genetically Determined Congenital Profound Hearing Loss. J Am Acad Audiol 2022; 33:105-114. [PMID: 35577055 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impedance is a basic parameter registered at any cochlear implant (CI) fitting section. It is useful in monitoring electrode functioning and the status of the surrounding anatomical structures. PURPOSE The main aim of this study is to evaluate the 5-year impedance-value trend in patients affected by congenital genetically determined profound hearing loss implanted with Cochlear Nucleus devices. RESEARCH DESIGN Observational, retrospective, monocentric study. STUDY SAMPLE Twenty-seven consecutive patients (9 females: 12.0 ± 7.6 years old; range: 4.2-40.4) with genetic diagnosis of GJB2 mutation causing congenital profound hearing loss who underwent cochlear implantation from 2010 to 2020 with good auditory benefit. INTERVENTION Impedance values of the CIs were obtained from the CIs' programming software that registers those parameters for each follow-up section of each patient. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Impedance values were measured over time (activation, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after cochlear implantation), for each of the 22 electrodes, in common ground, monopolar 1, monopolar 2, and monopolar 1 + 2 stimulation modes. RESULTS A significant variation was found between CI activation and 6-month follow-up. This difference was found for each of the 22 electrodes. Electrodes 1 to 4 showed higher impedance values compared with all other electrodes in each time interval. Repeated-measures analysis of variance ruled out significant variations in impedance values from 6-month to 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Impedance values were extremely stable after activation, at least for the first 5 years. In these cases, even minimal impedance variations should be carefully evaluated for their possible implications on hearing performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Brotto
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ezio Caserta
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Flavia Sorrentino
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Niccolò Favaretto
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gino Marioni
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martini
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Bovo
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Flavia Gheller
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Trevisi
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Lenarz T, Buechner A, Gantz B, Hansen M, Tejani VD, Labadie R, O'Connell B, Buchman CA, Valenzuela CV, Adunka OF, Harris MS, Riggs WJ, Fitzpatrick D, Koka K. Relationship Between Intraoperative Electrocochleography and Hearing Preservation. Otol Neurotol 2022; 43:e72-e78. [PMID: 34739427 PMCID: PMC8671360 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare intraoperative intracochlear electrocochleography (ECochG) with hearing preservation outcomes in cochlear implant (CI) subjects. DESIGN Intraoperative electrocochleography was performed in adult CI subjects who were recipients of Advanced Bionics' Bionics LLC precurved HiFocus MidScala or straight HiFocus SlimJ electrode arrays. ECochG responses were recorded from the most apical electrode contact during insertion. No changes to the insertions were made due to ECochG monitoring. No information about insertion resistance was collected. ECochG drops were estimated as the change in amplitude from peak (defined as maximum amplitude response) to drop (largest drop) point after the peak during insertion was measured following the peak response. Audiometric thresholds from each subject were obtained before and approximately 1 month after CI surgery. The change in pure tone average for frequencies between 125 Hz and 500 Hz was measured after surgery. No postoperative CT scans were collected as part of this study. RESULTS A total of 68 subjects from five surgical centers participated in the study. The study sample included 30 MidScala and 38 SlimJ electrodes implanted by approximately 20 surgeons who contributed to the study. Although a wide range of results were observed, there was a moderate positive correlation (Pearson Correlation coefficient, r = 0.56, p < 0.01) between the size of the ECochG drop and the magnitude of pure tone average change. This trend was present for both the MidScala and SlimJ arrays. The SlimJ and MidScala arrays produced significantly different hearing loss after surgery. CONCLUSION Large ECochG amplitude drops observed during electrode insertion indicated poorer hearing preservation. Although the outcomes were variable, this information may be helpful to guide surgical decision-making when contemplating full electrode insertion and the likelihood of hearing preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lenarz
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Buechner
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bruce Gantz
- University of Iowa, Department of Otolaryngology, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Marlan Hansen
- University of Iowa, Department of Otolaryngology, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Viral D Tejani
- University of Iowa, Department of Otolaryngology, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert Labadie
- Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Brendan O'Connell
- Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates, P.A., Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Craig Alan Buchman
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Carla V Valenzuela
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Oliver F Adunka
- The Ohio State University, Department of Otolaryngology, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - William J Riggs
- The Ohio State University, Department of Otolaryngology, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Douglas Fitzpatrick
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Otolaryngology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kanthaiah Koka
- Advanced Bionics LLC, Research and Technology, Valencia, California, USA
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Heutink F, Klabbers TM, Huinck WJ, Lucev F, van der Woude WJ, Mylanus EAM, Verbist BM. Ultra-High-Resolution CT to Detect Intracochlear New Bone Formation after Cochlear Implantation. Radiology 2021; 302:605-612. [PMID: 34874202 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.211400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Histopathologic studies reported that cochlear implantation, a well-established means to treat severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss, may induce inflammation, fibrosis, and new bone formation (NBF) with possible impact on loss of residual hearing and hearing outcome. Purpose To assess NBF in vivo after cochlear implantation with ultra-high-spatial-resolution (UHSR) CT and its implication on long-term residual hearing outcome. Materials and Methods In a secondary analysis of a prospective single-center cross-sectional study, conducted between December 2016 and January 2018, patients with at least 1 year of cochlear implantation experience underwent temporal bone UHSR CT and residual hearing assessment. Two observers evaluated the presence and location of NBF independently, and tetrachoric correlations were used to assess interobserver reliability. In addition, the scalar location of each electrode was assessed. After consensus agreement, participants were classified into two groups: those with NBF (n = 83) and those without NBF (n = 40). The association between NBF and clinical parameters, including electrode design, surgical approach, and long-term residual hearing loss, was tested using the χ2 and Student t tests. Results A total of 123 participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 63 years ± 13; 63 women) were enrolled. NBF was found in 83 of the 123 participants (68%) at 466 of 2706 electrode contacts (17%). Most NBFs (428 of 466, 92%) were found around the 10 most basal contacts, with an interobserver agreement of 86% (2297 of 2683 contacts). Associations between electrode types and surgical approaches were significant (58 of 79 participants with NBF and a precurved electrode vs 24 of 43 with NBF and a straight electrode, P = .04; 64 of 88 participants with NBF and a cochleostomy approach vs 18 of 34 with NBF and a round window approach, P = .03). NBF was least often seen in full scala tympani insertions, but there was no significant association between scalar position and NBF (P = .15). Long-term residual hearing loss was significantly larger in the group with NBF compared with the group without NBF (mean, 22.9 dB ± 14 vs 8.6 dB ± 18, respectively; P = .04). Conclusion In vivo detection of new bone formation (NBF) after cochlear implantation is possible by using ultra-high-spatial-resolution CT. Most cochlear implant recipients develop NBF, predominately located at the base of the cochlea. NBF adversely affects long-term residual hearing preservation. © RSNA, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris Heutink
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.) and Radiology (W.J.v.d.W., B.M.V.), Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 16, Route 377, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.); Department of Radiology, Civil Hospital, Vigevano, Italy (F.L.); and Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (B.M.V.)
| | - Tim M Klabbers
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.) and Radiology (W.J.v.d.W., B.M.V.), Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 16, Route 377, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.); Department of Radiology, Civil Hospital, Vigevano, Italy (F.L.); and Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (B.M.V.)
| | - Wendy J Huinck
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.) and Radiology (W.J.v.d.W., B.M.V.), Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 16, Route 377, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.); Department of Radiology, Civil Hospital, Vigevano, Italy (F.L.); and Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (B.M.V.)
| | - Federica Lucev
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.) and Radiology (W.J.v.d.W., B.M.V.), Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 16, Route 377, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.); Department of Radiology, Civil Hospital, Vigevano, Italy (F.L.); and Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (B.M.V.)
| | - Willem Jan van der Woude
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.) and Radiology (W.J.v.d.W., B.M.V.), Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 16, Route 377, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.); Department of Radiology, Civil Hospital, Vigevano, Italy (F.L.); and Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (B.M.V.)
| | - Emmanuel A M Mylanus
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.) and Radiology (W.J.v.d.W., B.M.V.), Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 16, Route 377, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.); Department of Radiology, Civil Hospital, Vigevano, Italy (F.L.); and Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (B.M.V.)
| | - Berit M Verbist
- From the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.) and Radiology (W.J.v.d.W., B.M.V.), Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 16, Route 377, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (F.H., T.M.K., W.J.H., E.A.M.M.); Department of Radiology, Civil Hospital, Vigevano, Italy (F.L.); and Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands (B.M.V.)
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Chen D, Luo Y, Pan J, Chen A, Ma D, Xu M, Tang J, Zhang H. Long-Term Release of Dexamethasone With a Polycaprolactone-Coated Electrode Alleviates Fibrosis in Cochlear Implantation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:740576. [PMID: 34778254 PMCID: PMC8589109 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.740576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cochlear implantation (CI) is the major treatment for severe sensorineural hearing loss. However, the fibrotic tissue forming around the electrodes reduces the treatment effectiveness of CI. Dexamethasone (DEX) is usually applied routinely in perioperative treatment of cochlear implantation (CI), but its diffusion in the inner ear after systemic administration is limited. In the present study, an electrode coated with polycaprolactone (PCL) loaded with dexamethasone was developed with a simple preparation process to maintain the stability of the electrode itself. The DEX-loaded PCL coating has good biocompatibility and does not change the smoothness, flexibility, or compliance of the implant electrode. Stable and effective DEX concentrations were maintained for more than 9 months. Compared with the pristine electrode, decreasing intracochlear fibrosis, protection of hair cells and spiral ganglion cells, and better residual hearing were observed 5 weeks after PCL-DEX electrode implantation. The PCL-DEX electrode has great potential in preventing hearing loss and fibrosis by regulating macrophages and inhibiting the expression of the fibrosis-related factors IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4, and TGF-β1. In conclusion, the PCL-DEX electrode coating shows promising application in CI surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxiu Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanjing Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Pan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anning Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muqing Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongzheng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Hearing Research Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Tarabichi O, Jensen M, Hansen MR. Advances in hearing preservation in cochlear implant surgery. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 29:385-390. [PMID: 34354014 PMCID: PMC9002354 DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Advancements in cochlear implant surgical approaches and electrode designs have enabled preservation of residual acoustic hearing. Preservation of low-frequency hearing allows cochlear implant users to benefit from electroacoustic stimulation, which improves performance in complex listening situations, such as music appreciation and speech understanding in noise. Despite the relative high rates of success of hearing preservation, postoperative acoustic hearing outcomes remain unpredictable. RECENT FINDINGS Thin, flexible, lateral wall arrays are preferred for hearing preservation. Both shortened and thin, lateral wall arrays have shown success with hearing preservation and the optimal implant choice is an issue of ongoing investigation. Electrocochleography can monitor cochlear function during and after insertion of the electrode array. The pathophysiology of hearing loss acutely after cochlear implant may differ from that involved in delayed hearing loss following cochlear implant. Emerging innovations may reduce cochlear trauma and improve hearing preservation. SUMMARY Hearing preservation is possible using soft surgical techniques and electrode arrays designed to minimize cochlear trauma; however, a subset of patients suffer from partial to total loss of acoustic hearing months to years following surgery despite evidence of residual apical hair cell function. Early investigations in robotic-assisted insertion and dexamethasone-eluting implants show promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Tarabichi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
| | - Megan Jensen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
| | - Marlan R. Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
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Jensen MJ, Peel A, Horne R, Chamberlain J, Xu L, Hansen MR, Guymon CA. Antifouling and Mechanical Properties of Photografted Zwitterionic Hydrogel Thin-Film Coatings Depend on the Cross-Link Density. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4494-4502. [PMID: 34347419 PMCID: PMC8441969 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Zwitterionic polymer networks have shown promise in reducing the short- and long-term inflammatory foreign body response to implanted biomaterials by combining the antifouling properties of zwitterionic polymers with the mechanical stability provided by cross-linking. Cross-link density directly modulates mechanical properties (i.e., swelling behavior, resistance to stress and strain, and lubricity) but theoretically could reduce desirable biological properties (i.e., antifouling) of zwitterionic materials. This work examined the effect of varying poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate cross-linker concentration on protein adsorption, cell adhesion, equilibrium swelling, compressive modulus, and lubricity of zwitterionic thin films. Furthermore, this work aimed to determine the appropriate balance among each of these mechanical and biologic properties to produce thin films that are strong, durable, and lubricious, yet also able to resist biofouling. The results demonstrated nearly a 20-fold reduction in fibrinogen adsorption on zwitterionic thin films photografted on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) across a wide range of cross-link densities. Interestingly, either at high or low cross-link densities, increased levels of protein adsorption were observed. In addition to fibrinogen, macrophage and fibroblast cell adhesion was reduced significantly on zwitterionic thin films, with a large range of cross-link densities, resulting in low cell counts. The macrophage count was reduced by 30-fold, while the fibroblast count was reduced nearly 10-fold on grafted zwitterionic films relative to uncoated films. Increasing degrees of cell adhesion were noted as the cross-linker concentration exceeded 50%. As expected, increased cross-link density resulted in a reduced swelling but greater compressive modulus. Notably, the coefficient of friction was dramatically reduced for zwitterionic thin films compared to uncoated PDMS across a broad range of cross-link densities, an attractive property for insertional implants. This work identified a broad range of cross-link densities that provide desirable antifouling effects while also maintaining the mechanical functionality of the thin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Jensen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Adreann Peel
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Ryan Horne
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Jamison Chamberlain
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Linjing Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - C Allan Guymon
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
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