Electrode extrusion through the tympanic membrane in a pediatric patient

Systematic Review of Postcochlear Implant Electrode Migration: What Is Known?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Electrode migration after cochlear implantation (CI) is a rare complication that accounts for 1to 15% of all revision surgery. This study is a systematic review of the literature for investigating the knowledge and approaches to the incidence of electrode migration after CI.

METHODS

A systematic electronic search of the literature was carried out using PubMed, Cochrane, Virtual Health Library, Scopus and Web of Science (ISI). All original articles that reported electrode migration after CI surgery were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and CARE checklist were utilized for the assessment of the risk of bias. Descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies including 4,316 patients were included. Out of them, 289 patients had electrode migration following CI. To diagnose electrode migration, traditional computed tomography scan was used in 13 studies, while cone-beam computed tomography was applied in three studies. In addition, electrode migration was detected during intraoperative exploration in eight studies. The most common presenting symptom was change in sound/poor performance (n = 43) followed by pain sensation (n = 15) and facial nerve stimulation (n = 10). Cholesteatoma was the most common associated pathology (n = 10) followed by infection (n = 9) and ossification of the basal turn of the cochlea (n = 8).

CONCLUSION

Electrode migration is a major complication of CI and could be more common than previously thought. As it may occur with or without clinical complaints, long-term follow-up through routine radiological scanning is recommended. Further studies are warranted to identify the underlying mechanism of electrode extrusion and the appropriate fixation method.

Complications of Paediatric Cochlear Implantation in the Population of Uttarakhand

Cochlear implants surgery is now routinely done at this center. Complications which have been experienced in cochlear implant surgery at our center are discussed, as a detailed knowledge about the complications and their early anticipation can save an expensive device and most importantly patients morbidity. To discuss the complications of the paediatric cochlear implantation in the population of Uttarakhand. The total of 60 patients were included in this study (age group 1-5 years) who had undergone the cochlear implantation surgery between Sept. 2015 and Sept. 2016. These patients were regularly monitored and followed up for 1 year. All the surgeries were performed by same team of surgeons. Rate of minor complications is 8.33% (reversible facial nerve paresis, injury to chorda tympani nerve, local skin reaction, perilymph gussher) and major complications is 5% (implant rejection and flap necrosis). The various complications should be closely monitored by the surgeon so that these can be avoided.

Cochlear implant electrode array exposure: A delayed complication

Exposure of the cochlear implant electrode array as a late complication has been reported rarely in the literature. A retrospective analysis revealed 4 patients presenting with exposure of their cochlear implant electrode arrays from 2 to 17 years after implantation. Data collected from these 4 patients were surgical implantation approach, type of implant, age at implant, interval between implant and complication, surgical correction of the problem, pathology at the time of correction, and length of follow-up after intervention. All 4 patients presented with otitis or mastoiditis. Each had undergone a transmastoid approach with facial recess and cochleostomy and full implant insertion. In 3 cases, the tympanic membrane had retracted to expose the electrode array. In 1 patient, the electrode array had eroded through the external canal, lateral to the facial recess. The exposed arrays were addressed surgically, including explantation/reimplantation for 1 patient. Cochlear implant electrode arrays can become exposed by relative migration of the array and the tympanic membrane. Implant surgeons and audiologists need to be aware of the possibility of this complication. Closure of the ear canal appears to be the most effective surgical intervention.

Electrode array extrusion through the posterior canal wall presenting as a delayed post-cochlear implant complication

OBJECTIVES AND IMPORTANCE: Cochlear implantation is an established, reliable, and safe procedure with a low complication rate. Electrode array extrusion through the posterior aspect of external ear canal is a potential major complication of cochlear implant surgery that may result in revision surgery or explantation. Although there have been previous case reports of such extrusions through the tympanic membrane, this is the first well-documented report of an extrusion through the posterior canal wall which was previously intact.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

In this case report, we present a case of electrode array extruding through an initially intact posterior canal wall presenting as a delayed post-operative complication in a 13-year old Asian boy.

INTERVENTION

With reference to existing relevant literature, the case is discussed focusing on its management, possible contributing factors, and prevention strategies.

CONCLUSION

Excessive thinning of the bony wall should be avoided as it can potentially break down. Abutment on the posterior canal wall by a coiled electrode array in the mastoid cavity exerting undue pressure on the bony wall can further contribute to additional stress. The implant surgeon must be cognizant of mastoid growth patterns in children. Life-long regular follow-up in implanted patients is crucial.

Extrusion of a Cochlear Implant Positioner Through the Tympanic Membrane in a Pediatric Patient

Objective:

This study aimed to present a case of an extruded Advanced Bionics positioner, with the goal of educating a new generation of otologic surgeons on management of the delayed complications associated with this cochlear implant model.

Methods:

Retrospective case report in a pediatric patient.

Results:

We observed the extrusion of an Advanced Bionics positioner 10 years after cochlear implantation.

Conclusion:

Awareness of the Advanced Bionics positioner as a component of certain historical models of cochlear implants is important as the delayed complications associated with this model may still be encountered. Management of an extruded positioner should include precautions against infectious complications, repair of the defect, and assessment of the patient’s performance with the cochlear implant.