Intraoperative Correction of Cochlear Implant Electrode Translocation

Introduction: Translocation of precurved cochlear implant (CI) electrodes reduces hearing outcomes, but it is not known whether it is possible to correct scalar translocation such that all electrodes reside fully in the scala tympani (ST). Methods: Six cadaveric temporal bones were scanned with CT and segmented to delineate intracochlear anatomy. Mastoidectomy with facial recess was performed. Precurved CI electrodes (CI532; Cochlear Limited) were implanted until scalar translocation was confirmed with postoperative CT. Then, electrodes were removed and replaced. CT scan was repeated to assess for translocation correction. Scalar position of electrode contacts, angular insertion depth (AID) of the electrode array, and M- (average distance between each electrode contact and the modiolus) were measured. An in vivo case is reported in which intraoperative translocation detection led to removal and replacement of the electrode. Results: Five of 6 cadaveric translocations (83%) were corrected with 1 attempt, resulting in full ST insertions. AID averaged 285 +/- 77 degrees for translocated electrodes compared to 344 +/- 28 degrees for nontranslocated electrodes (p = 0.109). M- averaged 0.75 +/- 0.18 mm for translocated electrodes and 0.45 +/- 0.11 mm for nontranslocated electrodes (p = 0.016). Reduction in M- with translocation correction averaged 38%. In the in vivo case, translocation was successfully corrected in a single attempt. Conclusion: Scalar translocation of precurved CI electrodes can be corrected by removal and reinsertion. This significantly improves the perimodiolar positioning of these electrodes. There was a high rate of success (83%) in this cadaveric model as well as a successful in vivo attempt.