Scala vestibuli cochlear implantation in patients with partially ossified cochleas.
Partial cochlear obstruction is a relatively common finding in candidates for cochlear implants and frequently involves the inferior segment of the scala tympani in the basal turn of the cochlea. In such patients, the scala vestibuli is often patent and offers an alternative site for implantation. The current report describes two patients with such partial obstruction of the inferior segment of the basal cochlear turn, caused in one case by systemic vasculitis (Takayasu's disease) and in the other by obliterative otosclerosis. A scala vestibuli implantation allowed for complete insertion of the electrode array. No problems were encountered during the surgical procedures and the good post-operative hearing and communicative outcomes achieved were similar to those reported in patients without cochlear ossification. The importance of accurate pre-operative radiological study of the inner ear is underscored, to disclose the presence and define the features of the cochlear ossification and ultimately to properly plan the surgical approach.
Berrettini
Stefano
S
Department of Neuroscience and Oncology, ENT Unit, University of Pisa, Via Savi no. 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy. s.berrettini@med.unipi.it
Forli
Francesca
F
Neri
Emanuele
E
Segnini
Giovanni
G
Franceschini
Stefano Sellari
SS
D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D015834:Cochlear Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth