Electrode migration after cochlear implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To review the occurrence of electrode migration after cochlear implantation.


METHODS
Review of public database and retrospective case series.


METHODS
Tertiary academic referral center, ambulatory.


METHODS
Retrospective review of electrode migration reported in association with the US Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database and a single-institution case series between 1996 and 2006.


METHODS
Cochlear implantation.


METHODS
Occurrence of electrode migration.


RESULTS
During the period 1996 to 2006, 151 reports of electrode migration were filed in the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database. The most common association with migration was cochlear ossification, although 127 of 151 cases had no known association. During an equivalent period, 637 cochlear implant (CI) procedures were performed at the University of Miami. Of 580 primary CI operations, 2 cases of electrode migration were identified, both associated with reossification of a cochlea that was fully ossified at the first procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Electrode migration is an underrecognized complication of CI surgery and may be associated with cochlear ossification. Electrode stabilization techniques may reduce the incidence of CI electrode migration in nonossified or incompletely ossified cases.
Connell
Sarah S
SS
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Ear Institute, Miami, Florida, USA.
Balkany
Thomas J
TJ
Hodges
Annelle V
AV
Telischi
Fred F
FF
Angeli
Simon I
SI
Eshraghi
Adrien A
AA
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000473:pathology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012092:Replantation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014025:Titanium
D014025:Titanium