Magnet dislodgement in cochlear implantation: correction utilizing a lasso technique.
OBJECTIVE
Magnet displacement is recognized as an uncommon, major complication following cochlear implant surgery. This complication necessitates operative intervention exposing patients to further surgical risk and morbidity. The purpose of this paper is to describe a unique surgical technique for securing internal magnets which have dislodged from their silicone housing within the internal receiver-stimulator.


METHODS
A case involving a 5-year old cochlear implant patient is reviewed. This patient experienced magnet displacement on two separate occasions. A new lasso technique for re-securing the internal implant magnet is described in detail.


RESULTS
The patient's implant remains fully functional with a securely placed internal magnet 36 months post-operatively.


CONCLUSIONS
When compared to other surgical options, the "lasso" technique represents a simple, safe, efficient and cost-effective surgical option with minimal morbidity.
Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, BC Children's Hospital, Division of Otolaryngology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Jon-Ivar
JI
Mickelson
Frederick K
FK
Kozak
D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012008:Recurrence