Temporal bone microdissection for anatomic study of cochlear implant electrodes.
OBJECTIVE
This report describes a temporal bone microdissection method for laboratory evaluation of cochlear implant electrodes.


METHODS
Anatomic study of human temporal bones.


METHODS
Implant electrodes from three manufacturers were inserted into temporal bones which were processed and dissected so as to visualize spatial relationships between the electrodes and sensorineural structures of the cochlea.


CONCLUSIONS
Images are presented illustrating perimodiolar and lateral wall electrode arrays after insertion into the human cochlea and functional characteristics of the two electrode types are discussed. Temporal bone microdissection permits direct, three-dimensional study of inner ear structures and is an effective method for evaluation of the insertional properties of cochlear implant electrodes. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wright
Charles G
CG
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Roland
Peter S
PS