Electromyographical recording of the electrically elicited stapedius reflex via a bipolar hook electrode.
OBJECTIVE
To prove the feasibility of recording stapedius reflexes by bipolar electromyography intra-operatively during cochlea implant via a bipolar hook needle electrode.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Adults receiving a MED-EL cochlear implant.


METHODS
Diagnostic.


METHODS
Stapedius reflex responses can be recorded by electromyography.


RESULTS
A double hook electrode could be inserted into the muscle tissue via the natural opening of the pyramid process along with the stapedius tendon. In 7 out of 10 patients supplied with MED-EL CIs (PULSARCI100 or SONATATI100), electrically elicited stapedius reflex potentials were recorded after eliminating stimulation artifacts caused by electromagnetic fields during electrical stimulation by low pass filtering.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraoperative stapedius reflex recording by bipolar electromyography via a hook electrode is feasible. Further research will show whether these signals may be used for establishing a self-adjusting speech processor.
Pau
Hans Wilhelm
HW
ENT Department, Medical School, University of Rostock, Austria. hans-wilhelm.pau@med.uni-rostock.de
Zehlicke
Thorsten
T
Sievert
Uwe
U
Schaudel
Daniel
D
Behrend
Detlef
D
Dahl
Rüdiger
R
D000200:Action Potentials; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004566:Electrodes; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D009339:Needles; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012022:Reflex, Acoustic / Q000502:physiology*; D013198:Stapedius / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult