Incomplete electrode extraction during cochlear implant revision.
OBJECTIVE
To report 3 occurrences of incomplete electrode extraction during cochlear implant revision, resulting in partial intracochlear retention of an implant electrode array.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Three tertiary care academic medical centers.


METHODS
Three patients with cochlear implant failure necessitating revision cochlear implantation.


METHODS
Diagnosis and surgical revision of failed cochlear implants.


RESULTS
A rare intraoperative complication was encountered in 3 pediatric patients undergoing revision cochlear implantation. During attempted explantation of the indwelling electrode, the array fractured and resulted in intracochlear retention of a distal portion of the electrode. Each case was managed differently by the operative team.


CONCLUSIONS
Incomplete electrode extraction is a rare but significant complication of revision cochlear implantation that is generally not anticipated when counseling patients and families. Preoperative discussion of this potential complication is appropriate.
Kang
Stephen Y
SY
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0312, USA.
Zwolan
Teresa A
TA
Kileny
Paul R
PR
Niparko
John K
JK
Driscoll
Colin L
CL
Shelton
Clough
C
Telian
Steven A
SA
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003051:Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004566:Electrodes; D004868:Equipment Failure; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods*; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology