title: Transcanal approach for implantation of a cochlear nerve electrode array.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate a transcanal approach for placement of a stimulating electrode array in the cochlear nerve.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cadaveric temporal bone study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten human cadaveric temporal bones were dissected. Both a facial recess approach with mastoidectomy and a transcanal approach using the novel technique were performed in each bone. A middle fossa dissection of the internal auditory canal was performed to confirm the position of the electrode in the cochlear nerve.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The transcanal approach offered a direct approach to the cochlear nerve in all 10 bones. The procedure was quicker than the facial recess approach and did not endanger the facial or chorda tympani nerves. Inspection of the medial end of the internal auditory canal confirmed correct placement of the electrode in the cochlear nerve. In contrast, anatomical constraints, specifically the position of the facial nerve, blocked access to the cochlear nerve by the facial recess approach in three of the specimens to achieve the exposure to place the electrode at a perpendicular angle to the cochlear nerve. Sacrifice of the chorda tympani was necessary in five of the seven bones in which the cochlear nerve could be accessed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The transcanal approach offers a simpler, safer approach for cochlear nerve implantation compared to the facial recess approach. This approach can be accomplished in less time and avoids the hazards of dissection around the facial nerve. Use of the proposed approach will facilitate development of intraneural stimulation for an improved auditory prosthesis.
authors: Division of Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery, the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
authors: Saman
authors: S
authors: Kiumehr
authors: Hossein
authors: H
authors: Mahboubi
authors: John C
authors: JC
authors: Middlebrooks
authors: Hamid R
authors: HR
authors: Djalilian
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D003056:Cochlear Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D004566:Electrodes; D006801:Humans; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000601:surgery*