Detection of receiver location and migration after cochlear implantation using 3D rendering of computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate the position and migration of the cochlear implant receiver and ball electrode using 3-dimensional (3D) rendering of computed tomography.


METHODS
Retrospective case review.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Thirty-one patients were treated for profound sensorineural hearing loss with cochlear implant. The operative methods were divided into 2 groups: an inverted J-shaped incision with bony tie-down suture, and a minimally invasive incision without tie-down suture.


METHODS
When the receiver and ball electrode were detected in 3D imaging, the zygomatic process-receiver angle (ZRA), ear canal to receiver distance (ERD), and ear canal to ball electrode distance (EBD) were measured.


METHODS
Comparison and statistical analysis of postoperative angle and distances.


RESULTS
The mean ZRA, EBD, and ERD values were 139.1 degrees, 20.7 mm, and 36.0 mm, respectively. The mean ZRA in patients with an inverted J-shaped incision was significantly wider than for those with a minimally invasive incision (151.2 versus 136.9, p = 0.002). In 10 patients who received postoperative computed tomography 2 times, ZRA increased from 138.6 to 144.4 degrees (p < 0.001) and ERD decreased from 37.0 to 34.9 mm (p = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
3D computed tomography is a useful tool for localization and migration of the receiver and ball electrode. Micro downward movements of the receiver were found in both bony tie-down and non-tie-down suture groups.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Republic of China.
Chun-Chung
CC
Lui
Jyh-Ping
JP
Peng
Jung-Hui
JH
Li
Chao-Hui
CH
Yang
Chin-Kuo
CK
Chen
Chung-Feng
CF
Hwang
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003051:Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D004566:Electrodes; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome