Evaluation of a new mid‐scala cochlear implant electrode using microcomputed tomography

Objectives/Hypothesis To investigate electrode position, depth of insertion, and electrode contact using an electrode array with a mid‐scala design following round window (RW) and cochleostomy insertion. Study Design Eight fresh‐frozen cadaveric bones were implanted; half via a RW approach and half through an anteroinferior cochleostomy using a styleted mid‐scala electrode design. Methods Microcomputed tomography was used to acquire oblique coronal and oblique axial reformations. Individual electrode positions along each array, insertional depth, and electrode contact were determined using National Institutes of Health Image J software. Results All electrodes were inserted without significant resistance. The average angular depth of insertion was 436.5° for the RW group and 422.7° for the cochleostomy group. All electrodes acquired a perimodiolar position in the proximal segment and a lateral wall position at the basal turn, regardless of approach. Electrodes distal to the basal turn demonstrated a variable location, with 78% mid scala. One cochleostomy array fractured through the interscalar partition (ISP), acquiring a scala vestibuli position. The odds ratio for either abutting the modiolus, ISP, lateral wall or floor, or fracturing through the ISP were 2.7 times more likely following a cochleostomy insertion ( P  = .032). Conclusions The styleted mid‐scala electrode design acquires a proximal perimodiolar position, a lateral wall location, as it traverses the basal turn, and most commonly a mid‐scala position in the distal array. Interscalar excursion occurred in one of the cochleostomy insertions. Cochleostomy insertion is more likely to result in ultimate final electrode position adjacent to critical intracochlear structures. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope , 125:2778–2783, 2015