Abstract

Introduction: Intra-operative monitoring during cochlear implant surgery is a tool to assess integrity of the equipment used and to assess the progress of array introduction and proper placement of the array with subsequent assessment of proper functioning of the device. Furthermore, Intra-op is used as a preliminary tool for subsequent CI mapping later on especially for difficult to test patients. Variable measures are present to perform Intra-operative measures include; electrophysiological measurement of electrode impedance (EI), electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP), spread of excitation (SOE) and radiographic imaging modalities of plain X-ray radiograph, fluoroscopy, 3-dimensional (3-D) rotational x-ray, and intraoperative computed tomography (CT). Each of which has its own value and clinical implications.

Conclusion:Each of intra-operative measures is used each to assess a certain parameter. The collaboration of all measures together results in a successful anatomic and functional electrode placement to be ready for post-operative mapping.

Keywords

Cochlear implant, temporal bone surgery, electrode array, soft failure, hard failure