Implanting Common Cavity Malformations Using Intraoperative Fluoroscopy

OBJECTIVE: To describe a safe and effective technique for the implantation of common cavity cochleae. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Fifteen cochleae in 9 adults and children with common cavity deformities implanted with and without the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy. INTERVENTION(S): : Fluoroscopically assisted cochlear implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Rates of extracochlear placement, bending, kinking, intrameatal placement, and complications were analyzed. Numbers of electrodes inserted, number of active electrodes, and speech performance were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Half of the nonfluoroscopy group had suboptimal placement of their electrode arrays. This group also had a higher rate of complications, lower numbers of electrodes implanted, and lower number of active electrodes at follow-up. Results of speech perception testing suggest that fluoroscopically assisted implantation of the common cavity results in improved performance. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative fluoroscopy is an easy, safe, and effective technique that results in improved outcomes for cochlear implant patients with common cavity deformities.