Introduction:
The intraoperative ECAP threshold is influenced by spiral neural ganglion survival and intracochlear electrode position. Direction of Cochlear's slim straight insertion is determined by the laterally attached insertion wing.
The aim of this study was to observe the correlation between NRT threshold and intraoperative modifications of slim straight electrode array insertions and contact position.
Materials and Methods:
In a mixed retrospective, prospective and temporal bone study in a tertiary referral center the electrophysiological data sets of 50 patients with measured intraoperative Auto-NRTs were retrospectively evaluated. Prospectively 5 patients were inserted with laterally and medially positioned contacts. Additionally decapted temporal bone cochlea were inserted with medial and lateral positioned contacts and observed in terms of their electrode contact position.
Results:
By the electrophysiological retrospective evaluation of 50 patients regional differences in the NRT threshold were observed. NRT thresholds showed no significant difference in terms of laterally or medially inserted electrodes. Electrode torsions during the insertional procedure were not observed.
Conclusion:
The intraoperative NRT threshold of the cochlear slim straight electrode is not influenced by the electrode contact position if positioned in the scala tympani.
