Introduction:
The scalar position of the cochlear implant electrode is of high importance for the audiological outcome after cochlear implant surgery. This estimation is usually performed by means of a CT, DVT or flat pannel tomografie associated with ionic x ray polution. Specific MRI sequences and modifications of the implant position allow a postoperative visual assessment of the cochlea and the internal auditory canal. Recent observations show that an estimation of the array position by 1.5 T MRI is possible. 3T MRI is known to allow an increased resolution. The aim of the present study was to observe the estimation of the scalar position of the cochlear implant electrode by 3T MRI in the human temporal bone under optimized conditions.
Material and methods:
24 3T MRI scans with prolonged observation times with 4 different cochlear implant electrodes were performed in 12 human temporal bones.
Results:
3T MRI scans allow a differentiation between scala tympani positions (ST) and scalar dislocations (ST > SV). We observed significant differences between the different electrode types.
Discussion:
In line with the known clinical results an estimation of the scalar position by means of an MRI is possible. The used 3T scanning with a prolonged scanning time allows a significant increase in visualization.
