Abstract

A cochlear implant for use in children must take into account the high incidence of middle ear infection in this age group. A scala tympani electrode that traverses the middle ear and round window will likely act as a conduit by which infection can spread to the inner ear and potentially to the CNS. In this study an attempt was made to reestablish a separation of the cochlea from the middle ear by developing a seal around the implant at the level of the round window. A series of cats were implanted with simulated cochlear prostheses consisting of either a plain Silastic cylinder, a Silastic cylinder wrapped with autogenous fascia, or a Silastic cylinder with a cuff of bioactive ceramic. Middle ear infection was induced, followed by histologic examination. Bioactive ceramic appears to have some merit as a round window sealing material, while fascia was shown to be of no value. Intracochlear infection, when it did occur, was limited to the basal regions of the cochlea.

View details for Web of Science ID A1986A168000013

View details for PubMedID 3753835