New Clarion Electrode with Positioner: Insertion Studies

Abstract

A new straight thin electrode array (universal electrode) was designed to be used together with a positioner, which will place the electrode array at the medial wall (modiolus) of the cochlea. The study objectives were to demonstrate safety and ease of insertion, tissue trauma, electrode position, and depth for universal and standard electrodes in human temporal bones; to test functional properties in cats; and to determine the surgical procedure and electrophysiological benefits in a clinical study. The cadaver study demonstrated the ease of insertion for the universal electrode and the positioner without tissue damage. An average gain of insertion depth of 180° was achieved with the positioner. Animal studies demonstrated a reduction in threshold of 6 dB for the electrical auditory brain stem response (EABR). Neither additional cochlear damage nor additional connective tissue formation was found. The intraoperative human study findings showed a marked reduction of threshold for both EABR and stapedius reflex thresholds. Impedances were increased. Plain x-rays demonstrated modiolus proximity of the electrode with the positioner. The new Clarion electrode with positioner is a relatively safe design for providing modiolus proximity. The electrophysiological benefits include reduction of threshold and power consumption.. j

Force Application During Cochlear Implant Insertion: An Analysis for Improvement of Surgeon Technique

“…Synthetic models of the ST have been used for the purpose of insertion force measurement during cochlear implantation [4], [5], [7]. Existing studies have shown the importance of quantifying force components and the assessment of electrode trajectories for specific electrode designs, for the minimization of trauma [4], [5], [8]- [17], optimal electrode placement [1], [4], [9], [13], [14], [18]- [21], and to avoid damage to the electrode [8], [11], [12]. In this paper, we examine and compare 0018-9294/$25.00 © 2007 IEEE force delivery, electrode positions and surgical techniques for implants not previously considered: the Contour and Contour Advance electrodes.…”

A temporal bone study of insertion trauma and intracochlear position of cochlear implant electrodes. II: Comparison of Spiral Clarion™ and HiFocus II™ electrodes

“…The stylet is retracted after, or during, insertion of the electrode allowing the electrode to return to its molded spiral shape and assume a final position closer to the modiolus. Two versions of the HiFocuse electrode design use a separate space-filling positioner to move the active electrode closer to the modiolus (Lenarz et al, 2000). In the first clinical version of this electrode, the HiFocus Ie, the positioner is inserted after full insertion of the electrode.…”

Effect of peri-modiolar cochlear implant positioning on auditory nerve responses: A neural response telemetry study

“…In the Clarion HiFocus II electrode, a positioner is inserted into the cochlea after placement of the implant. The positioner is placed between the implant and the lateral cochlea wall, and pushes the electrode array towards the modiolus [1,2,4,7,8]. An alternative mechanism is implemented in the Nucleus CI24R(CS) Contour electrode.…”