Introduction: The insertion of cochlear electrodes near the modiolus is a special form of insertion in otosurgery. The aim of such insertions is to place the electrode as close as possible to the modiolus. In this study, we want to optimize the position of the preformed intracochlear electrodes using Robotol.
Material and methods: Six patients indicated for cochlear implantation were included in this retrospective study. For each patient, the individual cochlear length calculated preoperatively and the so-called turning points in the cochlea were determined. All patients received CT imaging of the temporal bone pre- and postoperatively.
Results: We were able to show that the intracochlear electrodes were close to the modiolus in all six patients. Intraoperatively, no insertion complications occurred in any case.
Discussion: With the turning point method, it is possible to place cochlear electrodes as close to the modiolus as possible without increasing the risk of complications. The placement of the electrode close to the modiolus depends in particular on the patient's cochlear length. This is included in the calculation of the turning points and is therefore individual for each patient. In order to better compare the method and to keep the influence of the surgeon on the insertion as low as possible, we used the Robotol, an insertion assistance system.

Nein