Hypothesis: This study was conducted to evaluate the electrode to modiolus proximity of two commonly used electrodes (Nucleus and Clarion) and a new prototype electrode.
Background: Theoretical advantages of modiolus-hugging cochlear implant electrodes include reduced stimulus energy requirements, more efficient power management and longer battery life, more discreet ganglion cell population stimulation, and reduced facial nerve stimulation.
Methods: Fluoroscopic analysis and histologic surface preparation analysis of electrode position and trauma.
Results: The Nucleus straight electrode occupied an outer wall position in the scala tympani. The Clarion electrode occupied a more intermediate position. The actively coiling prototype electrode was modiolus hugging but caused more trauma than the other two electrodes tested.
Conclusions: The optimal modiolus-hugging atraumatic intracochlear electrode does not currently exist.