BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
During cochlear implantation (CI) (especially nucleus precurved cochlear implant) intraoperative cochlear implant electrode imaging is necessary. Nowadays handheld digital x-ray has been introduced into the operating room and provides quick radiologic feedback. This study aimed to investigate its utility in the assessment of the positioning of the electrode array after CI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This was a retrospective study of 11 patients (12 ears) with intraoperative imaging by handheld x-ray (MINE AlNU®, OTOM, Gwangju, Korea) after CI between 2021 Dec. and 2023 Jan. Correct placement of electrode array into the cochlea was immediately identified. And we compared the image with C-arm image and post-operative trans-orbital view x-ray.
RESULTS:
Intraoperative imaging was quickly performed in all cases. Using electrode is 9 cases of Nucleus precurved electrode, 1 cases of Nucleus contour electrode and 2 cases of Medel flex26 electrode. A tip fold over of the implanted array was identified in 1 patient. To determine the position of the electrode after CI, the anterior-posterior direction in the supine position was the best position. Electrodes implanted in pediatric patients were also well visualized with handheld digital x-rays.
CONCLUSIONS:
Intraoperative handheld digital x-ray using MINE AlNU® is a safe, rapid, easy, and reliable procedure to immediately identify an inserted electrode array. It can replace the C-arm x-ray for checking the position of electrodes in the operating room.

Intraoperative handheld digital x-ray for Assessment of Intracochlear Positioning of Electrode Arrays in Recipients of Cochlear Implants

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm, that on behalf of the Cochlear Implant centers of the Radboud UMC in Nijmegen and Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam to invite you to attend the 16th European Symposium on Pediatric Cochlear Implantation to Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 2023.

Yours sincerely, on behalf of the CI Centers at Radboud UMC and Erasmus MC,