Can CT estimation of CDL predict full insertion in cochlear implants?

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Can Computed Tomography estimation of Cochlear Duct Length Predict full insertion in Cochlear Implantation?

  • IRAS ID

    136977

  • Contact name

    James Johnston

  • Contact email

    james.johnston@addenbrookes.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    This study will investigate whether cochlear duct length estimated from pre-operative CT scanning can predict whether full cochlear implant electrode insertion will be achieved intraoperatively. If full insertion is shown to result in a better hearing outcome then preoperative CT scanning may have an important role to play to allow implant arrays to be chosen to match the length of the cochlear duct.
    In order to determine whether a shorter electrode results in full insertion more frequently than a longer electrode, and whether insertion depth affects early hearing outcomes, we will also compare the number of active electrodes and hearing outcomes in two cohorts of patients. The first was implanted with a 31mm electrode array and the second with a 28mm array. Both electrode arrays contain 12 electrodes and are designed to lie adjacent to the lateral wall of the cochlear duct. Cochlear implants are designed to work with all electrodes successfully inserted, therefore less than full insertion may result in poorer hearing outcomes. We will look at the reasons for incomplete insertions and when these were noted (intraoperatively, on check x-ray in clinic, or later). We will also look at the hearing results comparing pre and post operative results for both electrode arrays. All the data will be collected retrospectively from the patient notes and cochlear implant databases and will be anonymised.

  • REC name

    North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    15/NW/0284

  • Date of REC Opinion

    25 Mar 2015

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion