The feasibility of endoscopic transcanal approach for insertion of various cochlear electrodes: a pilot study.

To determine the feasibility of inserting various types of electrode arrays using an endoscopic transcanal approach into the cochlea via the round window membrane (RWM). All the procedures were performed by the first author and started with a cortical mastoidectomy. A six o'clock vertical incision was made in the meatal skin, and a posterior tympano-meatal flap was elevated transmeatally to expose the middle ear cavity using a rigid 0° endoscope (diameter 3 mm, length 14 cm). The chorda tympani nerve (CTN) and body of the incus were exposed. The RWM was incised, and the electrodes were passed through the tunnel from the mastoid to the epitympanum, medial to the CTN and lateral to the incus into the round window (RW) in seven procedures. In the other six cases, an open groove had been drilled, starting superiorly and laterally to the CTN and ending in the mastoid region. After electrodes insertion, the groove was filled with bone dust and covered with a large piece of fascia prior to repositioning of the tympano-meatal flap. Complete electrode insertion (7 Nucleus Contour Advance, 5 Concerto and 1 HiRes90K) via the RW was achieved in all 13 cases. Endoscopic CI was more feasible for insertion of concerto electrode followed by HiRes90K and Nucleus. An assistance of another surgeon was required for removal of stylet in the "off-the-stylet technique" utilized for implantation of nucleus electrode. Endoscopic transcanal implantation of different cochlear electrodes through the RW is feasible in both children and adults and can be used as first surgical option or as a complementary to the traditional posterior tympanotomy approach.