뇌수막염 후 전농 환자에서 모형 전극으로 유도된 인공와우이식술 1례

A Case of Cochlear Implantation Guided by Dummy Electrode in a Postmeningitic Deafened Patient

Postmeningitic ossified cochlea was previously thought to be a contraindication of cochlear implantation due to the difficulties of electrodes insertion. However, it becomes to be generally accepted that insertion of electrode in an ossified cochlea can be successful and safe. Several methods for insertion of electrode in an ossified or inflamed cochlea after meningitis have been suggested. Here, we report another method of electrode insertion into a partially ossified cochlea during the cochlear implantation surgery in a postmeningitic deafened patient. A 62-year-old man complaining of bilateral severe hearing impairment after meningitis showed partial obliteration of cochlea bilaterally on imaging studies. We could successfully insert active electrode with guidance of dummy electrode and via extended cochleostomy. Surgical technique and result was introduced with a review of literature.