Analysis of incomplete cochlear implant electrode array insertions using cochlear mapping software

Sunday, October 12, 2025

9:30 AM - 9:36 AM EDT

Location: 244

Disclosure(s):

Chappel C. Pettit, BS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Kush S. Patel, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: This study evaluates whether a commercially available cochlear mapping software could have predicted incomplete cochlear implant electrode array insertion.

Methods: Preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scans from fifteen patients with incomplete electrode insertion were analyzed using a commercially available cochlear mapping software (Otoplan, Med-El Corp.) to assess whether different length electrode arrays would have been selected.  Cochlear duct length was computed, as well as the anticipated angular insertion depth.  Cases of cochlear dysplasia versus normal anatomy were also recorded.

Results: During the study period, there were 15 cases of incomplete insertion out of 536 ears implanted (2.8%). Three patients with incomplete insertion (20%) had Mondini dysplasia. Eleven (73%) had electrode arrays inserted that would have been selected based on preoperative planning.  Three patients (20%) would have had shorter electrodes selected based on mapping software, while one (7%) with known Mondini deformity had anticipated incomplete insertion despite using the shortest available electrode.  The average projected cochlear duct length was 28.3 mm for cochleae with dysplasia and 29.3 mm for those with normal anatomy.

Conclusions: While preoperative planning software can reduce the risk of incomplete electrode array insertion, it can occur despite using electrode lengths deemed appropriate based on estimated cochlear duct length.  Surgical technique, cochlear duct diameter, and soft tissue anatomy may affect complete electrode array insertion.  Planning software may not be accurate in some cases of cochlear dysplasia.

Presenting Author(s)

Chappel C. Pettit, BS

Medical Student
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Kush S. Patel, MD

Resident Physician
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Pearl, Mississippi, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Senior Author(s)

Jeffrey D. Carron, MD

Professor
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Co-Author(s)

TE

Thomas C. Eby, MD

Professor
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
AE

Alex Elkins, AuD

University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
VG

Victoria B. Gonzalez, AuD, PhD

Chief, Division of Audiology
University of Mississippi Medical Center
JACKSON, MS, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.