A Rare Case of Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Misplacement Into the Posterior Semicircular Canal

• Published in: The Laryngoscope 2023-01, Vol.133 (1), p.175-177
• Main Authors: Zhao, Christopher H., Quimby, Alexandra E., Bigelow, Douglas C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Cochlea - surgery; cochlear implant; Cochlear Implantation - adverse effects; Cochlear Implantation - methods; Cochlear Implants - adverse effects; cochleostomy; electrode array misplacement; Electrodes, Implanted - adverse effects; Humans; posterior semicircular canal; Semicircular Canals - surgery
• ISSN: 0023-852X; 1531-4995
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.30338

Cochlear implant electrode array misplacement is a rare but serious complication that may result in failure of hearing rehabilitation, non‐auditory percepts, vestibular disturbance, or damage to adjacent neurovascular structures. We present a case of an elderly patient who suffered electrode array misplacement into the posterior semicircular canal, resulting in vestibular symptoms and severe downstream sequelae. The risk of misplacement may be higher in patients with a history of chronic otitis media or prior otologic surgery, and with the use of pre‐curved electrode arrays. Electrophysiological testing and intraoperative imaging may allow for early detection and intervention in these cases. Laryngoscope, 133:175–177, 2023 In this report, we present a case of an elderly patient who suffered cochlear implant electrode array misplacement into the posterior semicircular canal, resulting in vestibular symptoms and severe downstream sequelae. The risk of misplacement may be higher in patients with a history of chronic otitis media or prior otologic surgery, and with the use of pre‐curved electrode arrays. Electrophysiological testing and intraoperative imaging may allow for early detection and intervention in these cases.