Comparison of depth of electrode insertion between cochleostomy and round window approach: a cadaveric study

Introduction Round window approach and cochleostomy approach can have different depth of electrode insertion during cochlear implantation which itself can alter the audiological outcomes in cochlear implant . Objective The current study was conducted to determine the difference in the depth of electrode insertion via cochleostomy and round widow approach when done serially in same temporal bone. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in conjunction with Department of Anatomy and Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology over a period of 1 year. 12-electrode array insertion was performed via either approach (cochleostomy or round window) in the cadaveric temporal bone. HRCT temporal bone scan of the implanted temporal bone was done and depth of insertion and various cochlear parameters were calculated. Result A total of 12 temporal bones were included for imaging analysis. The mean cochlear duct length was 32.892 mm; the alpha and beta angles were 58.175° and 8.350°, respectively. The mean angular depth of electrode insertion via round window was found to be 325.2° (SD = 150.5842) and via cochleostomy 327.350 (SD = 112.79) degree and the mean linear depth of electrode insertion via round window was found to be 18.80 (SD = 4.4962) mm via cochleostomy 19.650 (SD = 3.8087) mm, which was calculated using OTOPLAN 1.5.0 software. There was a statically significant difference in linear depth of insertion between round window and cochleostomy. Although the angular depth of insertion was higher in CS group, there was no statistically significant difference with round window type of insertion. Conclusion The depth of electrode insertion is one of the parameters that influences the hearing outcome. Linear depth of electrode insertion was found to be more in case of cochleostomy compared to round window approach ( p = 0.075) and difference in case of angular depth of electrode insertion existed but not significant ( p = 0.529).