OBJECTIVES: Implanted neuromodulating devices (NMDs) such as cochlear implants (CIs) and deep brain stimulators (DBSs) are commonly used in modern medicine. Rarely, complications arise post-operatively, including hardware exposure. Traditional teaching suggests that these devices require removal if exposed; however, surgical salvage is a high risk, high reward alternative....
Audiologists co-managing cochlear implant patients should be aware that surgical salvage of exposed devices is an option, but outcomes data from this study should inform realistic counseling about revision surgery success rates.
Device exposure is a serious complication for cochlear implant recipients; understanding salvage surgery success rates helps surgical teams and audiologists set realistic expectations and guide patient decisions.
- 01Study assessed outcomes of surgery to rescue implanted neuromodulating devices (e.g., cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators) exposed through the skin.
- 02Published in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, a peer-reviewed surgical journal.
- 03Findings are relevant to cochlear implant teams managing post-implant wound complications.
- 04Success rates and key risk factors for salvage failure were the primary focus.
- 05Cochlear implant device exposure can result in explantation if surgical salvage fails, with significant cost and functional consequences for patients.
Surgical salvage can be a viable intervention for implanted neuromodulating devices that become exposed.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42089563
- DOI
- 10.1177/00034894261449747.
- Journal
- Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 4
- Population
- Patients with exposed implanted neuromodulating devices including cochlear implants and deep brain stimulators
- Intervention
- Surgical salvage of exposed implanted neuromodulating devices
Primary outcomes
Surgical salvage success rate; Device retention vs. explantation rate; Factors associated with salvage failure