Spatial Analysis of Electrode Proximity to Lateral Wall and Its Impact on ECAP Amplitudes: An OTOPLAN-Based Study

Precise electrode positioning is essential for optimizing cochlear implant outcomes. However, the impact of electrode-to-lateral wall distance on neural responsiveness remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether electrode proximity to the lateral wall influences electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) amplitudes.

Electrode proximity to the lateral wall, measurable via OTOPLAN, appears to influence ECAP amplitudes; surgeons and audiologists involved in cochlear implant programming may consider electrode-to-wall distance as a factor when interpreting ECAP data, but multicenter prospective replication is needed before protocol changes.

Understanding the relationship between electrode placement geometry and neural response measurements could improve cochlear implant programming strategies and ultimately hearing outcomes for implant recipients.

1. 01OTOPLAN software was used to spatially quantify cochlear implant electrode proximity to the lateral wall.
2. 02Greater electrode-to-lateral-wall distance was associated with changes in ECAP (electrically evoked compound action potential) amplitudes.
3. 03Findings could have implications for surgical technique and post-operative device programming.
4. 04Study design and sample size details not provided in the abstract summary.
5. 05Evidence level is observational; prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm.

PMID

42212467

DOI

10.1097/MAO.0000000000004961.

Journal

Otology & Neurotology

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Cochlear implant recipients whose electrode arrays were analyzed using OTOPLAN imaging software

Intervention

Spatial analysis of cochlear implant electrode proximity to the lateral wall using OTOPLAN