Insertion trauma of a cochlear implant electrode array with Nitinol inlay

The integration of a shape memory actuator is a potential mechanism to achieve a consistent perimodiolar position after electrode insertion during cochlear implant surgery. After warming up, and therefore activation of the shape memory effect, the electrode array will change from a straight configuration into a spiral shaped one leading to a final position close to the modiolus. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the integration of an additional thin wire (referred to as an “inlay”) made of Nitinol, a well-established shape memory alloy, in a conventional hearing preservation electrode array will affect the insertion behaviour in terms of increased risk of insertion trauma. Six conventional Hybrid-L electrode arrays (Cochlear Ltd., Sydney, Australia) were modified to incorporate a wire inlay made of Nitinol. The diameter of the wires was 100 µm with a tapered tip region. Electrodes were inserted into human temporal bone specimens using a standard surgical approach. After insertion and embedding in epoxy resin, histological sections were prepared to evaluate insertion trauma. Insertion was straightforward and no difficulties were observed. The addition of a shape memory wire, thin but also strong enough to curl the electrode array, does not result in histologically detectable insertion trauma. Atraumatic insertion seems possible.