Temporal bone microdissection for anatomic study of cochlear implant electrodes

Objective: This report describes a temporal bone microdissection method for laboratory evaluation of cochlear implant electrodes. Design: Anatomic study of human temporal bones. Methods: Implant electrodes from three manufacturers were inserted into temporal bones which were processed and dissected so as to visualize spatial relationships between the electrodes and sensorineural structures of the cochlea. Results and conclusion: Images are presented illustrating perimodiolar and lateral wall electrode arrays after insertion into the human cochlea and functional characteristics of the two electrode types are discussed. Temporal bone microdissection permits direct, three-dimensional study of inner ear structures and is an effective method for evaluation of the insertional properties of cochlear implant electrodes.