MED-EL Podcast MED-EL Medical Electronics

Since reliability is an important topic for hearing implant recipients and surgeons, MED-EL publishes reliability reports regularly. But there is more to reliability than high cumulative survival rates. Manfred Pieber and Marcus Schmidt discuss the aspects of design and technology that contribute to implant and audio processor safety and reliability, including structure preservation and independent safety capacitors.
Weblinks:
Reliable Cochlear Implants by Design from MED-EL (medel.com)
Cochlear Implant Safety and Reliability (medel.pro)
 

Hearing implant reliability starts with the design process. Dominik Hammerer and Bernhard Jamnig talk to Manfred Pieber about new device development and steps in the manufacturing process that contribute to reliability, including feasibility, hermeticity, impact, environmental, and vibration testing that ensure all requirements are met. Results from thorough investigations of explanted devices are also considered when designing new implants. 
Weblinks:
Cochlear Implant Safety and Reliability (medel.pro)
Bone Conduction Implant Safety and Reliability (medel.pro)

Comparing manufacturer reliability data can be difficult. Surgeon and researcher Sumit Agrawal and MED-EL reliability expert Manfred Pieber share their professional insights into this topic with Marcus Schmidt. Clinical studies on reliability can also provide valuable insights into implant manufacturers.
Weblinks:
Refer to pages 4-14 and 32 after downloading the report from: Reliable Hearing by Design: MED-EL Cochlear Implants
Reliable Hearing by Design: MED-EL’s BONEBRIDGE
Literature Links:
Cochlear implant failures and reimplantation: A 30-year analysis and literature review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31112331/)

Evaluating Reasons for Revision Surgery and Device Failure Rates in Patients Who Underwent Cochlear Implantation Surgery (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32134441/)
The reliability of hearing implants: report on the type and incidence of cochlear implant failures (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32156201/)
The French Cochlear Implant Registry (EPIIC): Cochlear implantation complications (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32861600/)
The French National Cochlear Implant Registry (EPIIC): Cochlear explantation and reimplantation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32826202/)

The differences between the two main types of cochlear implant electrode arrays are explained in this episode by Dr. Hans Thomeer. Specifically, how these two electrode designs and surgical approaches can affect translocation after the electrode insertion, and what might be a better option.

In this episode, Prof. Van de Heyning shares 3 harmful results which could occur when an electrode is inserted into the cochlea and how we can prevent it. He also discusses why straight electrodes are a suitable and preferable choice for robotic and CI surgery.

Dr. Michael Canfarotta explains how, in the majority of cases, the cochlear implant program in his clinic can perform full electrode insertion with the longest commercial CI electrode in the field when the individualized measurement for each cochlear duct length was accounted for.