Biomechanical strength of reconstruction plates when used for medial support of Med-El cochlear implants: Implications for diagnostic MRI

David M. Poetker, P. Ashley Wackym, Narayan Yoganandan, Christina L. Runge-Samuelson, Jill B. Firszt, Frank A. Pintar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: It is hypothesized that a mesh reconstruction plate designed to fit a cochlear implant (CI) internal device will provide immediate structural support to the site of the implant and that this strength far exceeds the forces induced by a 1.5-tesla MRI. Procedures: Human calvarial specimens were drilled and plated with reconstruction mesh. Force was applied until failure was reached. Results: Mean maximum force, mean force to first failure and mean displacement measures for group 1 (resorbable mesh, n = 10) were 302.9 N, 283.0 N and 3.05 mm, respectively. The mean maximum force for group 2 (0.4-mm titanium mesh, n = 10) and group 3 (0.6-mm titanium mesh, n = 8), were 121.3 and 234.0 N, respectively. Mean force of first failure was 92.0 N for group 2 and 164.8 N for group 3. Conclusions: The force required for failure of the mesh is significantly greater than the 0.17 N exerted on a CI magnet by a 1.5-tesla MRI scan.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)77-82
Number of pages6
JournalORL
Volume68
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2006

Keywords

  • Cochlear implant
  • Resorbable mesh reconstruction plate
  • Titanium mesh reconstruction plate

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