Endoscopy of the cochlea during cochlear implantation.

We have previously demonstrated that multichannel cochlear implants may be effective in partially obstructed cochleas. In practice, however, it may be difficult to determine whether electrode insertion is feasible prior to attempting it. Initial trials with a flexible fiberoptic otologic endoscope on 10 cadaver temporal bones were previously reported. On the basis of these trials, endoscopy of the inferior segment of the cochlea during cochlear implantation seemed feasible. In the present study, the same endoscope was used on eight subjects undergoing cochlear implantation, six of whom had partially obstructed cochleas. Endoscopy was found to be helpful in visualizing obstructed segments, determining patency after the obstruction was removed, and identifying normal structures of the cochlea. Documentation with videotape and 35-mm photography constitutes the majority of this paper.