Minimally invasive pocket technique for the implantation of Neurelec Digisonic SP cochlear implant.

The aim of this report is to describe and evaluate the reliability of a minimally invasive pocket (MIP) technique for the implantation of the Neurelec Digisonic SP cochlear implant. The skin incision is made at the back of the auricular concha. The device fixation and stability relies on natural pericranial pressure by the creation of a narrow subperiosteal pocket. There's no need for any additional fixation. In our institution, 19 patients underwent cochlear implantation using the MIP technique. Age ranged from 18 months to 73 years. The patients were reviewed for surgical implantation technique, intra- and postoperative complications, and postoperative hearing results. All patients were successfully implanted with a secure fixation. The MIP technique is particularly interesting to apply in young children.