M Bourdoncle1, C Fargeot2, C Poncet3, I Mosnier4. 1. Service pharmacie, GHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France; Service pharmacie, centre hospitalier universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France. Electronic address: marion.bourdoncle@gmail.com. 2. Service pharmacie, GHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France; Service pharmacie, GHU Bicêtre, AP-HP, Paris, France. 3. Service ORL, HUEP hôpital Rothschild, AP-HP, Paris, France. 4. Inserm, unité réhabilitation chirurgicale mini-invasive et robotisée de l'audition, Sorbonne universités, Paris, France; Service ORL, otologie, implants auditifs et chirurgie de la base du crâne, GHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Cochlear implants have a 10-year manufacturer's warranty and may remain functional for more than 25 years after implantation. With the increasing number of users, the number of explantations is set to increase in the future. The main objective of the present study was to determine reasons for cochlear explantation in adults and the proportion carried out during the warranty period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-centre retrospective multidisciplinary study of cochlear explantation in adults was performed over a 33-month period. Explantation reasons, interval since implantation and warranty application were analysed. RESULTS: 54% of the 71 explantations were for medical reasons, 45% due to failure (35% "hard failure", 10% "soft failure") and 1% could not be classified; 69% were followed by reimplantation. Failure was confirmed before explantation in 66% of cases. Manufacturer warranties were applicable in 70% of explantations for breakdown, for a total of €335,500. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides decision support for reimplantation and allows better patient information. Follow-up is essential to optimise warranty application and to promote the proper implant use.
OBJECTIVES: Cochlear implants have a 10-year manufacturer's warranty and may remain functional for more than 25 years after implantation. With the increasing number of users, the number of explantations is set to increase in the future. The main objective of the present study was to determine reasons for cochlear explantation in adults and the proportion carried out during the warranty period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-centre retrospective multidisciplinary study of cochlear explantation in adults was performed over a 33-month period. Explantation reasons, interval since implantation and warranty application were analysed. RESULTS: 54% of the 71 explantations were for medical reasons, 45% due to failure (35% "hard failure", 10% "soft failure") and 1% could not be classified; 69% were followed by reimplantation. Failure was confirmed before explantation in 66% of cases. Manufacturer warranties were applicable in 70% of explantations for breakdown, for a total of €335,500. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides decision support for reimplantation and allows better patient information. Follow-up is essential to optimise warranty application and to promote the proper implant use.