Histological study of chronic electrode implantation through the round window of the guinea pig.

A platinum-iridium electrode with a Teflon cover tube was chronically implanted through the round window into the scala tympani of the guinea pig. Animals were sacrificed at 30 to 40 weeks after electrode implantation, and the cochleae were observed by scanning electron microscopy or with light microscopy. The results revealed that the electrode was firmly enclosed with fibrous tissue on the inside of the round window and with epithelial tissue on the outside. These tissues were considered to act as a barrier to the entry of infection while preventing leakage of the perilymph.