gms | German Medical Science

Recent developments regarding cochlear implant magnets (e.g., a bipolar diametral magnet) and refined surgical technique (e.g., implant positioning) have made a significant impact on the relation between a cochlear implant and MRI. For the first time, a pain free in vivo evaluation of the fluid state of the cochlea, following the insertion of an electrode, has become possible via MRI scanning. Factors like implant positioning, choice of MRI sequence and head position inside the MRI scanner allow the evaluation of the IAC and the cochlear after implantation. Developments in MRI resolution make the intracochlear estimation of the CI electrode possible and allow the differentiation between different electrode designs. Short term and long term changes of the intracochlear fluid state can be observed and make this for the first time visual accessible in vivo. Based on this recent developments MRI scanning has changed from a contraindication to a diagnostic tool.