Cochlear Implants and Otology

Principal investigator: Helge Rask-Andersen, Professor 

The EAS technique has been applied for cochlear implantations which has its approach through the round window membrane – a technology for an improved non-traumatic technique as compared with the conventional cochleostoma approach. The group has performed more than 1000 skull base procedures since 1988 and all data are followed through a computer-based program. Our experience from ABI surgery in adults became the basis for hosting the first international symposium on ABI treatment here in Uppsala in 2010. CI surgery in children is undergoing rapid changes since they will probably be re-implanted two or three times during their lifetime. A non-traumatic surgery technique is of utmost importance. Miniaturization of devices enables a change of the surgical approach from cochleostomy to round window insertion. The round window technique seems more atraumatic and may preserve residual inner ear function. The unit possesses a temporal bone bank. The bank consists of 325 inner ear molds and 85 micro-dissections displaying anatomical landmarks including the facial nerve. The bank is used for training of international surgeons and for scientific purposes.

Surgical quality control follow-up studies and life quality data are analysed following surgery of otosclerosis and atresia. Computor-based analyses are made after skull base surgery, cholesteatoma and cochlear implant surgery.

Members of the group

Helge Rask-Andersen, Professor
Wei Liu
Fredrik Edin
Hao Li
Nadine Schart-Moren
Karin Strömbäck
Niklas Danckwardt-Lillieström
Elsa Erixon
Charlotta Kämpfe