Device Design Modifications Informed by In Vitro Testing of Bacterial Attachment Reduce Infection Rates of Cochlear Implants in Clinical Practice

Recalcitrant chronic infections of implanted medical devices are often linked to the presence biofilms. The prevention and treatment device-associated is a major source antibiotic use driver antimicrobial resistance globally. Lowering incidence infection in patients that receive could therefore significantly improve stewardship reduce patient morbidity. Here we determined if modifying design an implantable device bacterial attachment, impacted clinical practice. Since 1980s cochlear implants have provided long-term sensorineural hearing deficiency hundreds thousands world-wide. Nonetheless, relatively small number surgically explanted each year due unresolvable infections. Features associated with accumulation bacteria on Cochlear™ Nucleus® CI24RE™ model implant were identified using both vitro attachment assays examination devices. Macro-scale modifications reduced incorporated into CI500™ Profile™ series Nucleus implant. Analyses mandatory post-market vigilance data 198,757 CI24RE 123,084 CI500/Profile implantation surgeries revealed these correlated rates. This study demonstrates design-centric approach aimed at mitigating was simple, effective means reducing Cochlear likely be applicable improving designs other