Surgical technique for implantation of the MED-EL SONATATI.

AIMS The objective of this study was to describe our surgical techniques following the general principles of cochlear implantation focusing on the small and thin design of the SONATATI(100) implant device. METHODS From May 2007 to December 2010, 97 patients were implanted with the SONATATI(100) device. Due to the titanium housing, a bony bed and a muscle-periost pocket were created to host the biggest part of the device with its magnet. For device fixation, suture-retaining holes were drilled at the end of the bed, and the electrode array was inserted deeply into the scala tympani via the round window or a cochleostomy. RESULTS Up to now, no case of device failure, migration or intracranial complication has been reported. However, one minor wound healing complication has occurred. CONCLUSION Following the principal rules of cochlear implantation using a 2-bed technique combined with sutures allows safe fixation of the SONATATI(100) device.