Cochlear implant in the carotid canal. Case report and literature review

Abstract Background Numerous complications have been described following cochlear implantation. Most of them are post-operative and benign, but some are intra-operative and can be more difficult to manage. Methods Case report of a pediatric case of misplaced cochlear electrode in the carotid canal and literature review. Results and conclusions Post-operative CT-scan allowed the diagnosis. The misplaced cochlear implant in the carotid canal was successfully removed and a successful re-implantation followed immediately. Anatomy of the interval between the cochlea and the carotid canal is reviewed, together with information regarding the neural telemetry response. In each case, specific anatomical landmarks must be identified to perform the cochleostomy in the right position. If not, or if surgery proves itself difficult, the surgeon should intra-operatively control the position of the electrode.