Improvements to the Retractor and Muscle Flap Design for Minimally Invasive Cochlear Implantation

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to improve muscle flaps and to evaluate surgical outcomes with the use of a novel specialized retractor, which is a surgical instrument used to locate and shape a bony seat for minimally invasive cochlear implantation. Methods 50 patients aged 1-75 years with sensorineural hearing loss who required cochlear implantation were recruited. A small incision ( Conclusion The use of a novel specialized retractor standardized the surgical processes of cochlear implantation. The retractor helped locate and control the size of the bony well during bone drilling. The tool reduced the technical difficulty and improved the efficacy of this minimally invasive operation.