Objectives: To report 3 occurrences of incomplete electrode extraction during cochlear implant revision, resulting in partial intracochlear retention of an implant electrode array.
Study design: Retrospective case series.
Setting: Three tertiary care academic medical centers.
Patients: Three patients with cochlear implant failure necessitating revision cochlear implantation.
Intervention: Diagnosis and surgical revision of failed cochlear implants.
Results: A rare intraoperative complication was encountered in 3 pediatric patients undergoing revision cochlear implantation. During attempted explantation of the indwelling electrode, the array fractured and resulted in intracochlear retention of a distal portion of the electrode. Each case was managed differently by the operative team.
Conclusion: Incomplete electrode extraction is a rare but significant complication of revision cochlear implantation that is generally not anticipated when counseling patients and families. Preoperative discussion of this potential complication is appropriate.