Objective: To study a new surgical approach for cochlear implantation.
Method: We operated on 8 cadaver heads (16 side) use Suprameatal approach for cochlear implantation, describe related anatomic mark.
Result: The electrode is passed through the suprameatal tunnel, the EAC groove, the space underneath the chorda tympani between the malleal and the long process of the incus, and the cochleostomy. Angle between tunnel and temporal imaginary line is 28.0 degrees +/- 1.3 degrees in adult, 29.0 degrees +/- 1.7 degrees in children, the location of inserting electrode into cochleostomy is (1.31 +/- 0.13) mm to round window in adult, (1.19 +/- 0.12) mm in child.
Conclusion: The SMA approach is a safe technique, maintaining a safe distance to facial nerve and chorda tympani. So We should make right decision in clinic.