An X-ray fluorescence microscopic analysis of the tissue surrounding the multi-channel cochlear implant electrode array

Abstract

The larger particulate matter in the tissue around the UOM and CI-22 arrays suggested that it had flaked off in the manufacturing of the UOM electrodes. The more diffuse spread of platinum in the tissue around the UOM and CI-22 electrodes was likely due to electrolysis, probably from charge imbalance with the bipolar pulses from the UOM implant. This did not occur with the Cochlear CI-24 device. Furthermore, the widespread fine particles of platinum could have also been due to corrosion, especially from the UOM electrodes.