Active Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implant: Middle Fossa Placement Technique in Children With Bilateral Microtia and External Auditory Canal Atresia.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present the middle fossa technique (MFT) as an alternative for patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery for active transcutaneous bone conduction implants (ATBCI) due to their altered anatomy or desire for future aesthetic reconstruction. A case series descriptive study was designed. The MFT was developed. Preoperative and postoperative information from 24 patients with external auditory canal atresia (EACA) and implanted with ATBCI was reviewed. A total of 24 children with bilateral EACA received implants in the middle cranial fossa. Their average age was 12. Of these patients, eight had an associated congenital disorder: Goldenhar Syndrome, Treacher Collins Syndrome or the Pierre Robin Sequence. The average follow-up was at 17 months (ranging from between 2- and 36 mo) and there were no major complications. Four patients showed skin erythema at the processor site after turn on, which was solved by lowering the magnet strength. One patient had a scalp hematoma that required puncture drainage. The hearing thresholds went down on average from 66.5 to 25.2 dB 1 month after turn on. Speech recognition improved respectively from 29.4% without and 78.9% with a bone conduction hearing aid to 96.4%. MFT placement of the ATBCI was proven to be safe and effective and a viable option for treating pediatric patients with EACA who cannot receive implants at the sinodural angle or in the retrosigmoidal position because of their altered anatomy and/or desire for future aesthetic reconstruction.