Journal article
Assessment of Surgical Salvage Outcomes for Exposed Cranial Neuromodulating Devices
Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology, Vol.135(10), pp.746-751
05/06/2026
DOI: 10.1177/00034894261449747
PMID: 42089563
Abstract
Implanted neuromodulating devices (NMDs) such as cochlear implants (CIs) and deep brain stimulators (DBSs) are commonly used in modern medicine. Rarely, complications arise post-operatively, including hardware exposure. Traditional teaching suggests that these devices require removal if exposed; however, surgical salvage is a high risk, high reward alternative. We review our single institution experience managing NMD exposure with surgical salvage.
Retrospective chart review was performed on individuals who had a NMD implanted and underwent an attempt at surgical salvage for exposure during the study period (January 01, 2021 through December 31, 2023). Study outcome success was defined as maintaining a functional NMD 1 year after salvage was attempted. Surgical techniques associated with successful salvage were compared.
Nine of 729 patients (1.2%) implanted with NMDs experienced hardware exposure during this 2-year study period. Nine subjects were referred for NMD salvage; however, only 6 of 9 subjects (66.7%, CI = 3; DBS = 3) underwent NMD salvage attempts. Four of the subjects had successful salvage demonstrated successful salvage with a functioning NMD and without wound healing concerns 1 year after their salvage procedure.
Classic teaching states that exposed NMDs require explantation. However, this approach necessarily imposes time without benefit from the NMD between explantation and reimplantation. Our experience demonstrates that surgical salvage can be a successful alternative for the majority (66.7%) of individuals.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Assessment of Surgical Salvage Outcomes for Exposed Cranial Neuromodulating Devices
- Creators
- Evgeniya Molotkova - University of IowaHeba Isaac - University of IowaJeremy D Greenlee - University of IowaMarlan R Hansen - University of IowaAlexander Claussen - University of IowaBrian T Andrews - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology, Vol.135(10), pp.746-751
- DOI
- 10.1177/00034894261449747
- PMID
- 42089563
- NLM abbreviation
- Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
- ISSN
- 1943-572X
- eISSN
- 1943-572X
- Publisher
- Sage
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 05/06/2026
- Academic Unit
- Communication Sciences and Disorders; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Psychological and Brain Sciences; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
- Record Identifier
- 9985161343202771
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