Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
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Ossicular implants made from metallic materials may be acceptable or pose hazards for patients referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, depending on the outcome of proper MRI testing procedures. ⋯ The results of this investigation demonstrated that it would be acceptable (i.e., "MR conditional" using current terminology) for patients with these ossicular implants to undergo MRI examinations at 3 T or less. In consideration of the materials and dimensions of the implants that underwent testing, these findings pertain to many other similar ossicular implants from the same manufacturer.
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It is possible to implant a stimulating electrode array in the semicircular canals without damaging rotational sensitivity or hearing. The electrodes will evoke robust and precisely controlled eye movements. ⋯ It is possible to implant the vestibular system with prosthetic stimulating electrodes without loss of rotational sensitivity or hearing. Because electrically evoked eye movements can be reliably obtained with the assistance of intraoperative electrophysiology, it is appropriate to consider treatment of a variety of vestibular disorders using prosthetic electrical stimulation. Based on these findings, and others, a feasibility study for the treatment of human subjects with disabling Ménière's disease has begun.