In modern cochlear implant design, a perimodiolar electrode array is preferred over a straight lateral wall array primarily because it:
- A Reduces current spread and power consumption by lying close to the spiral ganglion cells ✓
- B Allows easier removal and reimplantation
- C Preserves residual low-frequency hearing better than any other design
- D Prevents postoperative meningitis
Correct answer: A. Reduces current spread and power consumption by lying close to the spiral ganglion cells
Explanation
B perimodiolar array hugs the modiolus, placing contacts close to the spiral ganglion cell bodies. This reduces current spread between channels, lowers the current levels needed for stimulation, and improves spectral resolution and battery life. Hearing preservation is actually better served by thin flexible lateral wall arrays designed for soft surgery, and no electrode design prevents meningitis, which depends on vaccination coverage.
Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.