Chandigarh : In a significant medical milestone, Aarika, a nine-year-old girl, successfully underwent cochlear implant surgery today at PGIMER, Chandigarh. This surgery marks the first time in the central-north region that the advanced ‘SmartNav’ software was utilized during the procedure, making it a groundbreaking achievement in cochlear implant technology.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Jaimanti Bakshi, head of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at PGIMER. A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that restores hearing in individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. It is crucial for the development of speech, language, and academic skills in children, and communication and employment opportunities in adults with hearing impairment.
Cochlear implant surgeries began at PGIMER in 2003, and the institution has since successfully treated over 650 patients. The procedure typically lasts between three to four hours and requires a specialized team of ENT surgeons, audiologists, anesthetists, and OT staff. During the surgery, electrodes are inserted into the inner ear, or cochlea. After insertion, several critical assessments are performed, including impedance and neural response telemetry, followed by imaging, traditionally done using X-rays.
The ‘SmartNav’ software, developed by Cochlear Ltd., represents a major leap forward in cochlear implant technology. This new software provides a wireless, real-time visual display of key surgical metrics such as insertion depth, speed, impedance, and neural response measurements. These details are crucial to ensuring the precise placement of the electrodes, minimizing the need for intra-operative X-rays, and potentially reducing anaesthesia time by 15 to 20 minutes. With more precise electrode placement, patients are more likely to achieve better hearing outcomes and reduce the need for revision surgeries.
Dr. Bakshi expressed her satisfaction with the new technology, calling it a “game changer” for intra-operative measurements during cochlear implant surgeries. The use of ‘Smart Nav’ not only enhances surgical precision but also improves patient safety by reducing exposure to radiation and shortening surgery times.
The audiology team, led by Dr. Dharam Vir and Dr. Noorain Alam, played an essential role in performing the intraoperative measurements. After the procedure, Dr. Bakshi explained the results of the ‘SmartNav’ measurements to Aarika’s parents, who were delighted to see the real-time visual data confirming the successful insertion and functioning of the electrodes.
This pioneering surgery highlights PGIMER’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve patient care and outcomes, setting a new standard in cochlear implant procedures in the region.
