Biomedical subjects

Jennifer L Smullen

Publications and source records attributed to Jennifer L Smullen.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Facial nerve stimulation after cochlear implantation.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to compare the incidence and nature of facial nerve stimulation (FNS) in patients receiving cochlear implants (CI) manufactured by Cochlear Corporation, Advanced Bionics Corporation, and MedEl. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: The charts of 600 patients who received CIs from 1993 to 2003 with at least 1 year of follow-up were reviewed for significant FNS (FNS on at least 1 channel at functional stimulation levels). Data collected included age, sex, etiology of deafness, device type, electrode, FNS onset after initial stimulation, number and location of electrode contacts causing FNS, and loudness level at which FSN occurred. Nucleus straight and perimodiolar electrodes were also compared. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of 600 (6.5%) patients had FNS on at least one channel, (MedEl 3 of 43 [7.0%], Nucleus 29 of 440 [6.6%], and Clarion 7 of 117 [6.0%]). The incidence of FNS in Nucleus perimodiolar electrodes (16 of 250 [6.4%]) was similar to straight electrodes (13 of 190 (6.8%]), as was the mean number of electrodes causing FNS per patient (11 vs. 12). However, straight electrodes caused stimulation at significantly softer perceived loudness levels than perimodiolar electrodes (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this large series of CI FNS, the overall incidence of FNS is consistent with previous reports. All devices had a similar incidence of FNS, but perimodiolar electrodes produced FNS only at significantly higher loudness levels than straight electrodes, making them preferable for patients at risk for FNS receiving Nucleus devices.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Differential penetration of ototopicals and water through tympanostomy tubes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the penetration of ototopicals and water through tympanostomy tubes (TT) using a physical model. STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro model was created to measure the ability of various solutions to penetrate a variety of TT. METHODS: A TT was placed through a perforation (myringotomy) in a silastic sheet (tympanic membrane) fixed between the ends of two 1 mL syringes. Measurements were obtained of the maximum height various liquids (tap water, 2% soapy water, ocean water, ofloxacin otic, corticosporin otic, and ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone otic) achieved before penetrating different TTs (1.0 mm or 1.27 mm Paparella silicone, 1.14 mm or 1.27 mm Reuter Bobbin titanium, 1.27 mm Collar Button fluoroplastic or 1.14 mm T-type silicone). RESULTS: Two percent soapy water was significantly more permeable than water and ocean water in all tubes studied. Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone otic was significantly more permeable than tap water, ocean water, and ofloxacin otic in only the Collar Button fluoroplastic TT. Our results suggest that titanium TTs are more permeable than other TT. Otherwise, ototopicals, tap water, and ocean water behaved similarly across all TT studied. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that ototopicals, tap water, and ocean water behave similarly with regard to TT penetration. Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone otic may have better penetration than other ototopicals. Titanium TT may be easier to penetrate than other TT.

Administration, Topical↗