Intracochlear tPA infusion may reduce fibrosis caused by cochlear implantation surgery

Abstract

Background: Experiments show that the extent of ongoing fibrotic change within the cochlea can be determined by the volume and pattern of bleeding within the first 24 h following cochlear implantation. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is effective at reducing thrombus volume when administered both within and external to the systemic circulation. Aims/Objectives: To determine if tPA delivered into the scala tympani immediately following implantation will reduce thrombus volume within the lower basal turn of the cochlea. Materials and Methods: Guinea pigs were implanted with either ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ arrays and administered tPA or saline via an intra-cochlear infusion immediately after im..