EC: Advanced Bionics Corp. Cochlear Implants (ABC)
Advanced Bionics & Phonak Cochlear Implants
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HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant that is MRI compatible
Redesigned Ultra 3D internal magnet
Naida CI Q70
Neptune Sound Processor
Neptune Features
Latest ABC cochlear implant technology:
HiRes Ultra 3D Cochlear Implant - now MRI compatible (conditional up to 3 Tesla MRI)
On August 30, 2018, Advanced Bionics announced its new HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant that is MRI compatible (up to 3 Tesla MRI strength) without removal of the implant's internal magnet and without the need for a head bandaging protocol during MRI scanning. The new internal magnet design results in no pain and no need for special head orientation during MRI scanning.
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ABC HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant that is MRI compatible up to 3 Tesla |
Redesigned 3D Internal Magnet
The Ultra 3D cochlear implant magnet provides 3D magnetic field alignment and eliminates the need for surgical removal of the magnet, head bandaging, or restrictions on head orientation during MRI scanning in order to permit a a high-resolution MRI study.
The unique 3D magnet is composed of four rotatable magnet rods encased in a revolving disc that allows the magnet to provide alignment with MRI magnetic fields in all three dimensions (X, Y, and Z axes). The magnet is removable and can be replaced with a non-magnetic spacer through a small incision made prior to an MRI study.
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HiRes Ultra 3D magnet that has been tested to keep working even after two hundred 3.0 Tesla MRI routines. |
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The unique cylindrical magnets provides magnetic field alignment and adjusts to variations in the MRI magnetic field. |
Conditional MRI issues with the HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant include:
- The external sound processor and headpiece must be removed before entering a room containing an MRI scanner.
- Verify that the implant, or both implants if bilaterally implanted, are compatible for conducting an MRI before proceeding. Failure to do so can lead to device movement, device damage, magnet movement, patient discomfort, or trauma and pain to the patient.
- For other MRI situations, i.e. if the recipient has two different types of Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implants (e.g. HiRes Ultra 3D and HR90k Advantage), the recipient must inform the MRI professional of the type of implants. If the recipient is not sure of the implant type, please contact the recipient’s cochlear implant clinic, the local AB office, or contact Advanced Bionics Technical Support.
NOTE: MRI procedures are contraindicated for CLARION (C1 and CII) cochlear implant recipients. For information regarding MRI use with HiRes 90K, HiRes 90K Advantage, and HiRes Ultra cochlear implants, please contact Advanced Bionics Technical Support.
NOTE: MRI safety was evaluated only for the HiRes Ultra 3D. Interactions between non-Advanced Bionics implants and the HiRes Ultra 3D during MRI are unknown.
- The recommended minimum duration of time post implant surgery prior to undergoing an MRI scan is 2 to 4 weeks in order to allow any inflammation to subside.
- An MRI scan is not recommended if the patient has a fever.
Cautions include:
- During the MRI procedure, you may experience pain, pressure, or discomfort. If this occurs, please notify your physician.
- Please consult with your physician prior to an MRI to determine if the benefits of an MRI are worthwhile over other imaging techniques.
- In case of two different implant types or models, MRI safety criteria that is most restrictive of the two implant types must be applied at the discretion of a qualified MRI professional.
Testing has demonstrated that the HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant is MR Conditional. Unilateral and bilateral recipients with this device with magnet in place can be safely scanned in a horizontal closed bore quadrature coil MR system meeting the following conditions:
MRI Field Strength |
1.5T |
3.0T |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Spatial Field Gradient | 20 T/m | 20 T/m |
| RMS Gradient Field | 34.4 T/s | 34.4 T/s |
| Peak Slew Rate | 200 T/m/s | 200 T/m/s |
Maximum Whole Body Averaged SAR |
2.0 W/kg | 2.0 W/kg |
| Maximum Head Averaged SAR | 3.2 W/kg | 2.6 W/kg |
When tested under scan conditions defined above, the HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant produced a maximum temperature rise of <3˚C after 15 minutes of continuous scanning.
Note: During the scan, patients might perceive auditory sensations. Adequate counseling of the patient is advised prior to performing the MRI. The likelihood and intensity of the auditory sensations can be reduced by selecting sequences with a lower Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and slower gradient slew rates.
Imaging Artifacts at 3.0T and 1.5T MRI Field Strengths
Table A: Artifact at 3.0T MRI Field Strength
Implanted |
Magnet |
Artifact Range |
|---|---|---|
| Unilaterally | In Place | 5.5 - 6.9 cm |
| Unilaterally | Removed | 1.4 - 4.2 cm |
| Bilaterally | In Place | 6.1 - 7.4 cm |
| Bilaterally
|
Removed | 1.9 - 6.9 cm |
Table B: Artifact at 1.5T MRI Field Strength
Implanted |
Magnet |
Artifact Range |
|---|---|---|
| Unilaterally | In Place | 4.1 - 6.5 cm |
| Unilaterally | Removed | 2.4 - 3.2 cm |
| Bilaterally | In Place | 5.7 - 8.2 cm |
| Bilaterally
|
Removed | 3.4 - 4.1 cm |
Note: For cases that would clinically benefit from reduced device artifact (for example, some head or neck scans), the internal magnet is surgically removed and possibly replaced with a Temporary Non-Magnetic Plug before the recipient undergoes an MRI procedure. The HiRes Ultra 3D cochlear implant can withstand 5 replacement cycles.
For additional information regarding the use of an MRI scanner with a HiRes Ultra 3D Cochlear Implant, please contact Advanced Bionics Technical Support at technicalservices@advancedbionics.com.
ABC & Phonak are the HiRes 90K implants.
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Advanced Bionics & Phonak - HiRes 90K ICS Family |
Advanced Bionics HiRes 90K Advantage CI with HiFocus Mid-Scalar Electrode
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Left Ear, OR C-arm x-ray: HiRes 90K Mid-Scalar Electrode within cochlea |
Naida CI Q70 by Advanced Bionics & Phonak
Advanced Bionics & Phonak's newest cochlear implant sound processor (SP) is the Naida CI Q70:
- 40% smaller than previous AB behind-the-ear sound processors
- 55% improvement in speech understanding in noise
- 100% wireless connectivity to consumer electronic devices (including Apple, Samsung & Nokia)
- AB technologies include:
- T-Mic 2 - natural microphone placement, discreet, soft touch earhook design
- AutoSound - automatically adapts to unique listening environments
- ClearVoice - speech enhancement technology that adapts to each listening situation
- HiRes Fidelity 120 - for accurate sound, using 120 spectral bands to deliver 5x more sound resolution
- HiRes Optima Sound Processing - AB's newest sound processing strategy designed to optimize battery life
- Universal headpiece - a sleek, low-profile design for all day use (four colors: black, white, beige, dark brown)
- Naida CI Listening Check module permits the user to easily check all of the system's microphones (headpiece mic, two on-processor mics, and the T-Mic 2)
- AB Off-the-Ear power options include
- Naida CI Clips - right and left clips allow the SP to be worn completely off-the-ear
- Naida CI Power Adapter - permits wearing the battery off-the-ear
- AAA PowerPak Accessory - longer battery life, up to 129 hrs
- Disposable batteries - offering up to 30 hrs of battery life
- Rechargeable PowerCel Batteries - 3 sizes for up to 16 hrs of battery life
- Naida CI PowerCel Charger - includes a USB connection for portability and flexibility. Will charge 4 PowerCel batteries simultaneously
- Incorporates Phonak UltraZoom & Binaural VoiceStream Technology
- DuoPhone - automatic streaming of calls to both ears
- QuickSync - one-touch control of two processors
- ZoomControl - dual microphone technology for improved speech understanding
- Future capability for upcoming Phonak features
- Features "instyle" design
- Integrates Phonak's AccessLine accessories
- Phonak ComPilot for streaming music and calls
- Phonak TVLink for watching television
- Phonak RemoteMic for wireless communication in noisy places
- AB myPilot easy-to-use remote control for status information and one-touch changes to programs, volume, and sensitivity settings
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Advanced Bionics & Phonak Naida CI Q70 Sound Processor |
Young patient wearing the latest AB& Phonak Naida CI Q70 |
Neptune Sound Processor by Advanced Bionics - the World's First Waterproof CI Sound Processor
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| Neptune CI Sound Processor worn on the right arm during swimming | Neptune arm band during bath time |
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| Neptune CI Sound Processors | Neptune with external transmitters |
Advanced Bionics Corporation (ABC) has announced its newest cochlear implant sound processor, the Neptune. The Neptune is the world's first waterproof CI sound processor and has been approved by the U.S. FDA.
Now, patients being implanted with an ABC cochlear implant will have the choice of wearing either the Harmony (non-waterproof) or the Neptune (waterproof) sound processors. If hospital practices and insurance reimbursement is supportive, patients will have the opportunity to purchase dual-sound processor systems i.e. two Harmony SP's, two Neptune SP's, or one of each.
Being waterproof, one can swim or bathe with the Neptune! Hearing is still delivered during these important times, especially for babies and young, active children.
The Neptune is a free-style design so that nothing is worn on the outer ear. The Neptune may be worn in the hair, on the arm, under their collar, or in their pocket without compromising hearing performance.
The Neptune design is tough and rugged. It carries an IP68 rating that offers maximum protection against solid particles and various forms of moisture. CI patients now have an opportunity to hear in all weather, all sports, and all terrain.
Neptune includes ABC's ClearVoice™, HiRes Fidelity 120™, and AutoSound™ technologies.
Neptune's Features:
- Swim with the Neptune
- Bond during bath time
- Freestyle Design
- ClearVoice™, HiRes Fidelity 120™, and AutoSound™ technologies
- Removable controls
- Flexible wearing options
- Fashion-forward colors
- Off-the-Shelf AAA battery
- Convenient wearing accessories
References:
1.Technical Specifications. HiRes™ Ultra 3D Cochlear Implant. 2018. 028-M960-03 RevB. (related to HiRes Ultra 3DMRI compatibility).
To learn more about Advanced Bionics CIs, visit their website at www.advancedbionics.com.
If you have questions about cochlear implantation at The Ear Center of Greensboro, P.A., please contact our Audiology Department at 336-273-9932 during normal business hours.
Last revised October 17, 2018