New Impedance Field Telemetry Heat Map for Assessing Electrode Array in MED‐EL Cochlear Implants

ABSTRACT Objective To compare MED‐EL's new impedance field telemetry (IFT) heat map interface for confirmation of surgical placement of the electrode array to conventional imaging. Methods A retrospective study was completed on 35 patients who received MED‐EL cochlear implants between 2017 and 2024 for whom both IFT and radiologic data were available. The Maestro 10 software assessed heat maps for possible tip fold‐over (TFO) or electrode positioned outside the cochlea. A senior neurotologist, blinded to IFT data, independently reviewed all x‐ray and CT image results. Trained observers analyzed IFT data. Imaging results were compared to IFT findings for each patient. Results No IFT data on any CI in this patient cohort demonstrated a heat map pattern associated with TFO. One patient had an extracochlear electrode array documented on IFT that would have been identified if Maestro 10 had been available during surgery. Conclusions MED‐EL's Maestro 10 IFT new heat map interface demonstrates comparable effectiveness to routine x‐ray and CT imaging in assessing TFO and electrode positioning in the cochlea. Routine intraoperative use of this technology may facilitate faster and equally reliable confirmation of electrode placement before surgical closure. Level of Evidence 3.