Safe use of bipolar radiofrequency induced thermotherapy (RFITT) for nasal surgery in patients with cochlear implants

Walter Di Nardo; Alessandro Scorpecci; Sara Giannantonio; Gaetano Paludetti

doi:10.1016/j.anl.2011.04.010

Safe use of bipolar radiofrequency induced thermotherapy (RFITT) for nasal surgery in patients with cochlear implants

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2011 Dec;38(6):739-42. doi: 10.1016/j.anl.2011.04.010.

Authors

Walter Di Nardo¹, Alessandro Scorpecci, Sara Giannantonio, Gaetano Paludetti

Affiliation

¹ Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, A.Gemelli University Hospital, Largo Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy.

PMID: 21641135
DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2011.04.010

Abstract

Treatment of nasal turbinate hypertrophy with bipolar radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (RFITT) is a common indication in patients affected by chronic vasomotor rhinitis. Nonetheless, there are no reports about the safety of such a surgical procedure in cochlear implant (CI) users, due to concerns that the spread of electrical current and heat could damage the CI inner component. We report two cases of CI recipients successfully and safely undergoing RFITT performed by means of the Olympus® Celon-ProBreath bipolar coagulation electrode.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adult
Cochlear Implants*
Electrodes
Female
Humans
Hyperthermia, Induced / adverse effects
Hyperthermia, Induced / methods*
Hypertrophy
Male
Middle Aged
Turbinates / pathology*