Internal vascular channel architecture in human auditory ossicles.

The vascular supply of the human auditory ossicles has long been of anatomical and clinical interest. While the external blood supply has been well-described, there is only limited information available regarding the internal vascular architecture of the ossicles, and there has been little comparison of this between individuals. Based on high-resolution micro-CT scans, we made reconstructions of the internal vascular channels and cavities in 12 sets of ossicles from elderly donors.

Using a Bone-Conduction Headset to Improve Speech Discrimination in Children With Otitis Media With Effusion.

The recommended management for children with otitis media with effusion (OME) is 'watchful waiting' before considering grommet surgery. During this time speech and language, listening skills, quality of life, social skills, and outcomes of education can be jeopardized. Air-conduction (AC) hearing aids are problematic due to fluctuating AC hearing loss.

Fentanyl and heroin contained in seized illicit drugs and overdose-related deaths in British Columbia, Canada: An observational analysis.

Background: Due to the alarming rise in opioid-related overdose deaths, a public health emergency was declared in British Columbia (BC). In this study, we examined the relationship between illicit fentanyl and heroin found in seized drugs and illicit overdose deaths in BC.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted using BC data from Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service, which analyzes drug samples seized by law enforcement agencies, and non-intentional illicit overdoses from the BC Coroner's Service, from 2000 to 2016.

Computed Tomography Estimation of Cochlear Duct Length Can Predict Full Insertion in Cochlear Implantation.

Objective: To compare the rates of full insertion of electrodes and hearing outcomes obtained with 28-mm and 31-mm cochlear implant electrode arrays. To assess whether cochlear duct length (CDL) estimated by preoperative computed tomography (CT) predicts whether an electrode is fully inserted.

Study Design: A cohort study compared electrodes inserted and hearing outcomes after implantation with 28-mm or 31-mm arrays.

Pitch Discrimination: An Independent Factor in Cochlear Implant Performance Outcomes.

Objective: To assess differences in pitch-ranking ability across a range of speech understanding performance levels and as a function of electrode position.

Study Design: An observational study of a cross-section of cochlear implantees.

Setting: Tertiary referral center for cochlear implantation.

Pneumocoele after cochlear implantation.

Objective And Importance: Scalp pneumocoele is a rare complication of cochlear implantation surgery. We present the largest case series to date; consisting of four cases over 8 years from one centre. The presentation, diagnosis, and management of each case are reviewed.

Contralateral recovery of cochlear function after cochlear implantation.

Significant recovery of sensorineural hearing loss in either ear after cochlear implantation (CI) is rare. We present the case of a 57-year-old lady with medically treated depression and a background of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in the non-implanted ear, who clearly fulfilled audiological criteria for CI. Two years post-implantation her CSOM in the non-implanted ear was addressed with blind sac closure of the ear.

Lens Dislocation Following YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy.

A rare case where laser peripheral iridotomy resulted in crystalline lens dislocation into the vitreous cavity. The patient was managed with pars plana vitrectomy, fragmatome lensectomy, anterior chamber intraocular lens and surgical iridotomy with a final best corrected visual acuity of 6/9. Multiple episodes of laser peripheral iridotomy carries a risk of complete lens dislocation.

Persistent upper airway obstruction is a diagnostic feature of spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with multiple dislocations (Hall type) with further evidence for dominant inheritance.

The spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasias (SEMD) are a group of skeletal dysplasias of variable severity with a heterogeneous genetic aetiology. SEMD with multiple dislocations (Hall type) is a recently identified disorder (OMIM 603546) which is characterized by striking epiphyseal and metaphyseal changes of the long bones and joint laxity with multiple dislocations of the large joints. We report on persistent inspiratory stridor in a child with this type of SEMD in the second reported family with dominant transmission of this disorder.

Patient employment status and satisfaction following cochlear implantation.

The aim of this study was to look at the effect on employment and employee perception of career opportunities after receiving a cochlear implant. Retrospective analysis based on a patient questionnaire was conducted. Eighty patients were identified: 65 (81.

An unusual air gun injury to the ethmoid sinus.

We report an air gun pellet in the ethmoid sinus. The entrance point was concealed in the conjunctiva of the medial canthus, sparing the eye and skin. The pellet traversed the ethmoid and was stopped by the cribriform plate.

Evaluation of bilaterally implanted adult subjects with the nucleus 24 cochlear implant system.

Objective: To evaluate the speech perception benefits of bilateral implantation for subjects who already have one implant.

Study Design: Repeated measures.

Patients: Thirty adult cochlear implant users who received their second implant from 1 to 7 years with a mean of 3 years after their first device.

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage during cataract surgery in a vitrectomized eye.

We report a case of surprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) that occurred during cataract surgery in a previously vitrectomized eye. The only sign of SCH was a progressive shadow obscuring the red reflex. There was no increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), shallowing of the anterior chamber, or iris prolapse.

Outpatient fibre-optic laryngoscopy for stridor in children and infants.

Many neonates are referred for a diagnosis with stridor. The gold standard investigation has traditionally been a rigid or direct microlaryngoscopy. This impacts on existing theatre schedules, demands a high level of skills from the paediatric anaesthetist along with the risk of exposing a neonate to a general anaesthetic.

Direct referral of posterior capsular opacification by optometrists.

Purpose: To study referrals of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) for laser capsulotomy by optometrists and compare direct referral with that via the general practitioner (GP).

Methods: A prospective analysis of optometrist referrals with regard to diagnostic accuracy, appropriateness of referral, quality of letters and patient waiting times.

Results: Of 222 referrals, 156 were direct and 66 via the GP.