Highly Flexible Silicone Coated Neural Array for Intracochlear Electrical Stimulation.

We present an effective method for tailoring the flexibility of a commercial thin-film polymer electrode array for intracochlear electrical stimulation. Using a pneumatically driven dispensing system, an average 232 ± 64 μm (mean ± SD) thickness layer of silicone adhesive coating was applied to stiffen the underside of polyimide multisite arrays. Additional silicone was applied to the tip to protect neural tissue during insertion and along the array to improve surgical handling.

Optimizing treatment of nasal fractures.

Objectives/hypothesis: A graduated protocol involving closed reduction, septoplasty, osteotomies, upper lateral cartilage release, anterior perpendicular plate fracture, and camouflaging cartilage grafts yields a higher percentage of straight noses in cases of acute fracture than treatment with closed reduction alone.

Study Design: Retrospective chart and literature review followed by a prospective, non-randomized sequential trial.

Methods: Closed reduction was performed on 26 cases of acute nasal fracture and the results were compared with a subsequent series of 79 cases treated using a more complete protocol.