Increased spiral ganglion cell survival in electrically stimulated, deafened guinea pig cochleae.

For implanted electronic prostheses to function successfully in the deaf, residual spiral ganglion neurons are presumed to be necessary. Several studies have tried to determine the effects cochlear electrode implantation and electrical stimulation have on the neurons of the spiral ganglion. Little work has been published, however, on the trophic effects of electrical stimulation on cell survival after cochlear damage by ototoxicity. This report presents the results of an investigation to determine the effects of early intracochlear electrical stimulation on spiral ganglion neuron survival after chemically induced deafness in young guinea pigs. A significantly larger number of spiral ganglion cells remained in stimulated ears 6 weeks after deafening than were seen in the unstimulated ears of the same animals. These results suggest that early implantation after acquired deafness may affect the success obtainable with electronic hearing prostheses.

Carbon dioxide laser treatment of laryngeal stenosis.

Six patients ranging from 3 to 67 years of age were treated for acquired laryngeal stenosis. Five of these patients were considered failures from conventional surgical techniques including multiple open endolaryngeal procedures and repeated dilations. Using the carbon dioxide laser, the various obstructing lesions were excised microendoscopically and injected with interstitial steroids. After one to six procedures, all of these patients now have adequate airways and serviceable voices.

Glucagon and esophageal meat impaction.

Glucagon is suggested as an alternate method of treatment in difficult cases of esophageal meat impaction. Glucagon has been used in diagnostic roentgenology to facilitate smooth muscle relaxation. We describe its characteristics and mode of action, and we report two cases that emphasize the advantages of glucagon therapy as a primary modality or as an alternative in problem cases.

Anatomical consequences of CO2 laser surgery of the guinea pig ear.

A modified American Optical (Model 100) CO2 laser was used to produce lesions in the tympanic membranes, ossicles, and cochlear capsules of guinea pigs. Even with the lowest available intensities and durations (0.4 watts, 50 msec), there was damage to the inner ear. Although laser surgery of the ear can avoid mechanical trauma and bleeding as well as increase accuracy, the use of commercial lasers in ear surgery should be avoided until a proven unit is available.

CO2 laser as a clinical tool in otolaryngology.

The CO2 laser has been used in a variety of lesions for two and one half years in areas other than the larynx. These lesions include viral papillomas, leukoplakias and erosive lichen planus in various otolaryngological sites. Laser therapy is compared with other modalities of treatment for similar lesions and the advantages and disadvantages of this type treatment is evaluated.

CO2 laser laryngoscopy in a variety of lesions.

We have had the opportunity to employ the CO2 surgical laser with suspension laryngoscopy and microscopic adaptations to treat a variety of laryngeal conditions over two years. Each type of laryngeal condition is discussed, and the benefits of laser management is evaluated. This type of laryngeal management is compared with other forms of treatment such as the standard surgical approaches, electrocautery, and cryosurgery.