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Cochlear cross section showing the lower portion of the spiral ligament (SL) facing scala tympani (ST). The curved arrow indicates a venule coursing through the spiral ligament toward the floor of scala tympani. The straight arrow indicates the portion of the spiral ligament seen in the next image. From Roland PS, Wright C.G. Surgical aspects of cochlear implantation: Mechanisms of insertional trauma. Adv Otorhinolaryngol 2006;64:11-30. Copyright S. Karger AG, Basel. Reproduced with

Cochlear dissection after insertion of an implant electrode array. Portions of the osseous lamina and basilar membrane have been removed to more clearly show the electrode lying in scala tympani. The silicone carrier of the array has been lightly stained with osmium so that it has a light brown color. Note that in the area indicated by the arrows the array is in direct contact with the lateral wall under the basilar membrane. From Roland PS, Wright C.G. Surgical aspects of cochlear

This is a temporal bone which had an implant electrode inserted at the time that the bone was fresh and unfixed. After fixation, osmium staining, and dissection the electrode was removed from scala tympani. “A” shows the apical turn in an area that the electrode did not reach. The arrows indicate normal-appearing venules in the lower part of the spiral ligament. “B” shows an area in the basal turn where the electrode was in contact with the lateral wall immediately below the basilar

Dissection view of scala tympani and modiolus in the basal turn showing the posterior spiral vein (black arrows). A vein (white arrow) on the side of the modiolus joins the posterior spiral vein. Compare this image with the modiolar cross sections seen in slide 14. This preparation received light decalcification but no bone was removed from the modiolar wall. ST, floor of scala tympani. From Roland PS, Wright C.G. Surgical aspects of cochlear implantation: Mechanisms of insertional

A: The black arrow indicates a vein on the floor of scala tympani as seen by SEM. A small vessel crossing the perilymphatic space is indicated by the white arrow. B: Higher power view of the area indicated by the black arrow in “A”. Here there is a crack in the tissue revealing RBC’s inside the vein (arrow).

Overview of veins in scala tympani. In this dissection, the osseous lamina and basilar membrane have been removed to provide a direct view into scala tympani (ST). The apical portion of the cochlea is shown in “A”. “B” shows the middle and upper basal turns. The arrows in “A” indicate the attachment zone of the basilar membrane and the brackets indicate the approximate area of the lower portion of the spiral ligament which contains the venules that drain the lateral wall tissues.

Highly textured surface of modiolar wall seen in profile.

Scanning electron micrograph of the modiolar wall in the basal cochlear turn.

Cochlear cross section showing the spiral ganglion (G) with peripheral (P) and central (C) processes projecting from the ganglion to enter the osseous lamina and modiolus. Note the very thin bone overlying the spiral ganglion and under surface of the osseous lamina. From Roland PS, Wright C.G. Surgical aspects of cochlear implantation: Mechanisms of insertional trauma. Adv Otorhinolaryngol 2006;64:11-30. Copyright S. Karger AG, Basel. Reproduced with permission.

A: Otic capsule bone drilled to a thin shell to reveal contours of the cochlea. The membranous labyrinth has been stained with osmium so that it appears dark through the thinned bone. An implant electrode array had been inserted into this specimen and a portion of the array can be seen at lower left. B: Similar preparation in which the bone overlying scala vestibuli has been removed to show the osmium-stained basilar membrane and osseous spiral lamina. A: Apical cochlear