Hello everyone,
in relation to the debate on stem cells and the cochlear implant, it is clear that I am inclined toward the stem cells. As for the cochlear implant, I think we should investigate the big names in new developments in stem cells.
The only brand that I know is betting on new technologies as atoh1 enter cells or to preserve or restore hearing loss is "Med el".
"Used in over 80 countries worldwide, our cochlear implant systems bring
hearing to thousands of severely deaf individuals. The stimulating electrode
array is inserted deep into the cochlear fl uids, giving the potential for local
drug delivery. Possible future indications for pharmacotherapy may include:
Preservation of residual hearing during implantation (anti-infl ammatories, cell
death inhibitors), enhancement of the degenerated auditory nerve, treatment
of the underlying pathology, and regenerative approaches.
MED EL is researching, in laboratory tests and in vivo models, a range of novel
intra-cochlear delivery devices suitable for a variety of therapies:
• Elution from the electrode carrier
It is possible to mix dexamethasone into silicone elastomer, as used in
the electrode array. In bench tests, this gives a predictable drug
concentration from a simple system. In-vivo models have indicated
effi cacy against hearing loss after electrode insertion trauma;
• Intra-cochlear injection with a fl exible catheter
MED EL’s expertise in the design of atraumatic electrode arrays is
facilitating research into the appropriate design of a fl exible single
use catheter, which may be developed for safe, atraumatic intracochlear
injection, prior to electrode insertion; and
• Delivery through a gel-fi lled reservoir
For semi-chronic, distributed delivery of drugs, particles or biologics
MED EL is researching the feasibility of incorporating a reservoir within
the body of the electrode array".
source: http://www.rnid.org.uk/VirtualContent/84925/Full_Nature_ad.pdf
in relation to the debate on stem cells and the cochlear implant, it is clear that I am inclined toward the stem cells. As for the cochlear implant, I think we should investigate the big names in new developments in stem cells.
The only brand that I know is betting on new technologies as atoh1 enter cells or to preserve or restore hearing loss is "Med el".
"Used in over 80 countries worldwide, our cochlear implant systems bring
hearing to thousands of severely deaf individuals. The stimulating electrode
array is inserted deep into the cochlear fl uids, giving the potential for local
drug delivery. Possible future indications for pharmacotherapy may include:
Preservation of residual hearing during implantation (anti-infl ammatories, cell
death inhibitors), enhancement of the degenerated auditory nerve, treatment
of the underlying pathology, and regenerative approaches.
MED EL is researching, in laboratory tests and in vivo models, a range of novel
intra-cochlear delivery devices suitable for a variety of therapies:
• Elution from the electrode carrier
It is possible to mix dexamethasone into silicone elastomer, as used in
the electrode array. In bench tests, this gives a predictable drug
concentration from a simple system. In-vivo models have indicated
effi cacy against hearing loss after electrode insertion trauma;
• Intra-cochlear injection with a fl exible catheter
MED EL’s expertise in the design of atraumatic electrode arrays is
facilitating research into the appropriate design of a fl exible single
use catheter, which may be developed for safe, atraumatic intracochlear
injection, prior to electrode insertion; and
• Delivery through a gel-fi lled reservoir
For semi-chronic, distributed delivery of drugs, particles or biologics
MED EL is researching the feasibility of incorporating a reservoir within
the body of the electrode array".
source: http://www.rnid.org.uk/VirtualContent/84925/Full_Nature_ad.pdf
