✓Perform surgical cochlear implantation in guinea pigs using established protocol
✓Measure compound action potentials (CAP) to assess cochlear implant function
✓Evaluate electrode impedance and foreign body reactions post-implantation
✓Apply this animal model to test pharmaceutical or electrical stimulation interventions
Protocol
The goal of this protocol is to provide an animal model of cochlear implantation, which can be used to address a multitude of research questions. Potential applications include the evaluation of pharmaceutical interventions or electrical stimulation for beneficial effects on hearing thresholds or electrode impedances.
Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~3-4 hours per animal (including surgical preparation, implantation, and initial assessment)
Model organism
Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
Biosafety
BSL-1
Steps
1
Prepare animal and surgical site
Anesthetize guinea pig, position for otologic access, and prepare the surgical field aseptically for cochlear implantation.
▶ 00:46
2
Perform cochlear implantation surgery
Execute surgical approach to the cochlea, create electrode insertion pathway, and position the implant array within the cochlear space.
▶ 02:55
3
Measure CAP and assess electrode response
Record compound action potentials and electrode impedance measurements to evaluate implant function and neural responsiveness.
▶ 08:17
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