In a remarkable medical achievement, PGIMER, Chandigarh successfully performed a groundbreaking cochlear implant surgery on Aarika, a nine-year-old girl. This surgery marks the first time in the central-north region that the advanced ‘SmartNav’ software was used during the procedure, significantly enhancing cochlear implant technology.
The surgery, led by Dr. Jaimanti Bakshi, head of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at PGIMER, involved implanting electrodes into Aarika’s cochlea to restore her hearing. Cochlear implants are critical for the development of speech, language, and academic skills in children with severe to profound hearing loss. PGIMER has been performing these surgeries since 2003, with over 650 patients treated successfully.
The ‘SmartNav’ software, developed by Cochlear Ltd., provides real-time metrics like electrode insertion depth, speed, and neural responses, eliminating the need for intra-operative X-rays and reducing surgery time by up to 20 minutes. Dr. Bakshi described the software as a "game changer," improving precision and patient safety.
The audiology team, led by Dr. Dharam Vir and Dr. Noorain Alam, conducted critical intraoperative assessments, ensuring the success of the procedure. Aarika’s parents expressed their happiness upon seeing real-time confirmation of the successful implant.
This pioneering surgery demonstrates PGIMER’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance patient care and outcomes in the region.