Histopathological effects of parylene C (poly-chloro-p-xylylene) in the inner ear

Abstract

Objective: To assess the histopathological effects of parylene C (PC) (poly-chloro-p-xylylene) in the inner ear. Methods: Nine adult Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs (500–600 g) were included in the study. PC pieces were inserted into the cochlea in the right ear of the animals (study group). The round windows were punctured in the left ears comprised the control group. After three months, the animals were sacrificed, and the dissected temporal bones were examined under a light microscope. Results: No significant difference was revealed between the study and control groups regarding histopathological findings such as perineural congestion, perineural inflammation, neural fibrosis, number of ganglion cells, edema, and degeneration of ganglion cells (p>0.05). Conclusion: PC did not cause any additional histopathologic damage in the cochlea. This finding may be promising regarding the use of PC in cochlear implant electrodes as an alternative to silicon materials in the future.