XXXII Experiments on Venous Stasis of the Cochlea

Abstract

Venous stasis of the cochlea was produced experimentally in the guinea pig. There is a correlation between the resultant acute changes in cochlear (strial) blood flow, cochlear function (microphonic response) and cochlear O2 tension. Cochlear blood flow could be temporarily improved along with improvement of function. Chronic venous stasis after occlusion of the vena aqueductus cochleae and its tributaries to the internal meatus produced degeneration of the spiral ligament, stria and outer hair cells. No change in the cochlear capsule was observed. No fibrous tissue or bone was found in the perilymphatic or endolymphatic spaces of the cochlea. Some fibrosis and new bone formation in the perilymph of the semicircular canals appeared to be related to blood trapped in the perilymphatic meshwork.