An electrode insertion support device is used for inserting a cochlear implant electrode into a cochlea scala of a patient cochlea. A stiff electrode holder encloses at least a portion of a cochlear implant electrode while allowing the electrode within to slide freely. A pointed distal tip of the electrode holder is adapted to pierce an electrode opening through an outer surface of the patient cochlea into the cochlea scala. The insertion support device prevents an apical tip of the enclosed electrode from contacting tissues around the electrode opening during the insertion surgery.
