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An automated insertion tool for cochlear implants: another step towards atraumatic cochlear implant surgery

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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Atraumatic electrode insertion has been identified to be a crucial step for the preservation of residual hearing abilities, which allows hybrid electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS). The authors propose a tool for automation of the insertion process to achieve this.

Methods

General benefits as well as concept and design of an automated insertion tool are presented. Thirty insertions of Nucleus 24 Contour Advance Practice Electrodes in an artificial scala tympani model as well as 20 insertions in a human cochlea specimen were performed using the tool, implementing the AOS technique. For both studies, the achieved insertion depth angle was evaluated by photographic or X-ray documentation.

Results

The mean achieved insertion depth angle was 410° for the lubricated model and 330° for the human cochlea specimen.

Conclusion

The automated insertion tool has proven its capability to perform electrode insertions with final insertion depth angles within the target range of a standard cochlear implant surgery. Additionally, to the knowledge of the authors, it represents the only possibility to automatically insert cochlear implant electrodes via minimally invasive approaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Mechatronic Systems (former Institute of Robotics), Leibniz Universität Hannover, Appelstraße 11a, 30167, Hannover, Germany

    Andreas Hussong, Tobias Ortmaier & Bodo Heimann

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany

    Thomas S. Rau, Thomas Lenarz & Omid Majdani

Authors
  1. Andreas Hussong
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  2. Thomas S. Rau
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  3. Tobias Ortmaier
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  4. Bodo Heimann
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  5. Thomas Lenarz
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  6. Omid Majdani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andreas Hussong.

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Hussong, A., Rau, T.S., Ortmaier, T. et al. An automated insertion tool for cochlear implants: another step towards atraumatic cochlear implant surgery. Int J CARS 5, 163–171 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-009-0368-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-009-0368-0

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