New approach for 3D imaging and geometry modeling of the human inner ear

Obtaining high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) geometry data performs a necessary assumption for modeling cochlear mechanics. Preferably this procedure has to be done noninvasively to preserve the original morphology. Depending on the actual application, various levels of spatial resolution and tissue differentiation should be reached. Here a new approach is presented which allows 3D imaging of temporal bone specimens with intact regions of interest and spatial resolution currently in the 10-microm range, but providing capabilities for future enhancements down to the submicron level. The technique is based on microtomography by X-rays or synchrotron radiation respectively. The structural data are reconstructed and converted to geometry data by 3D image processing, and eventually transferred into simulation environments, e.g., Finite Element Analysis, but may also be used for general visualization tasks in research, clinics, and education.