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Micromanipulator for enhancing surgeon's dexterity in cochlear atraumatic surgery
Joan Savall1, Manuel Manrique, Mikel Echeverria
1CEIT and tecnun, University of Navarra, San Sebastián, Spain. jsaval@ceit.es
Summary
A new micromanipulator assists surgeons in milling precise grooves for cochlear implant electrode arrays, minimizing cochlear damage during hybrid stimulation procedures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Hybrid stimulation in cochlear implants necessitates novel electrode array designs.
- Current flat electrode arrays aim to prevent cochlear damage but require precise surgical milling.
- Milling a groove for electrode insertion is challenging, risking cochlear injury even for experienced surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, manufacture, and test a micromanipulator to aid surgeons in milling precise grooves for cochlear implant electrode insertion.
- To enhance surgical accuracy and minimize cochlear damage during the milling process.
Main Methods:
- Development of a compliant mechanism-based micromanipulator.
- Attachment of a surgical milling tool to the compliant mechanism.
- Positioning the tool within the auditory canal for guided motion.
Main Results:
- The micromanipulator was successfully designed, manufactured, and tested.
- The compliant mechanism effectively guided the surgical tool, maintaining tactile feedback.
- Enhanced surgeon dexterity for accurate groove milling was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The compliant mechanism-based micromanipulator is a viable tool to assist surgeons in precise cochlear implant electrode array groove milling.
- This technology has the potential to reduce surgical complications and improve outcomes for cochlear implant patients.
