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Extracting the Cochlea from a Human Temporal Bone: A Cadaveric Protocol
Published on: August 18, 2023
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Insertion depth angles of cochlear implant arrays with varying length: a temporal bone study
Annett Franke-Trieger1, Claude Jolly, Alexander Darbinjan
1*Saxonian Cochlear Implant Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technical University of Dresden, Germany †MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria.
Summary
Surgeons can optimize cochlear implant electrode array length by considering individual cochlear size and insertion depth angles. This personalized approach is crucial for preserving low-frequency residual hearing.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Accurate preoperative estimation of cochlear electrode array insertion depth angles is vital for surgical planning.
- Optimizing electrode length is particularly important for preserving residual low-frequency hearing in cochlear implant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the insertion depth angles of various cochlear electrode array lengths.
- To determine the variability of these angles based on individual cochlear dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Four electrode arrays (20-31 mm) were inserted into 10 human temporal bones.
- High-resolution 3D Flat Panel Computed Tomography (FPCT) was used to measure insertion angles and basal turn diameter.
Main Results:
- FPCT enabled reliable measurement of insertion depth angles for all tested arrays.
- Significant differences in insertion depth angles were observed between different array lengths.
- A negative correlation was found between insertion depth angle and cochlear basal turn diameter for 20- and 31-mm arrays.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implant electrode array length selection should be individualized.
- Considering insertion depth angles and cochlear anatomy can improve surgical decision-making.
- This personalized strategy is especially beneficial for patients requiring low-frequency hearing preservation.
