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Sheep as a large animal model for cochlear implantation
Thuy-Tran Trinh1, C Cohen2, L Boullaud1
1CHRU de Tours, Service d'ORL et Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, France.
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|April 11, 2021
Summary
Sheep heads serve as a realistic model for cochlear implant surgery training. Anatomical comparisons show similarities to humans, though mastoidectomy training is less suitable due to sheep mastoid pneumatization.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Education
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Large animal models offer anatomical fidelity for surgical training.
- Few studies have explored large animal models for otologic surgical training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sheep head as a model for cochlear implant surgery.
- To perform neuroradiologic assessment and surgical electrode array insertion in sheep heads.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans and neuroradiologic evaluation of 20 cadaveric sheep heads.
- Comparison of sheep inner ear measurements with human temporal bone CT scans.
- Surgical training and cochlear implantation on sheep temporal bones, with post-procedure CT confirmation.
Main Results:
- Sheep cochlear dimensions showed ratios of 0.60-0.73 compared to humans; other metrics exceeded 0.80.
- The round window was consistently identified in all sheep temporal bones.
- CT scans confirmed successful cochlear implant electrode array insertion (mean 18.3 mm).
Conclusions:
- Sheep models are suitable for training cochlear implant surgery and perilymph collection.
- Sheep anatomy is less ideal for mastoidectomy training due to mastoid pneumatization.
