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A Sleeve-Based, Micromotion Avoiding, Retractable and Tear-Opening (SMART) Insertion Tool for Cochlear Implantation
IEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering
|September 5, 2022
Summary
A new insertion tool for cochlear implantation reduces forces and movement, protecting delicate intracochlear structures. This innovation aims to improve surgical outcomes and patient hearing results.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Instrumentation
Background:
- Cochlear implantation (CI) electrode array insertion is limited by anatomy and surgeon kinematics.
- Intracochlear trauma can occur during conventional manual insertion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel insertion tool concept for cochlear implantation.
- To optimize electrode array trajectory and stabilize it during manual insertion.
- To reduce intracochlear trauma during cochlear implantation.
Main Methods:
- Expert surgeons performed conventional and tool-guided manual insertions in a temporal bone model.
- Intracochlear pressure, insertion forces, and electrode array deformation were recorded simultaneously.
Main Results:
- Tool-guided insertions showed significant reductions in maximum insertion forces and force variations.
- Transverse intracochlear electrode array movement and pressure transients were substantially decreased.
- The novel tool demonstrated improved key metrics related to intracochlear trauma.
Conclusions:
- The presented insertion tool enhances manual cochlear implantation by improving critical metrics.
- This tool has the potential to minimize intracochlear trauma and improve hearing outcomes.
- The versatile design supports manual, motorized, robotic, and image-guided CI procedures.
