Evaluation of the Performance of OTOPLAN-Based Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Selection: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Planning

Background:

• Cochlear implant surgery requires precise electrode array selection.
• Otoplan software provides electrode array recommendations based on imaging data.
• Evaluating the impact of software recommendations on surgical choices and patient outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Otoplan software's electrode array recommendations with actual implanted arrays.
• To assess the influence of Otoplan-recommended versus non-recommended array selection on auditory outcomes.
• To investigate potential biases in electrode array selection during cochlear implant surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 114 patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery.
• Pre-operative CT images analyzed using Otoplan software for array recommendations.
• Comparison of recommended array type and length with surgically implanted arrays.
• Evaluation of auditory outcomes (CNC scores) at 12 months post-implantation.

Main Results:

• 47% of patients received Otoplan-recommended arrays; 34% received shorter, 18% received longer arrays.
• 83% received more flexible arrays, often due to cochlear structure or hearing preservation needs.
• A non-significant negative correlation was found between array selection difference and 12-month CNC scores.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians may exhibit a bias towards shorter electrode arrays, potentially impacting optimal hearing results.
• Pre-operative 3D imaging and surgical planning software can enhance confidence in selecting longer arrays when appropriate.
• Utilizing Otoplan recommendations and advanced imaging may lead to improved auditory outcomes in cochlear implant patients.