Applications of visualizing cochlear basal turn in cochlear implantation

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Medical Imaging
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Cochlear implantation (CI) requires precise anatomical visualization for optimal surgical outcomes.
• Accurate assessment of the cochlear basal turn and internal auditory canal (IAC) cross-section is crucial for electrode selection and placement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reliable method for obtaining optimal cochlear basal turn and internal auditory canal (IAC) cross-sections for cochlear implantation (CI) procedures.
• To evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of 3D segmentation techniques in visualizing inner ear anatomy.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 1932 head CT and MRI scans from potential CI candidates (2018-2022).
• Utilized Slicer software for three-dimensional (3D) segmentation of the inner ear and cochlear basal turn.
• Focused on capturing the cochlear basal turn and IAC cross-section.

Main Results:

• Successfully obtained cochlear basal turn and IAC cross-sections in all anatomical variations from 1866 normal anatomy scans and 66 abnormal ears.
• 3D segmentation enabled rapid (<1 minute) visualization of the cochlear basal turn.
• Identified scalar ossification in five normal anatomy cases, with extent visualized in the cochlear basal turn.

Conclusions:

• 3D segmentation provides a clinically relevant method for assessing cochlear basal turn and IAC anatomy.
• Accurate identification of ossification, basal turn shape, and cochlear size aids surgical planning and electrode selection.
• This technique enhances preoperative assessment for cochlear implantation.