Morphologic Analysis of the Scala Tympani Using Synchrotron: Implications for Cochlear Implantation

To use synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging (SR-PCI) to visualize and measure the morphology of the entire cochlear scala tympani (ST) and assess cochlear implant (CI) electrode trajectories.

SR-PCI images were used to obtain geometric measurements of the cochlear scalar diameter and area at 5-degree increments in 35 unimplanted and three implanted fixed human cadaveric cochleae.

The cross-sectional diameter and area of the cochlea were found to decrease from the base to the apex. This study represents a wide variability in cochlear morphology and suggests that even in the smallest cochlea, the ST can accommodate a 0.4 mm diameter electrode up to 720°. Additionally, all lateral wall array trajectories were within the anatomically accommodating insertion zone.

This is the first study to use SR-PCI to visualize and quantify the entire ST morphology, from the round window to the apical tip, and assess the post-operative trajectory of electrodes. These high-resolution anatomical measurements can be used to inform the angular insertion depth that can be accommodated in CI patients, accounting for anatomical variability.

N/A. Laryngoscope, 134:2889-2897, 2024.