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Updated: Sep 19, 2025
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Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
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Surgeon-performed intraoperative cochlear implant testing using SmartNav: A step toward streamlining surgical
Faisal Zawawi1, Afnan F Bukhari1, Sara A Khairy1
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|June 15, 2025
Summary
The SmartNav system streamlines pediatric cochlear implant surgeries, eliminating the need for an audiologist in the operating room. This enhances surgical efficiency and optimizes resource use for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Assessing the impact of the SmartNav system on surgical workflow.
- Determining the necessity of audiologist presence during pediatric cochlear implant surgeries.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the efficiency of a surgeon-performed SmartNav protocol.
- Investigate the role of remote data transmission to audiologists.
- Assess the overall impact on surgical workflow and resource utilization.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 40 pediatric cochlear implant surgeries (Cochlear CI 632 device with SmartNav).
- Patients aged 18 or younger with normal cochlear anatomy.
- Evaluation included preoperative registration, intraoperative assessment, and remote data transmission.
Main Results:
- 34 patients (40 implants); median age 3.6 years.
- Median surgical time 86 min/ear; SmartNav protocol 12.7 min.
- No audiologist needed in OR; remote data enabled successful postoperative fitting.
Conclusions:
- SmartNav enhances pediatric cochlear implantation efficiency.
- Surgeon-performed testing reduces resource dependency and operative time.
- Optimized resource utilization may improve auditory outcomes and patient care.
