Accuracy assessment of a cochlear implant imaging tool using clinical computed tomography images

In today's clinical routine, imaging tools are increasingly used for cochlear implant surgical planning and assessment. However, low resolution and artifacts of computer tomography (CT) images often prevent a reliable assessment of the cochlea geometry, as well as introduced trauma from the surgery. This study evaluated the reliability of a cochlear implant imaging tool for evaluation of clinical CT scans. 20 sets of clinical pre- and postoperative CT images, implanted with Advanced Bionics SlimJ and Mid-Scala electrode arrays, were analyzed using fusion imaging, manual measurements, and the imaging tool. The compared outcomes included cochlea diameter and width, angular insertion depth, and electrode scalar location. Cochlea diameter (A) and width (B) demonstrated excellent and good inter-rater agreement between the imaging tool and manual measurements, respectively, while angular insertion depth and electrode scalar location showed excellent agreement. The imaging tool achieved an overall high accuracy of 96.9%, with a sensitivity of 83.0% and specificity of 98.3% for assessing the electrode scalar location. The imaging tool exhibited high accuracy and good to excellent agreement with other established assessment methods for clinical CTs. With its strong usability and fast evaluations, this evidence supports the tool's reliable use in clinical practice.