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Cochlear Implant Surgery and Electrically-evoked Auditory Brainstem Response Recordings in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: January 9, 2019
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Evaluating the Stapes as a Landmark for Round Window Identification in Cochlear Implantation
Sean McMenomey1, Richard S Tubbs2, John Kveton3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, NYU Langone, New York, NY.
Summary
The stapes intercrural width accurately predicts the round window level in cochlear implant surgery. This measurement provides a simple, intuitive tool for surgeons to safely access the cochlea.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Intraoperative identification of the round window (RW) is crucial for cochlear implantation.
- The distance relationship between the stapes and the RW can be variable.
- Accurate anatomical landmarks are needed to guide surgical approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive accuracy of the stapes intercrural width for locating the round window.
- To assess the utility of stapes morphology as an intraoperative landmark.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 102 temporal bone CT scans from patients undergoing cochlear implantation.
- Multiplanar image reformatting was used to analyze stapes intercrural width and its relation to the round window.
Main Results:
- The average stapes intercrural width was 2.1 mm (SD: 0.17 mm), ranging from 1.7 mm to 2.6 mm.
- In all 102 cases (100%), the stapes intercrural distance accurately predicted the round window's level on CT analysis.
Conclusions:
- Stapes intercrural width is a reliable predictor of the round window level.
- This measurement offers a simple, intuitive intraoperative tool for safe cochlear access.
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