High-Resolution Intraoperative Guide for Cochlear Implant Surgery Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Despite advances in soft surgery, intracochlear trauma during cochlear implant (CI) electrode insertion still occurs, potentially damaging cochlear microstructures and affecting hearing outcomes or future treatments. While the round window membrane (RWM) approach is generally less traumatic, the hook region's complex anatomy can still cause mechanical injury, often due to limited visual guidance. Preoperative imaging and intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) could reduce trauma by offering high-resolution, real-time visualization of cochlear microstructures.

Eight fresh-frozen human temporal bones (TB1-TB8) were included. The first 6 specimens (TB1-TB6) underwent micro-CT scanning with manual segmentation to establish detailed anatomical baselines and served for OCT-micro-CT co-registration. Following a standard cochlear implantation approach, intracochlear structures behind the RWM were visualized using a microscope-integrated OCT system, with additional imaging performed via an anteroinferior cochleostomy to compare access routes. Electrode insertions were performed under OCT guidance in selected specimens, while feasibility of intraoperative workflow and insertion dynamics was assessed in TB7-TB8 under fluoroscopic control.

OCT images were successfully obtained for each TB, with proper RWM exposure being crucial. The OCT microscope enabled scanning of the RWM and scala tympani (ST) from various axes, depths, and angles at a surgical working distance, improving assessment of proximal ST anatomy. OCT appears reliable for evaluating microanatomy through the RWM, guiding CI electrode selection, approach, and proximal array course modification during insertion. By visualizing critical structures and inferring deeper ones, it supports preoperative imagery-based planning and may reduce the risk of intracochlear damage.

Intraoperative OCT imaging enhances the precision of the cochlear opening site and electrode insertion axis. By integrating OCT, CI surgery could shift from a largely blind procedure to one with significant visual guidance, reducing surgical trauma and improving postoperative hearing preservation.