TY - JOUR

T1 - Automated insertion of preformed cochlear implant electrodes

T2 - Evaluation of curling behaviour and insertion forces on an artificial cochlear model

AU - Rau, Thomas S.

AU - Hussong, Andreas

AU - Leinung, Martin

AU - Lenarz, Thomas

AU - Majdani, Omid

N1 - Funding information: Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the DFG (German Research Association) for funding the development of the automated insertion tool in the priority programme “Medical Navigation and Robotics” (SPP 1124, MA 4038/1-1, HE-2445/19-1). We would also like to thank KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG (Tuttlingen, Germany) as well as Cochlear Ltd. (Sydney, Australia) for supporting our work.

PY - 2010/3

Y1 - 2010/3

N2 - Purpose: As a substantial part of our concept of a minimally invasive cochlear implant (CI) surgery, we developed an automated insertion tool. Studies on an artificial scala tympani model were performed in order to evaluate force application when using the insertion tool. Methods: Contour electrodes were automatically inserted into a transparent cochlea model in Advance Off-Stylet technique. Occurring forces were measured by the use of a load cell and correlated with observed intracochlear movement of the electrode carriers. Results: Mean insertion forces were measured up to 20 mN comparable to previous studies on temporal bones. The most influencing factor is the implant's 2D curling behaviour in comparison to the 3D helical shape of the cochlea. Conclusion: The study confirms the functionality and reliability of the automated insertion tool for insertion of preformed CI. Improved insertion strategies considering patient-specific anatomy become possible.

AB - Purpose: As a substantial part of our concept of a minimally invasive cochlear implant (CI) surgery, we developed an automated insertion tool. Studies on an artificial scala tympani model were performed in order to evaluate force application when using the insertion tool. Methods: Contour electrodes were automatically inserted into a transparent cochlea model in Advance Off-Stylet technique. Occurring forces were measured by the use of a load cell and correlated with observed intracochlear movement of the electrode carriers. Results: Mean insertion forces were measured up to 20 mN comparable to previous studies on temporal bones. The most influencing factor is the implant's 2D curling behaviour in comparison to the 3D helical shape of the cochlea. Conclusion: The study confirms the functionality and reliability of the automated insertion tool for insertion of preformed CI. Improved insertion strategies considering patient-specific anatomy become possible.

KW - Automated insertion tool

KW - Cochlear implant

KW - Force measurement

KW - Intracochlear force

KW - Minimally invasive surgery

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77649236265&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1007/s11548-009-0299-9

DO - 10.1007/s11548-009-0299-9

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:77649236265

VL - 5

SP - 173

EP - 181

JO - International journal of computer assisted radiology and surgery

JF - International journal of computer assisted radiology and surgery

SN - 1861-6410

IS - 2

ER -