First steps towards image-guided cochlear implant surgery with optical coherence tomography.
Anastasiya Starovoyt
Research Seminar
When?
Wednesday, 29 May 2019, 11:00
Where?
Seminar room HP1
O&N 2 - KU Leuven
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Abstract
Cochlear implant (CI) is a well-established treatment for severe hearing loss. Currently, cochlear implant surgery comprises a gentle insertion of an electrode array into the cochlea, guided by macroscopic CT scanning and surgical expertise. While this approach is effective, it does not guarantee an atraumatic electrode insertion. Prevention of insertion trauma is crucial for achievement of the optimal hearing outcome in patients, especially in view of the recent trends towards preservation of residual hearing, earlier implantation and a lifetime use of renewing technologies in children. In the past decades, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has proven valuable for real-time, non-invasive, high-resolution, cross-sectional imaging of tissue microstructure in various fields of medicine. There is an upcoming interest for OCT imaging of the cochlea. Our goal is to adapt this technology for non-invasive visualization of the cochlear insertion area and thus to enable an image-guided electrode insertion. We have performed a feasibility study on OCT imaging in surgically accessed and isolated human cochleas. Currently, we are working on standardization of OCT imaging for the human cochlea. Furthermore, we are developing a 3D printed cochlear model for insertion trauma studies, based on micro-CT scans of human temporal bones. We will present the results of our feasibility study and the first prototypes of the cochlear model. In conclusion, we will discuss the planning of the next steps towards OCT-guided insertion.
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