CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Laryngorhinootologie 2021; 100(S 02): S219
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728434
Abstracts
Otology / Neurotology / Audiology

Preliminary time estimations using a novel and simple insertion tool for cochlear implant electrode arrays: observations toward clinical application

M. Geraldine Zuniga
1   Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Hannover
,
T Lenarz
1   Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Hannover
,
T Rau
1   Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Hannover
› Author Affiliations
 

Content

Introduction Automated insertion of electrode arrays (EA) for cochlear implant (CI) surgery may enhance atraumatic results by facilitating velocities and insertion characteristics (e.g. without tremor) challenging for the human hand. We recently described a novel, simple and non-invasive insertion tool that repurposes a syringe to very slowly deliver an EA using hydraulic actuation. A challenge our tool may face on its way to clinical application includes its potential to prolong intraoperative time. Herein evaluated the time required to assemble and position our tool for the insertion of EAs.

Methods A previously anonymized, human cadaver head, our hydraulic insertion tool, a surgical retractor and flexible arm were used. Handling and positioning trials using tool involved the following steps: tool assembly, its attachment to the head and its positioning to proceed with an insertion (i.e. tip of the tool aiming at round window). Time was recorded for each step.

Results In twelve trials (n =6 right side), the assembly of the CHD along with its attachment to the cadaver head took in average 1 minute with 6 seconds (+/- 15 seconds). Adding to it the time to achieve a good positioning of the insertion tool, the total time our tool demanded was in average 5 minutes with 19 seconds (+/- 2 minutes with 9 seconds).

Conclusion Our recently described novel and simple insertion tool can be successfully positioned for insertion of EAs without adding a significant amount of time to the operative procedure. These times may be improved with further training of the surgeon and this effect remains to be studied.

Poster-PDF A-1299.pdf

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany's Excellence Strategy – EXC 2177/1 - Project ID 390895286



Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021

© 2021. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

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