The cochlear implant is a medical device that delivers electrical stimulation to the inner ear for hearing restoration. Although widely successful, insertion of these implants can be associated with cochlear trauma. Along with the surgical insertion technique, the array size, shape, and material properties can influence the degree of insertion trauma. Cochlear implant companies produce different lengths and types, but it has never been clear to clinicians if one type of array should be used over another in any given patient. Insertion damage to the cochlea may be minimised by choosing the implant that best matches the patient cochlear shape.
Our aim is to investigate how insertion forces vary with different implant properties in cochlea of different shapes. Insertion forces provide a measurement of the likelihood and location of where trauma might occur. Our goal is to find ways to minimise insertion forces and thereby trauma, either through implant material properties or through matching implant size/shape to certain cochlea shapes. We will achieve this aim by inserting cochlear implants into 3D printed cochlea models on a force measurement system. Such a platform would enable us to investigate the effects of implant device design and material properties as well as patient anatomy on insertion forces. This data can inform design of next-generation cochlear devices as well as surgical planning, such as helping clinicians pre-operatively select the “best-fit” implant.
Insertion of implant (blue) into 3D printed cochlear model. Our project will incorporate a force measurement system that will allow us to measure forces during implantation.
| Dr. Alexandra Rutz |
Department of Engineering |
| Prof. George Malliaris |
Department of Engineering |
| Prof. Manohar Bance |
Department of Medicine |
