Cochlear implants (CIs) are well-established neuroprosthesis used to restore hearing for patients with partial or complete deafness. However, the audiological outcomes of these implants can vary widely, and one reason for this is suboptimal electrode placement. The gold standard for measuring electrode positions is computed tomography (CT) scans, but they are expensive and expose patients to additional radiation, which is especially harmful for children. This study investigates an alternative approach using impedance telemetry data to estimate electrode positions without exposing patients to radiation. For this purpose, an extended telemetry version of a CE-certified cochlear implant software is used. The advanced impedance telemetry software can measure impedance subcomponents with improved measurement resolution that could be used for more accurate estimation of electrode insertion depth using specially designed estimation software. Ultimately, the investigators want to demonstrate the potential to improve audiological outcomes of cochlear implant recipients without exposing them to additional radiation.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
20
Software to measure impedance telemetry data
Software to measure impedance telemetry data
Inselspital, Bern University Hospital Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery
Bern, Switzerland
RECRUITINGLinear error of electrode insertion depth estimation
Linear error (in mm) in impedance-based estimation of cochlear implant electrode insertion depth compared to ground truth from CT scans.
Time frame: At the first post-operative CT scan according to conventional clinical routine (+0-4weeks)
Linear error of electrode insertion depth estimation
Linear error (in mm) in impedance-based estimation of cochlear implant electrode insertion depth compared to ground truth from CT scans.
Time frame: At the additional post-operative CT scan (+3 months)
Intra-operative progression of impedance subcomponents
Intra-operative measurement of access resistance and polarization impedance measured by the STOP software at several positions of the electrode array in the cochlea (stepwise insertion). The results will be expressed in kOhm (kΩ).
Time frame: During cochlear implantation (day 0)
Post-operative progression of electrode insertion depth estimation
Post-operative cochlear implant electrode insertion depth estimation using a phenomenological model based on access resistance and polarization impedance measured by the STOP software after full insertion of the electrode array. The results will be expressed in kOhm (kΩ).
Time frame: Recordings will be made during cochlear implant surgery (day 0) and at three follow-up visits (+2weeks, +4weeks, +12weeks).
Angular error of electrode insertion depth estimation
Angular error (in degrees) in impedance-based estimation of cochlear implant electrode insertion depth using a phenomenological model compared to ground truth from CT scans.
Time frame: At the first post-operative CT scan according to conventional clinical routine (+0-4weeks)
Angular error of electrode insertion depth estimation
Angular error (in degrees) in impedance-based estimation of cochlear implant electrode insertion depth using a phenomenological model compared to ground truth from CT scans.
Time frame: At the additional post-operative CT scan (+3 months)
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