HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to evaluate force profiles during array insertion in human cochlea specimens and to evaluate a mechatronic inserter using a 1-axis force sensor. BACKGROUND: Today, the surgical challenge in cochlear implantation is the preservation of the anatomic structures and the residual hearing. In routine practice, the electrode array is inserted manually with a limited sensitive feedback. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hifocus 1J electrode arrays were studied. The bench test comprised a mechatronic inserter combined to a 1-axis force sensor between the inserter and the base of the array and a 6-axis force sensor beneath the cochlea model. Influence of insertion tube material, speed (0.15, 0.5, and 1.5 mm/s) and lubricant on frictions forces were studied (no-load). Different models were subsequently evaluated: epoxy scala tympani model and temporal bones. RESULTS: Frictions forces were lower in the plastic tube compared with those in the metal tube (0.09 ± 0.028 versus 0.14 ± 0.034 at 0.5 mm/s, p < 0.001) and with the use of hyaluronic acid gel. Speed did not influence frictions forces in our study. Insertion force profiles provided by the 1- and 6-axis force sensors were similar when friction forces inside the insertion tool (no-load measurements) were subtracted from the 1-axis sensor data in the epoxy and temporal bone models (mean error, 0.01 ± 0.001 N). CONCLUSION: Using a sensor included in the inserter, we were able to measure array insertion forces. This tool can be potentially used to provide real-time information to the surgeon during the procedure.
HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to evaluate force profiles during array insertion in human cochlea specimens and to evaluate a mechatronic inserter using a 1-axis force sensor. BACKGROUND: Today, the surgical challenge in cochlear implantation is the preservation of the anatomic structures and the residual hearing. In routine practice, the electrode array is inserted manually with a limited sensitive feedback. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hifocus 1J electrode arrays were studied. The bench test comprised a mechatronic inserter combined to a 1-axis force sensor between the inserter and the base of the array and a 6-axis force sensor beneath the cochlea model. Influence of insertion tube material, speed (0.15, 0.5, and 1.5 mm/s) and lubricant on frictions forces were studied (no-load). Different models were subsequently evaluated: epoxy scala tympani model and temporal bones. RESULTS: Frictions forces were lower in the plastic tube compared with those in the metal tube (0.09 ± 0.028 versus 0.14 ± 0.034 at 0.5 mm/s, p < 0.001) and with the use of hyaluronic acid gel. Speed did not influence frictions forces in our study. Insertion force profiles provided by the 1- and 6-axis force sensors were similar when friction forces inside the insertion tool (no-load measurements) were subtracted from the 1-axis sensor data in the epoxy and temporal bone models (mean error, 0.01 ± 0.001 N). CONCLUSION: Using a sensor included in the inserter, we were able to measure array insertion forces. This tool can be potentially used to provide real-time information to the surgeon during the procedure.
Authors: Vedat Topsakal; Marco Matulic; Masoud Zoka Assadi; Griet Mertens; Vincent Van Rompaey; Paul Van de Heyning Journal: J Int Adv Otol Date: 2020-04 Impact factor: 1.017
Authors: Pooyan Rohani; Jason Pile; Lueder A Kahrs; Ramya Balachandran; Grégoire S Blachon; Nabil Simaan; Robert F Labadie Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Date: 2014-01-27 Impact factor: 3.497
Authors: Ahmet M Tekin; Marco Matulic; Wim Wuyts; Masoud Zoka Assadi; Griet Mertens; Vincent van Rompaey; Yongxin Li; Paul van de Heyning; Vedat Topsakal Journal: Genes (Basel) Date: 2021-04-21 Impact factor: 4.096
Authors: S Weber; K Gavaghan; W Wimmer; T Williamson; N Gerber; J Anso; B Bell; A Feldmann; C Rathgeb; M Matulic; M Stebinger; D Schneider; G Mantokoudis; O Scheidegger; F Wagner; M Kompis; M Caversaccio Journal: Sci Robot Date: 2017-03-15