Development of a drug delivering round window niche implant for cochlear pharmacotherapy.

Background: There exists an unfulfilled requirement for effective cochlear pharmacotherapy. Controlled local drug delivery could lead to effective bioavailability. The round window niche (RWN), a cavity in the middle ear, is connected to the cochlea via a membrane through which drug can diffuse.

Variations in microanatomy of the human modiolus require individualized cochlear implantation.

Cochlear variability is of key importance for the clinical use of cochlear implants, the most successful neuroprosthetic device that is surgically placed into the cochlear scala tympani. Despite extensive literature on human cochlear variability, few information is available on the variability of the modiolar wall. In the present study, we analyzed 108 corrosion casts, 95 clinical cone beam computer tomographies (CTs) and 15 µCTs of human cochleae and observed modiolar variability of similar and larger extent than the lateral wall variability.

A cochlear scaling model for accurate anatomy evaluation and frequency allocation in cochlear implantation.

The human cochlea has a highly individual microanatomy. Cochlear implantation therefore requires an evaluation of the individual cochlear anatomy to reduce surgical risk of implantation trauma. However, in-vivo cochlear imaging is limited in resolution.

Reprint of Corrosion casting of the temporal bone: Review of the technique.

The temporal bone has the most sophisticated anatomy of the whole skeleton. Its study is a challenge for students and surgeons. An inverse model of the visually obscured cavities and canals can facilitate better three-dimensional orientation and investigation.

Corrosion casting of the temporal bone: Review of the technique.

The temporal bone has the most sophisticated anatomy of the whole skeleton. Its study is a challenge for students and surgeons. An inverse model of the visually obscured cavities and canals can facilitate better three-dimensional orientation and investigation.

The OpenEar library of 3D models of the human temporal bone based on computed tomography and micro-slicing.

Virtual reality surgical simulation of temporal bone surgery requires digitized models of the full anatomical region in high quality and colour information to allow realistic texturization. Existing datasets which are usually based on microCT imaging are unable to fulfil these requirements as per the limited specimen size, and lack of colour information. The OpenEar Dataset provides a library consisting of eight three-dimensional models of the human temporal bone to enable surgical training including colour data.

The Summating Potential Is a Reliable Marker of Electrode Position in Electrocochleography: Cochlear Implant as a Theragnostic Probe.

Objective: For the increasing number of cochlear implantations in subjects with residual hearing, hearing preservation, and thus the prevention of implantation trauma, is crucial. A method for monitoring the intracochlear position of a cochlear implant (CI) and early indication of imminent cochlear trauma would help to assist the surgeon to achieve this goal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the different electric components recorded by an intracochlear electrocochleography (ECochG) as markers for the cochleotopic position of a CI.

Insertion trauma of a cochlear implant electrode array with Nitinol inlay.

The integration of a shape memory actuator is a potential mechanism to achieve a consistent perimodiolar position after electrode insertion during cochlear implant surgery. After warming up, and therefore activation of the shape memory effect, the electrode array will change from a straight configuration into a spiral shaped one leading to a final position close to the modiolus. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the integration of an additional thin wire (referred to as an "inlay") made of Nitinol, a well-established shape memory alloy, in a conventional hearing preservation electrode array will affect the insertion behaviour in terms of increased risk of insertion trauma.

The use of buccal smears for a non-invasive screening of the 35delG mutation of the Connexin-26 gene in hearing impaired young children.

Objectives: Recent advances in genetic research indicate that about 50% of congenital deaf patients have a genetic background, with mutations in the Connexin-26 gene being the most frequent one. Screening methods for the genetic cause of deafness have so far mostly been based on the use of peripheral whole blood as DNA source. The use of buccal smears for the genetic screening of deaf patients presents an interesting alternative to drawing blood, especially in young children.

Evaluation of the advance off-stylet insertion technique and the cochlear insertion tool in temporal bones.

Objective: The concept and design of new cochlear implant electrodes is a challenging process. To evaluate new electrode designs, we present a study that uses a microgrinding procedure to evaluate damage to the microstructures of the cochlea resulting from the insertion procedure. In this study, we compared different insertion techniques with the Contour electrode with Softip for placement inside the cochlea and any resulting damage.