Improved radiological imaging of congenital aural atresia using flat-panel volume CT.

Background: Precise preoperative radiological evaluation of aural atresia is of utmost importance for surgical planning. Until now, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been used but it cannot adequately visualize small structures such as the stapes. Flat-panel volume CT (fpVCT) with its secondary reconstructions (fpVCT) offers a high-resolution visualization of the middle ear.

The Photon-Counting CT Enters the Field of Cochlear Implantation: Comparison to Angiography DynaCT and Conventional Multislice CT.

Introduction: Cochlear duct length (CDL) measurement plays a role in the context of individualized cochlear implant (CI) surgery regarding an individualized selection and implantation of the CI electrode carrier and an efficient postoperative anatomy-based fitting process. The level of detail of the preoperative temporal bone CT scan depends on the imaging modality with major impact on CDL measurements and CI electrode contact position determination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of perioperative CDL measurements and electrode contact determination in photon-counting CT (PCCT).

Comprehensive literature review on the application of the otological surgical planning software OTOPLAN® for cochlear implantation.

Background: The size of the human cochlear, measured by the diameter of the basal turn, varies between 7 and 11 mm. For hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants (CI), the size of the cochlear influences the individual frequency map and the choice of electrode length. OTOPLAN® (CAScination AG [Bern, Switzerland] in cooperation with MED-EL [Innsbruck, Austria]) is a software tool with CE marking for clinical applications in CI treatment which allows for precise pre-planning based on cochlear size.

Dependence of Cochlear Duct Length Measurement on the Resolution of the Imaging Dataset.

Hypothesis: Measurements of the cochlear duct length (CDL) are dependent on the resolution of the imaging dataset.

Background: Previous research has shown highly precise cochlear measurements using 3D-curved multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and flat-panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT). Thus far, however, there has been no systematic evaluation of the imaging dataset resolution required for optimal CDL measurement.

The Stapes Head Coupler-A Flexible and Safe Option for Vibroplasty.

Objective: To investigate the surgical approach and the audiological outcome of a stapes head coupler in active middle ear implant surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective data analysis.

Setting: Tertiary referral center with a large active middle ear implant program.

Towards fully automated inner ear analysis with deep-learning-based joint segmentation and landmark detection framework.

Automated analysis of the inner ear anatomy in radiological data instead of time-consuming manual assessment is a worthwhile goal that could facilitate preoperative planning and clinical research. We propose a framework encompassing joint semantic segmentation of the inner ear and anatomical landmark detection of helicotrema, oval and round window. A fully automated pipeline with a single, dual-headed volumetric 3D U-Net was implemented, trained and evaluated using manually labeled in-house datasets from cadaveric specimen ([Formula: see text]) and clinical practice ([Formula: see text]).

Application of an Intraoperative Auditory Brainstem Response Measurement System in Active Middle Ear Implant Revision Surgery.

Objective: To investigate the benefit of intraoperative auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements in revision active middle ear implant surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective data analysis.

Setting: Tertiary referral center with a large active middle ear implant program.

Intra-cochlear differences in the spread of excitation between biphasic and triphasic pulse stimulation in cochlear implants: A modeling and experimental study.

Triphasic pulse stimulation can prevent unpleasant facial nerve stimulation in cochlear implant users. Using electromyographic measurements on facial nerve effector muscles, previous studies have shown that biphasic and triphasic pulse stimulations produce different input-output functions. However, little is known about the intracochlear effects of triphasic stimulation and how these may contribute to the amelioration of facial nerve stimulation.

Accuracy of radiological prediction of electrode position with otological planning software and implications of high-resolution imaging.

Objectives: In cochlear implantation, preoperative prediction of electrode position has recently gained increasing attention. Currently, planning is usually done by multislice CT (MSCT). However, flat-panel volume CT (fpVCT) and its secondary reconstructions (fpVCT) allow for more precise visualization of the cochlea.

Persisting chemosensory dysfunction in COVID-19 - a cross-sectional population-based survey.

Background: Chemosensory dysfunction (CD) has been reported as a common symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but it is not well understood whether and for how long changes of smell, taste and chemesthesis persist in infected individuals.

Methodology: Unselected adult residents of the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-test-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were invited to participate in this large cross-sectional study. Data on the medical history and subjective chemosensory function of participants were obtained through questionnaires and visual analogue scales (VAS).

Application of intentional facial nerve stimulation during cochlear implantation as an electrophysiological tool to estimate the intracochlear electrode position.

This proof of concept describes the use of evoked electromyographic (EMG) activation of the facial nerve for intraoperative monitoring of the electrode insertion during cochlear implantation (CI). Intraoperative EMG measurements from the facial nerve were conducted in nine patients undergoing CI implantation. Electric current pulses were emitted from contacts on the CI array during and immediately after electrode insertion.

Vestibular Aqueduct Morphology and Meniere's Disease-Development of the "Vestibular Aqueduct Score" by 3D Analysis.

Improved radiological examinations with newly developed 3D models may increase understanding of Meniere's disease (MD). The morphology and course of the vestibular aqueduct (VA) in the temporal bone might be related to the severity of MD. The presented study explored, if the VA of MD and non-MD patients can be grouped relative to its angle to the semicircular canals (SCC) and length using a 3D model.

Microtubule and auditory function - an underestimated connection.

The organ of Corti, located in the cochlea within the inner ear is the receptor organ for hearing. It converts auditory signals into neuronal action potentials that are transmitted to the brain for further processing. The mature organ of Corti consists of a variety of highly differentiated sensory cells that fulfil unique tasks in the processing of auditory signals.

Effects of electrical pulse polarity shape on intra cochlear neural responses in humans: Triphasic pulses with anodic and cathodic second phase.

Modern cochlear implants employ charge-balanced biphasic and triphasic pulses. However, the effectiveness of electrical pulse shape and polarity is still a matter of debate. For this purpose, a previous study (Bahmer & Baumann, 2013) conducted electrophysiological and psychophysical measurements following triphasic pulse stimulation with constant cathodic second phase and varying anodic first and third phases.

Spontaneous Calcium Oscillations through Differentiation: A Calcium Imaging Analysis of Rat Cochlear Nucleus Neural Stem Cells.

Causal therapies for the auditory-pathway and inner-ear diseases are still not yet available for clinical application. Regenerative medicine approaches are discussed and examined as possible therapy options. Neural stem cells could play a role in the regeneration of the auditory pathway.

Cochlear Duct Length Measurements in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Newly Developed Techniques.

Objective: Growing interest in measuring the cochlear duct length (CDL) has emerged, since it can influence the selection of cochlear implant electrodes. Currently the measurements are performed with ionized radiation imaging. Only a few studies have explored CDL measurements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Precise evaluation of the postoperative cochlear duct length by flat-panel volume computed tomography - Application of secondary reconstructions.

Objective: There is still a lack in precise postoperative evaluation of the cochlea because of strong artifacts. This study aimed to improve accuracy of postoperative two-turn (2TL) and cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements by applying flat-panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT), secondary reconstruction (fpVCT) and three-dimensional curved multiplanar reconstruction.

Methods: First, 10 temporal bone specimens with or without electrode were measured in multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT), fpVCT and fpVCT and compared to high-resolution micro-CT scans.

Implementation of secondary reconstructions of flat-panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT) and otological planning software for anatomically based cochlear implantation.

Purpose: For further improvements in cochlear implantation, the measurement of the cochlear duct length (CDL) and the determination of the electrode contact position (ECP) are increasingly in the focus of clinical research. Usually, these items were investigated by multislice computed tomography (MSCT). The determination of ECP was only possible by research programs so far.

Different Neurogenic Potential in the Subnuclei of the Postnatal Rat Cochlear Nucleus.

In patients suffering from hearing loss, the reduced or absent neural input induces morphological changes in the cochlear nucleus (CN). Neural stem cells have recently been identified in this first auditory relay. Afferent nerve signals and their impact on the immanent neural stem and progenitor cells already impinge upon the survival of early postnatal cells within the CN.

Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in Children: Long-Term Outcome in the Adult Population With Special Emphasis on the Bilateral Benefit.

Objective: To investigate the benefit of bilateral cochlear implantation in adults, who had been implanted being a child under the age of 10 years.

Study Design: Retrospective data analysis.

Setting: Tertiary referral center with a large cochlear implant program.

Precise Evaluation of the Cochlear Duct Length by Flat-panel Volume Computed Tomography (fpVCT)-Implication of Secondary Reconstructions.

Hypothesis: Flat-panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT) and secondary reconstruction allow for more accurate measurements of two-turn length (2TL), cochlear duct length (CDL), and angular length (AL).

Background: Cochlear geometry is a controversially debated topic. In the meantime, there are many different studies partly reporting highly divergent values.

Influence of cochlear parameters on the current practice in cochlear implantation : Development of a concept for personalized medicine.

Since the introduction of cochlear implants into clinical routine, the interest in measuring cochlear parameters, particularly the cochlear duct length (CDL) has increased, since these can have an influence on the correct selection of the electrode. On the one hand, coverage of an optimal frequency band is relevant for a good audiological result, and on the other hand, cochlear trauma due to too deep insertion or displacement of the electrode must be avoided. Cochlear implants stimulate the spiral ganglion cells (SGC).

Button batteries and typical swallowed foreign bodies can be differentiated in high-resolution X-Rays.

Background: Button battery ingestions have emerged as an increasing medical issue in recent years, especially for children. The frequent use of these energy sources in small appliances and toys is responsible for their ubiquitous occurrence in households. In addition to other possible foreign bodies, button batteries are particularly dangerous as they can cause severe complications in the aerodigestive tract.

Severe tracheobronchial harm due to lithium button battery aspiration: An in vitro study of the pathomechanism and injury pattern.

Background: Button battery incidents have become a rising medical issue in recent years, especially for infants. The increasing number of these cases can be explained by the expanding use of objects of everyday life and toys. As a result, button batteries in many households are ubiquitous in different states of charge.