Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology | 2019
Feasibility of Pediatric Robotic Cochlear Implantation in Phantoms.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE\nTo demonstrate the feasibility of robotic cochlear implant surgery in subject specific pediatric phantoms.\n\n\nSTUDY DESIGN\nPilot study.\n\n\nMATERIALS AND METHODS\nComputed tomographic preoperative encrypted data of 10 pediatric subjects (total of 20 sides) between 8 months and 48 months old, who underwent cochlear implant surgery were studied. Four datasets (n\u200a=\u200a8 sides) were selected for investigation of the complete robotic procedure including middle and inner ear access and electrode insertion.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe planning of the safe trajectory for the robotic approach was possible in 17 of the cases. In three sides, planning the trajectory was not possible due to the small size of the facial recess. Bone thickness study demonstrated average sufficient bone thickness at the site of screw implantation in general. The complete robotic procure including the drilling and insertion was successfully carried out on all the created phantoms.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nWith this work we have demonstrated the feasibility of planning and performing a robotic middle and inner ear access and cochlear implantation (CI) in phantom models of pediatric subjects. To develop and validate the proposed procedure for use in children, next stage optimization of the current surgical workflow and adaptation of the surgical material to pediatric population is necessary.