Audiogram-Guided Stimulation Frequencies for Cochlear Lead Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cochlear implant systems face challenges in optimizing stimulation frequencies during electrode lead insertion due to individual hearing capabilities of recipients, leading to potential mispositioning and trauma within the cochlea.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a pre-operative audiogram and attributes of the lead insertion procedure to determine personalized stimulation frequencies for eliciting evoked responses, providing real-time feedback to ensure proper electrode placement and mitigate trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a predetermined single stimulation frequency is used during lead insertion, then the procedure is simple to perform, but it may not be optimal for all recipients and may fail to activate the electrode lead when mispositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stimulation frequency parameter from a fixed predetermined value to multiple selectable frequencies based on the recipient's audiogram. The system identifies frequencies corresponding to the recipient's residual hearing and uses those specific frequencies during lead insertion, thereby adapting the parameter to individual patient characteristics while maintaining procedural simplicity through automated selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the stimulation frequency to be selected based on real-time monitoring of evoked responses. If no response is detected at the initial frequency, the system dynamically switches to alternative frequencies from the identified set, ensuring reliable detection regardless of electrode position while keeping the interface simple for the surgeon.
2Ease of operation
If a predetermined single stimulation frequency is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot accommodate individual hearing capabilities of different recipients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of suitable stimulation frequencies based on the recipient's audiogram before the lead insertion procedure begins. This pre-processing step creates a customized frequency list for each patient, allowing the system to maintain simplicity during the actual surgery while having already adapted to the individual's hearing capabilities. The preliminary audiogram analysis prepares the personalized frequency set in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stimulation frequency parameter dynamically based on the recipient's audiometric data. By selecting frequencies that correspond to the patient's residual hearing thresholds, the system adapts to individual hearing capabilities while keeping the user interface simple - the surgeon only needs to initiate the procedure and the system handles the frequency selection automatically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulation frequencies are used to accommodate different recipients, then individual hearing capabilities are addressed, but the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the system to automatically select and switch between multiple stimulation frequencies based on the recipient's audiogram without requiring manual intervention from the surgeon. The automated frequency selection and switching process handles the complexity internally, presenting a simple interface to the user while performing sophisticated multi-frequency stimulation in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from evoked response monitoring to determine whether to continue with the current stimulation frequency or switch to alternative frequencies. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to the actual surgical conditions and recipient response, managing the complexity of multiple frequencies through intelligent control rather than requiring complex manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system comprises memory that stores instructions and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions to perform a process. The process may comprise obtaining a pre-operative audiogram of a recipient, the pre-operative audiogram generated prior to a lead insertion procedure during which an electrode lead having a plurality of electrodes is inserted into a cochlea of the recipient, obtaining one or more attributes associated with the lead insertion procedure, and determining, based on the pre-operative audiogram and the one or more attributes, one or more stimulation frequencies for stimulation that is to be used during the lead insertion procedure to elicit evoked responses within the recipient, the evoked responses usable to monitor an insertion condition associated with the electrode lead.