3D Cochlea Simulation for Accurate Electrode Lead Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The insertion of an electrode lead into the cochlea is challenging due to the variable structure of the human cochlea, leading to potential damage to the electrode lead and cochlear tissue, as well as improper placement, which can result in inferior hearing outcomes for patients.
Innovation Solution
A simulation-based system is employed to model the cochlea and electrode lead, allowing for the simulation of various insertion configurations, including parameters such as type, rotation, depth, angle, and speed, to optimize the insertion procedure and reduce trauma and mispositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrode lead insertion procedures are performed, then the electrode lead can be inserted into the cochlea, but the variable structure of the human cochlea causes damage to the electrode lead and cochlear tissue, as well as improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a simulation of the electrode lead insertion procedure before the actual surgical intervention. The system models the cochlear anatomy and electrode lead properties in advance, allowing the insertion trajectory and parameters to be pre-determined and optimized, thereby reducing trauma and improving placement accuracy during the actual procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a virtual copy or replica of the cochlear structure and electrode lead in the simulation environment. This digital model allows repeated testing and optimization of insertion parameters without risk to the actual patient, enabling the determination of optimal insertion trajectories and parameters before surgical intervention
2Productivity
If the electrode lead insertion procedure is performed without simulation, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but improper electrode placement such as translocation and tip foldover occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simulation and optimization of the insertion procedure before surgery. By pre-calculating the optimal insertion trajectory and parameters through virtual modeling, the actual surgical procedure can be performed more efficiently with predetermined guidance, reducing the likelihood of improper placement such as translocation and tip foldover
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system provides feedback about potential insertion issues and optimal parameters before the actual procedure. This feedback mechanism allows the surgical team to adjust their approach based on the virtual results, improving both the efficiency of the surgical procedure and the precision of electrode placement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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 accessing a three-dimensional (3D) cochlea model representative of a cochlea of a patient within which an electrode lead included in a cochlear implant system is to be inserted during an electrode lead insertion procedure, accessing one or more 3D electrode lead models representative of one or more electrode leads configured to be inserted within the cochlea, simulating, based on the 3D cochlea model and the one or more 3D electrode lead models, one or more insertion configurations associated with insertion of the one or more electrode leads into the cochlea, and performing, based on the simulating, an operation associated with the electrode lead insertion procedure.