3D Cochlea Simulation for Electrode Lead Insertion Planning
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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 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 without simulation, then the surgical procedure can be performed directly, but the insertion may cause damage to the electrode lead and cochlear tissue due to the variable structure of the human cochlea
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a simulation of the electrode lead insertion procedure before the actual surgery. The system creates a virtual model of the patient's cochlea and electrode lead, allowing the surgeon to practice and optimize the insertion path, angle, and depth in advance. This preliminary simulation identifies potential risks and optimizes parameters before the real procedure, thereby improving insertion safety without significantly increasing the complexity of the actual surgical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual replica (digital twin) of the patient's cochlea and electrode lead configuration. The system generates a 3D model of the cochlea based on preoperative imaging and creates a corresponding virtual electrode lead model. This copy allows repeated simulations and what-if analyses without risking the actual patient, enabling safe optimization of insertion parameters while maintaining procedural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the electrode lead insertion is performed with optimized parameters, then the placement accuracy improves, but the simulation and planning process adds time to the overall procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all complex simulations and parameter optimizations in the preoperative phase, before the actual surgery. By completing the virtual planning and identifying optimal insertion parameters beforehand, the patent eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time adjustments during surgery. The surgical team can proceed directly to the optimized plan, achieving high placement precision while minimizing intraoperative time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow iterative optimization of insertion parameters. The system evaluates different insertion scenarios (varying angles, depths, and paths) and provides feedback on potential risks and outcomes. This feedback loop enables the surgeon to select optimal parameters efficiently in the preoperative phase, achieving high precision without significant time penalty since all iterations occur before surgery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple insertion configurations are simulated, then the optimal insertion parameters can be determined, but the computational complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified digital copies of the cochlea and electrode lead that capture the essential geometric and physical characteristics needed for simulation. By using these simplified models rather than complex high-fidelity replicas, the system can perform multiple insertion configuration simulations efficiently. The models include critical features like cochlear curvature, diameter variations, and electrode lead flexibility, while omitting unnecessary detail, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining optimization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system optimizes insertion parameters by systematically varying key variables such as insertion angle, depth, and path curvature within physiologically relevant ranges. The system changes these parameters across multiple simulation scenarios to identify optimal configurations. By focusing on a manageable set of critical parameters rather than all possible variables, the patent achieves comprehensive optimization while controlling computational complexity through targeted parameter exploration.
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 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.