Patient-Specific Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implants face variability in implantation outcomes due to individual patient anatomy, leading to suboptimal hearing assistance as off-the-shelf electrode arrays cannot be tailored to specific patient needs, and current software adjustments are limited by filter banks and electrode array positions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining a patient-specific geometry of a cochlear implant electrode array using patient-specific data from imaging techniques like CBCT, combined with predefined geometric relations, to predict the optimal arrangement within the cochlea, allowing for personalized electrode array design and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If off-the-shelf electrode arrays are used, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but individualisation and implantation outcomes deteriorate due to anatomical variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by customizing the geometry parameters of electrode arrays based on individual patient cochlear anatomy. The system determines patient-specific parameters including cochlear diameter, number of turns, and electrode array length to create customized arrays that match the patient's unique anatomical characteristics, thereby improving individualisation while maintaining manufacturability through systematic parameter determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing comprehensive cochlear anatomy assessment and electrode array geometry determination before the actual implantation procedure. The system uses pre-implantation imaging data to calculate optimal electrode array parameters and creates a patient-specific implantation plan in advance, allowing for personalized electrode array design and selection prior to surgery
2Adaptability or versatility
If software adjustments are made within filter bank limitations, then some adaptability is achieved, but optimal individualisation deteriorates due to position constraints of pre-implanted electrode arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the optimal electrode array geometry and electrode-to-tonotopic mapping before implantation. The system calculates the precise positions of electrode contacts relative to the patient's specific cochlear anatomy and tonotopic organization in advance, ensuring that the physical electrode array is configured to match the individual's auditory nerve frequency mapping from the outset, rather than relying on post-implantation software adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical adjustment limitation with a computational approach. Instead of relying on software filter banks to compensate for fixed electrode positions, the system uses patient-specific anatomical measurements and geometric calculations to determine the optimal physical configuration of the electrode array, substituting post-implantation software correction with pre-implantation geometric planning
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large portfolio of electrode arrays is produced, then individualisation improves, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by identifying the key geometric parameters that determine electrode array suitability for individual patients, such as array length, diameter, number of turns, and electrode contact spacing. By systematically varying these parameters based on patient-specific cochlear measurements, the system can determine the most appropriate electrode array configuration through calculation rather than requiring a large physical inventory of pre-manufactured variants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by creating a computational model or digital representation of the patient's cochlear anatomy and using this model to determine the optimal electrode array geometry. The system copies the essential geometric features of the patient's unique cochlear structure into a simplified model that can be used for planning and design, avoiding the need to maintain complex inventories of physical prototypes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims at providing a cochlear implant, in particular an electrode array of a cochlear implant, adapted to the specific requirements of a given patient in an improved manner, possibly taking into account the specific cochlea anatomy and hearing assistance needs of each individual patient. A first aspect of the invention refers to a method for determining a geometry, in particular a patient-specific geometry, of an electrode array for a cochlear implant for a patient. The method comprises computing a predicted arrangement of the electrode array within the cochlea of the patient based on: i) patient-specific data about the geometry of the cochlea of the patient and/or of a part thereof, and ii) a predefined geometric relation between the geometry of the cochlea of the patient (or of a part thereof) and the predicted arrangement of the electrode array when received within the cochlea of the patient.