Cochlear Implant Selection via Anatomical Imaging

Solution Overview

Problem

Surgeons currently select implantable hearing devices for patients with hearing impairments based on subjective judgment rather than objective anatomical and hearing data, leading to potential misfitting or improper placement of the devices.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based system that receives electronically generated image data of the patient's auditory structure to generate auditory parameters, such as cochlear duct length and frequency mapping, and determines the appropriate implantable hearing device based on these parameters, allowing for objective selection and improved placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If surgeons select cochlear electrode configuration based on subjective judgment and experience, then the selection process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and suitability of the device fit deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of device selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements and calculations of cochlear anatomical parameters (such as cochlear duct length, basal diameter, and curvature) before the actual implantation procedure. This allows the surgeon to have device selection criteria prepared in advance based on objective anatomical data, resolving the contradiction by preparing accurate measurement data beforehand rather than relying on subjective judgment during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes cochlear imaging data and translates it into device selection parameters. This intermediary layer between the raw anatomical data and the surgeon's decision-making provides objective, quantified guidance, improving selection accuracy without requiring the surgeon to directly perform complex measurements and calculations during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If surgeons blindly select hearing devices without objective anatomical data, then the device selection process is fast, but the reliability of the implantation outcome deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of implantation outcomeVSAvoidtime for device selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements and calculations of cochlear anatomical parameters (such as cochlear duct length, basal diameter, and curvature) before the actual implantation procedure. This allows the surgeon to have device selection criteria prepared in advance based on objective anatomical data, resolving the contradiction by preparing accurate measurement data beforehand rather than relying on subjective judgment during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a computational model or virtual representation of the patient's cochlear anatomy based on imaging data. This digital copy allows for virtual device placement and evaluation, enabling the surgeon to assess different device configurations without physical trial-and-error, thereby improving reliability while minimizing time loss during the actual surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If surgeons use subjective judgment for device selection, then the selection process is simple, but the manufacturing precision of the implantation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of electrode placementVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement and selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements and calculations of cochlear anatomical parameters (such as cochlear duct length, basal diameter, and curvature) before the actual implantation procedure. This allows the surgeon to have device selection criteria prepared in advance based on objective anatomical data, resolving the contradiction by preparing accurate measurement data beforehand rather than relying on subjective judgment during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the selection process from subjective qualitative judgment to objective quantitative parameter-based selection. By measuring specific anatomical parameters (cochlear duct length, basal diameter, curvature radius) and matching them with device specifications, the system enables precise device selection and placement planning, improving manufacturing precision while managing complexity through standardized measurement protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9037253B2System and method for electrode selection and frequency mapping

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 MED EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH

AI summary

A system and method for selecting an appropriate implantable hearing device for a patient with a hearing impairment is disclosed. The system includes an auditory parameter generating module configured to receive electronically generated image data of the patient's auditory structure and to generate at least one auditory parameter based on the image data. The system further includes memory, in communication with the auditory parameter generating module, that is configured to store a listing of one or more implantable hearing devices, and a hearing device determining module, in communication with the auditory parameter generating module and the memory, that is configured to select the implantable hearing device based on the auditory parameter.