Robot-Assisted Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Insertion

Abstract

Cochlear implants (CIs) are recognized as a safe and effective treatment for auditory rehabilitation for people of all ages with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. As the indications for CIs have expanded, recent advances in technology have focused mostly on preserving residual hearing. Because trauma to the internal structure of the cochlea can affect residual hearing, development has been focused on minimally invasive surgical procedures using robot technology along with the growth of interest in the field of CI surgery over the recent years. Maintaining a slow, steady rate of electrode insertion is widely accepted as an important factor associated with reduced intraoperative inner ear trauma and improved postoperative hearing outcomes. The use of robots have resulted in maintaining a slow rate of electrode insertion and reduced the degree of innate hand tremor in the movement of electrode array. We hereby present our experience of a successful robotic CI using iotaSOFT (iotaMotion, Inc.) and also present a review of the literature.