Automatic graph-based localization of cochlear implant electrodes in CT

Abstract

Cochlear Implants (CIs) restore hearing using an electrode array that is surgically implanted into the cochlea. Research has indicated there is a link between electrode location within the cochlea and hearing outcomes, however, comprehensive analysis of this phenomenon has not been possible because techniques proposed for locating electrodes only work for specific implant models or are too labor intensive to be applied on large datasets. We present a general and automatic graph-based method for localizing electrode arrays in CTs that is effective for various implant models. It relies on a novel algorithm for finding an optimal path of fixed length in a graph and achieves maximum localization errors that are sub-voxel. These results indicate that our methods could be used on a large scale to study the link between electrode placement and outcome across electrode array types, which could lead to advances that improve hearing outcomes for CI users.