Article
Experimental assessment of electrode insertion forces – a training tool to control surgical skills
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Published: | September 22, 2005 |
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Outline
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Cochlear implantation surgery aims to prevent cochlear structures by minimization of insertional trauma. However, intraoperatively, the feedback of electrode insertion is limited to the manual assessment of the implanting surgeon. The aim of the present study was to analyse electrode insertion by measurement of applied forces in dependence of different kinds of insertion failure and microsurgical experience.
Six otosurgeons of varying microsurgical experience were asked to insert practice electrodes in a cochlear model. Insertion forces were measured by means of a force cell connected with an electrode claw and digitally stored.
Maximum and mean force values were found to depend on the subject’s microsurgical experience. Insertion failures like tip fold were related to changed insertion forces.
Force measurements during electrode insertion provide additional feedback to the implanting surgeon. This feedback might support the training of surgical skills for an improved performance of electrode insertion in cochlear implantation.