Robotic Versus Manual Electrode Insertion in Cochlear Implant Surgery: An Experimental Study

Objectives. This experimental study compared the precision and surgical outcomes of manual versus robotic electrode insertions in cochlear implantation. Methods. The study was conducted on formalin-fixed cadaveric heads, with nine senior neurotologists performing both manual and robotic insertions....

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Main Authors: Salman F Alhabib, Farid Alzhrani, Abdulrahman Alsanosi, Mariam Al-Amro, Abdulaziz Alballaa, Ibrahim Shami, Abdulrahman Hagr, Asma Alahmadi, Tahir Sharif, Maximilian Stichling, Marco Matulic, Masoud Zoka Assadi, Yassin Abdelsamad, Fida Almuhawas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025-02-01
Series:Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology
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Online Access:http://e-ceo.org/upload/pdf/ceo-2024-00253.pdf
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Summary:Objectives. This experimental study compared the precision and surgical outcomes of manual versus robotic electrode insertions in cochlear implantation. Methods. The study was conducted on formalin-fixed cadaveric heads, with nine senior neurotologists performing both manual and robotic insertions. Results. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two methods in terms of insertion angle, cochlear coverage, or electrode coverage. However, the robotic method demonstrated a significantly slower and more controlled insertion speed (0.1 mm/sec) compared to manual insertion (0.66±0.31 mm/sec), which is crucial for minimizing intra-cochlear force and pressures. Although robotic insertions resulted in fewer complications such as tip fold-over or scala deviation, there were instances of incomplete insertion. Conclusion. The robotic system provided a consistent and controlled insertion process, potentially standardizing cochlear implant operations and reducing outcome variability. The study concludes that robotic-assisted insertion offers significant advantages in controlling insertion speed and consistency, supporting the continued development and clinical evaluation of robotic systems for cochlear implant surgery.
ISSN:1976-8710
2005-0720