Force of cochlear implant electrode insertion performed by a robotic insertion tool: comparison of traditional versus Advance Off-Stylet techniques

摘要

ObjectiveRobotic cochlear implant electrode array insertion offers substantial potential advantages, namely repeatability and minimization of insertion forces leading to decreased intracochlear trauma. Using such a robotic insertion tool, we sought to analyze force profiles during deployment of stylet-containing electrode arrays using either traditional insertion, in which the stylet is withdrawn after complete insertion of the electrode, or Advance Off-Stylet (AOS) insertion, in which the stylet is withdrawn simultaneous with electrode array insertion.