Method and apparatus for cochlear implant surgery
A system for cochlear implant surgery includes a reference device having at least a portion adapted to be arranged at a fixed position relative to a cochlea of a patient to provide a reference position, an image acquisition and processing system adapted to acquire an image of at least a portion of the cochlea relative to the reference position and to provide an implant plan based at least partially on the acquired image, and an implant system adapted for implanting a cochlear lead array using the reference position and the implant plan.
1. A system for cochlear implant surgery, comprising:
a reference device having at least a portion adapted to be arranged at a fixed position relative to a cochlea of a patient to provide a reference position;
an image acquisition and processing system adapted to acquire an intraoperative image of at least a portion of said cochlea relative to said reference position and to provide an implant plan based at least partially on the acquired intraoperative image; and
an implant system adapted for implanting a cochlear lead array using said reference position and said implant plan,
wherein said image acquisition and processing system comprises an optical coherence tomography imaging probe.
2. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , further comprising a subsystem for measuring the position of at least one of an implant or implant insertion device relative to said reference position.
3. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 2 , further comprising a computer and display for informing a surgeon of the position of the implant or insertion device relative to the reference position.
4. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 2 , further comprising an auditory signaling device for informing a surgeon of the position of the implant or insertion device relative to the reference position.
5. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said reference device is structured to be fixable to and removable from said patient during surgery.
6. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said reference device is a spring-clip reference device that is insertable into an opening made during at least one of a cochleostomy or mastoidectomy surgical procedure and reconfigurable to remain fixed during a cochlear implant procedure.
7. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 6 , wherein said spring-clip reference device is insertable into a cochlear opening.
8. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said reference device is at least a portion of a guide assembly that is attachable to said patient's skull.
9. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said guide assembly is a lockable guide assembly configured to be locked to hold said reference device in a fixed position relative to said cochlea.
10. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said guide assembly is a motion-assist guide assembly.
11. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said guide assembly is a robotic guide assembly.
12. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said image acquisition and processing system is configured to provide a three-dimensional image of at least part of an insertion area of said cochlea.
13. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 12 , wherein said image acquisition and processing system is configured to provide at least one distance measurement from the optical coherence tomography imaging probe to a portion of the cochlea.
14. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 12 , wherein said image acquisition and processing system is configured to provide a plurality of distance measurements from the optical coherence tomography imaging probe to portions of the cochlea.
15. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said image acquisition and processing system comprises an external imaging system.
16. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 15 , wherein said external imaging system is at least one of a cone-beam x-ray system, a computed tomography x-ray system or an magnetic resonance imaging system.
17. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said implant system comprises an insertion device having calibration marks to indicate a depth of insertion of the tip of the insertion device relative to said reference position of said reference device.
18. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 17 , wherein said insertion device comprises a stylet.
19. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 17 , wherein said insertion device comprises a sheath.
20. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 1 , wherein said reference device comprises a guide for receiving alternately an imaging probe and an insertion device for sequentially inserting said optical coherence tomography imaging probe and said insertion device.
21. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 20 , wherein said insertion device comprises a stylet.
22. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 20 , wherein said insertion device comprises a sheath.
23. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 20 , wherein said reference device is at least a portion of a guide assembly that is attachable to said patient's skull.
24. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 20 , wherein said guide assembly is a lockable guide assembly configured to be locked to hold said reference device in a fixed position relative to said cochlea.
25. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 20 , wherein said guide assembly is a motion-assist guide assembly.
26. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 20 , wherein said guide assembly is a robotic guide assembly.
27. A system for cochlear implant surgery according to claim 20 , wherein said optical coherence tomography imaging probe comprises an optical coherence tomography sensor.