[Micro-focus X-ray for cochlear implantation research on small animals].
OBJECTIVE
To develop an imaging system suitable for cochlear implant research on small laboratory animals.


METHODS
A novel micro-focus X-ray imaging system was developed. The key features of the system were the use of a micro-focus X-ray source (less than 10 micrometers) and an appropriate choice of source-object and object-image distance. The new X-ray modality was evaluated on heads of cats, guinea pigs and rats.


RESULTS
It proved to be an useful tool to provide excellent image of small animal cochlea, allowing a clear electrode position to be established, and also helped greatly in detecting the breakage of electrode array.


CONCLUSIONS
Experimental studies performed in cats, guinea pigs and rats confirmed that micro-focus radiography was an important tool for cochlear implant research in laboratory
Lu
Wei
W
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. luweimd@hotmail.com
Xu
Jin
J
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D002933:Cineradiography / Q000379:methods*; D003051:Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D051381:Rats; D014965:X-Rays