High precision cochleostomy by use of a pulsed CO2 laser - an experimental approach.
A precise cochleostomy is a crucial step in cochlear implantation, particularly if residual hearing is to be preserved. A contactless ablation of the promontory bone by a pulsed CO(2) laser system seems to be a promising approach. The bone is removed by a scan head controlled laser beam in sequential scan cycles with a pulse rate of 50-100 mus. Digital picture analysis and pattern detection are used to identify the membranous lining of the cochlea. We achieved a bone ablation in a micrometer range per scan cycle with the laser. A perforation of the promontory bone could be detected by automatic pattern detection. The enhancement of automatic pattern detection can lead to a minimally invasive, function-preserving laser cochleostomy.
Klenzner
Thomas
T
University Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Duesseldorf, Germany. Thomas.Klenzner@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Knapp
Felix B
FB
Schipper
Joerg
J
Raczkowsky
Joerg
J
Woern
Heinz
H
Kahrs
Lueder A
LA
Werner
Martin
M
Hering
Peter
P
D003051:Cochlea / Q000601:surgery*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D054020:Lasers, Gas; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*