Consensus panel on a cochlear coordinate system applicable in histologic, physiologic, and radiologic studies of the human cochlea.
OBJECTIVE
An objective cochlear framework, for evaluation of the cochlear anatomy and description of the position of an implanted cochlear implant electrode, would allow the direct comparison of measures performed within the various subdisciplines involved in cochlear implant research.


BACKGROUND
Research on the human cochlear anatomy in relation to tonotopy and cochlear implantation is conducted by specialists from numerous disciplines such as histologists, surgeons, physicists, engineers, audiologists, and radiologists. To allow accurate comparisons between and combinations of previous and forthcoming scientific and clinical studies, cochlear structures and electrode positions must be specified in a consistent manner.


METHODS
Researchers with backgrounds in the various fields of inner ear research as well as representatives of the different manufacturers of cochlear implants (Advanced Bionics Corp., Med-El, Cochlear Corp.) were involved in consensus meetings held in Dallas, March 2005, and Asilomar, August 2005. Existing coordinate systems were evaluated, and requisites for an objective cochlear framework were discussed.


RESULTS
The consensus panel agreed upon a 3-dimensional, cylindrical coordinate system of the cochlea using the "Cochlear View" as a basis and choosing a z axis through the modiolus. The zero reference angle was chosen at the center of the round window, which has a close relationship to the basal end of the Organ of Corti.


CONCLUSIONS
Consensus was reached on an objective cochlear framework, allowing the outcomes of studies from different fields of research to be compared directly.
Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. b.m.verbist@lumc.nl
Berit M
BM
Verbist
Margaret W
MW
Skinner
Lawrence T
LT
Cohen
Patricia A
PA
Leake
Chris
C
James
Colette
C
Boëx
Timothy A
TA
Holden
Charles C
CC
Finley
Peter S
PS
Roland
J Thomas
JT
Roland
Matt
M
Haller
Jim F
JF
Patrick
Claude N
CN
Jolly
Mike A
MA
Faltys
Jeroen J
JJ
Briaire
Johan H M
JH
Frijns
D003051:Cochlea / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012015:Reference Standards