title: Intracochlear visualization:  comparing established and novel endoscopy techniques.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Intracochlear visualization is achievable with chip-on-tip endoscopes-also called (digital) video endoscopy, videoscopy, electronic endoscopy, or endoscopy with distal chip/sensor/camera technology.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Recent advances in digital camera sensor sizes have significantly reduced the size of chip-on-tip endoscopes to sizes near that of the scala tympani opening up the possibility of intracochlear visualization.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared the image quality of chip-on-tip cameras with commercially available rigid endoscopes (a.k.a. Hopkins rods) and commercially available fiber-optic scopes (sialendoscopes). Furthermore, we performed a feasibility study to elucidate the spatial constraints that future visualization technology must reach to allow intracochlear visualization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Image resolution for chip-on-tip endoscopes ranks before fiberscopes and after Hopkins rods. The image quality depends further on illumination, which remains unresolved for chip-on-tip endoscopes for intracochlear visualization. The insertion depth of the currently available cameras allows up to 270 degrees of travel from the round window.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Visual guidance and inspection inside scala tympani is possible with a novel, small-sized digital camera endoscope. This may find clinical applicability for visual confirmation of anatomy during cochlear implantation.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA. l.a.kahrs@vanderbilt.edu
authors: Lueder Alexander
authors: LA
authors: Kahrs
authors: Theodore R
authors: TR
authors: McRackan
authors: Robert F
authors: RF
authors: Labadie
mesh_terms: D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*