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Human Cochlea Implantation
Recently, a group of researchers from the Universites of Rostock and Luebeck demonstrated high resolution images of the human cochlea (Fig. 1b) using a modified Thorlabs Spectral Radar Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system (Fig. 2). This system allows precise location identification deep within head, which will prove to be useful in cochlear surgery, as well as other delicate procedures requiring precise surgical location identification.
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| Figure 1a: Anatomical drawing of human cochlea. Figure 1b: OCT scan of the lateral part of the exposed cochlear in a fresh temporal bone. Fine structures within the cochlear can be identified: the triangular cross section of the scala media with the Reissner membrane (SV = scala vestibule, ST = scala tympani). |
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Cochlea implants are used to directly stimulate the nerve structures in patients with nonfunctional receptor cells. The implant must be located to the right side of the membrane (scala tympani) for optimal function; however, the placement of the implant is complicated due to the fact that the cochlea is located deep in the head. During standard surgical procedures only a small opening is created making visualization and localization challenging, since the location of the hole and electrode implantation must be within 0.5 mm. This is further complicated due to the large working distance required; limiting the usefulness of standard surgical microscope techniques. A new spectral radar OCT imaging system was recently designed to meet these technical challenges.
The imaging system consists of a modified Thorlabs Spectral Radar OCT system attached to the camera port of a Möller-Wedel HR 1000 microscope (Fig. 2). The system includes unique AR coatings to compensate for the dispersion in the multi-element zoom optics. The new design provides high sensitivity and long working distance (>3 mm). This system was used to visualize the membrane system (Reissner and basilar membrane) which separates the scala vestibule (SV) and scala tympani (ST) without actually opening the fluid filled channels. First clinical trails of this new Spectral Radar/Möller-Wedel HR 1000 System will begin in the summer of 2007.
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| Figure 2. Photo of the Möller-Wedel HR 1000 microscope. |
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| Figure 3. Thorlabs Spectral Radar OCT Imaging System. |
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We are very grateful to H. W. Pau, T. Just, D. Behrend (The University of Rostock) and E. Lankenau and G. Hüttmann (The Institute of Biomedical Optics at the University of Luebeck) for allowing us to present their work.
Reference: Pau, H. W., Lankenau, E., Just, T., Behrend, D. & Hüttmann, G. Optical Coherence Tomography as an Orientation Guide in Cochlear Implant Surgery, Acta Oto-Laryngologica accepted (2007).
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| Swept Source OCT Microscope System |
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