Abstract
PurposeCone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) offers a valid alternative to conventional Computed Tomography (CT). A possible radiation dose reduction with the use of CBCT in postoperative imaging of CIs is of great importance. Whether the visualization of Cochlear Implant (CI) electrodes in CBCT correlates with the radiation dose applied was investigated in this study.MethodsWe compared the visualization quality of Contour Advance CIs to Straight CIs from Cochlear using CBCT with varying tube parameters on whole-head specimen.ResultsThe internal diameter of the cochlea decreases from base to apex, resulting in a significantly different intracochlear positioning of the two tested CI models. While electrodes of the Contour Advance series are located close to the modiolus, thus closer to the spiral ganglion neurons, those of the Straight series are located further away. The artifact portion of the electrode amounts to 50–70% of the radiological diameter of the electrode. An increase in artifact portion from the base (electrode #1 approx. 50%) to the apex (electrode #20 approx. 70%) of the cochlea was observed. The visualization of electrodes in the medial and apical part of the cochlea is limited due to artifact overlapping. There was no correlation between the artifact size and the applied radiation dose.ConclusionThe results indicate that a reduction of the radiation dose by up to 45% of the currently applied radiation dose of standard protocols would be possible. Investigations of the effects on subjective image quality still need to be performed.
Highlights
With the development of the Cochlear Implant (CI), it has become possible to restore hearing in patients by substituting a non-functioning sensory epithelium (Organ of Corti) with an artificial, electrical stimulation
The aim of the study is to evaluate at which radiation dose a sufficient image quality can be guaranteed and whether a dose reduction in intra- and postoperative diagnostics can be achieved in everyday clinical practice
Applied radiation dosage varied in relation to exposure time, current, voltage, and program type. It ranged from 1.75 to 16 mGy and was expressed as Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI), which was calculated by the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) device
Summary
With the development of the Cochlear Implant (CI), it has become possible to restore hearing in patients by substituting a non-functioning sensory epithelium (Organ of Corti) with an artificial, electrical stimulation. Current guidelines advocate for intraoperative or postoperative imaging to confirm the correct position of the electrode array in the cochlea and to detect possible misplacements or scale jumps [1]. This can lead to fibrosis and ossification of the cochlea after insertion. The aim of the study is to evaluate at which radiation dose a sufficient image quality can be guaranteed and whether a dose reduction in intra- and postoperative diagnostics can be achieved in everyday clinical practice
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
