Scala-Tympani Phantom With Cochleostomy and Round-Window Openings for Cochlear-Implant Insertion Experiments

Abstract

Experiments with scala-tympani (ST) phantoms are used to evaluate new electrode arrays and cochlear-implant insertion techniques. To date, phantoms have not accounted for clinical orientations and geometric differences between round-window (RW) insertions and anteroinferior cochleostomy insertions. For improved assessments of insertion experiments, we present a scala-tympani phantom that offers three distinct benefits over previous phantoms: it mimics the standard otologic position, it accommodates for both round-window and anteroinferior cochleostomy insertions, and it incorporates a visual coordinate system based on industry consensus making standardized angular measurements possible.