Proof of Concept for an Intracochlear Acoustic Receiver for Use in Acute Large Animal Experiments

Flurin Pfiffner; Lukas Prochazka; Ivo Dobrev; Karina Klein; Patrizia Sulser; Dominik Péus; Jae  Hoon Sim; Adrian Dalbert; Christof Röösli; Dominik Obrist; Alexander Huber

doi:10.3390/s18103565

Sensors (Oct 2018)

Proof of Concept for an Intracochlear Acoustic Receiver for Use in Acute Large Animal Experiments

Flurin Pfiffner,
Lukas Prochazka,
Ivo Dobrev,
Karina Klein,
Patrizia Sulser,
Dominik Péus,
Jae Hoon Sim,
Adrian Dalbert,
Christof Röösli,
Dominik Obrist,
Alexander Huber

Affiliations

Flurin Pfiffner: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
Lukas Prochazka: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
Ivo Dobrev: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
Karina Klein: Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
Patrizia Sulser: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
Dominik Péus: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
Jae Hoon Sim: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
Adrian Dalbert: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
Christof Röösli: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
Dominik Obrist: ARTORG Center, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
Alexander Huber: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s18103565
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 18, no. 10
p. 3565

Abstract

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(1) Background: The measurement of intracochlear sound pressure (ICSP) is relevant to obtain better understanding of the biomechanics of hearing. The goal of this work was a proof of concept of a partially implantable intracochlear acoustic receiver (ICAR) fulfilling all requirements for acute ICSP measurements in a large animal. The ICAR was designed not only to be used in chronic animal experiments but also as a microphone for totally implantable cochlear implants (TICI). (2) Methods: The ICAR concept was based on a commercial MEMS condenser microphone customized with a protective diaphragm that provided a seal and optimized geometry for accessing the cochlea. The ICAR was validated under laboratory conditions and using in-vivo experiments in sheep. (3) Results: For the first time acute ICSP measurements were successfully performed in a live specimen that is representative of the anatomy and physiology of the human. Data obtained are in agreement with published data from cadavers. The surgeons reported high levels of ease of use and satisfaction with the system design. (4) Conclusions: Our results confirm that the developed ICAR can be used to measure ICSP in acute experiments. The next generation of the ICAR will be used in chronic sheep experiments and in TICI.

Published in Sensors

ISSN: 1424-8220 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Technology: Chemical technology
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors

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