Research Topics

Main Research Topics

Image acquisition

• imaging of the inner ear and the lateral skull base
• imaging of cochlear implants after insertion

Image processing and software development

• visualization and processing of medical images
• manually and semi-automated segmentation
• trajectory planning
• bone thickness calculation and visualization
• visualization of cochlear anatomy using rotating midmodiolar slice planes
• software development using C++, VTK, ITK, Matlab, Mathematica, LabView

3D modelling

• anatomica models of the lateral skull base and the surgical approach
• finite element models of the human inner ear and the electrode array
• physicial replica of the human inner ear (artificial cochlear model)

Medical device development and evaluation

• surgical assistance devices for minimally invasive cochlear implantation surgery
• surgical tools and medical devices such as
• image-guided surgery systems
• micro-stereotactic frames (surgical templates)
• manual and automated insertion tools
• drilling tools

CI electrode development

• functionalization (shape memory inlays, fluid-mechanical actuators, tubular manipulators,...)
• individualization (length, thickness, shape change,...)
• virtual prototyping using finite element analysis
• simulation and optimization of the individual insertion process

CI electrode characterization

• using 3D bending test
• determination of curling behavior
• manual and automated insertion tests in
• artificial cochlea models and
• human temporal bone specimens
• investigation of insertion forces and their correlation to
• insertion speed
• shape and size of the inner ear
• histology and evaluation of insertion trauma

Methods and Expertise Used in our Lab

• digital volume tomography (DVT)
• micro-CT imaging
• histological imaging ("3D histology" called Microgrinding)
• Software Development (using Matlab, C++, VTK, ITK, Qt, Mathematica, LabView)
• Finite-Element-Analysis (using ANSYS)
• force measurement
• 3D printing