Robotic Versus Manual Electrode Insertion in Cochlear Implant Surgery: An Experimental Study
- Author:
Salman F ALHABIB
1
;
Farid ALZHRANI
;
Abdulrahman ALSANOSI
;
Mariam AL-AMRO
;
Abdulaziz ALBALLAA
;
Ibrahim SHAMI
;
Abdulrahman HAGR
;
Asma ALAHMADI
;
Tahir SHARIF
;
Maximilian STICHLING
;
Marco MATULIC
;
Masoud Zoka ASSADI
;
Yassin ABDELSAMAD
;
Fida ALMUHAWAS
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2025;18(1):21-29
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:. This experimental study compared the precision and surgical outcomes of manual versus robotic electrode insertions in cochlear implantation.
Methods:. The study was conducted on formalin-fixed cadaveric heads, with nine senior neurotologists performing both manual and robotic insertions.
Results:. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two methods in terms of insertion angle, cochlear coverage, or electrode coverage. However, the robotic method demonstrated a significantly slower and more controlled insertion speed (0.1 mm/sec) compared to manual insertion (0.66±0.31 mm/sec), which is crucial for minimizing intra-cochlear force and pressures. Although robotic insertions resulted in fewer complications such as tip fold-over or scala deviation, there were instances of incomplete insertion.
Conclusion:. The robotic system provided a consistent and controlled insertion process, potentially standardizing cochlear implant operations and reducing outcome variability. The study concludes that robotic-assisted insertion offers significant advantages in controlling insertion speed and consistency, supporting the continued development and clinical evaluation of robotic systems for cochlear implant surgery.
