Seminar: Image-guided Cochlear Implant Procedures, Prof Benoit Dawant, Vanderbilt University, USA

Abstract:

Over the last 20 years, cochlear implants (CIs) have become what is arguably the most successful neural prostheses. Despite this success, a significant number of CI recipients experience marginal hearing restoration, and, even among the best performers, restoration to normal fidelity is rare. In current practice surgical insertion of the implant and its programming are done without image guidance, which may lead to both suboptimal placement and programming. Over the last 10 years, we have developed a series of techniques that permit the visualization of the inner ear anatomy and of the implanted arrays. Using this information, we have developed methods to provide individualized programming guidance to the audiologists. We have evaluated this approach on both adults and children long-term recipients, and we have shown on more than 200 subjects that image-guided cochlear programming leads to improved outcomes and quality of life. In this presentation we will cover the various steps that are required to provide routine intra-operative feedback and programming assistance for CI procedures.

Bio:

Benoit Dawant is a Cornelius Professor of Engineering and a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Vanderbilt University. He is an IEEE Fellow and the Director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering. His area of expertise is medical image processing and analysis. Over the last 20 years he has developed algorithms for the automatic segmentation of medical images, techniques for evaluating these algorithms, and he has translated these methods to the clinical world. Current projects include the development of techniques to assist in the planning, implantation, and programming phases of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedures used to treat movement disorders and the development of techniques to assist in the placement and programming of cochlear implants.