Manipulation of cochlear implant to reverse insertion trauma
- Research Opportunity
- Honours, Master of Biomedical Science
- Number of Honour Places Available
- 1
- Department
- Surgery
- Location
- Surgery, Otolaryngology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
| Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Christofer Bester | christofer.bester@unimelb.edu.au | Personal web page |
| Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof Stephen O'Leary | sjoleary@unimelb.edu.au | Personal web page | |
| Dr Aaron Collins | aaron.collins@unimelb.edu.au | ||
| Dr J Jean-Marc Gerard | jean-marc.gerard@unimelb.edu.au |
Summary We are pioneering the use of intra-operative monitoring of hearing function during cochlear implantation to actively preserve this function in theatre. As part of this monitoring, the surgeon may adjust the electrode’s trajectory actively during implantation to preserve hearing. With newer pre-curved electrode designs that are advanced out of sheaths, it is unclear how these manipulations affect the tip of the electrode array.
Project Details
A goal of modern cochlear implantation is to protect any natural, residual hearing the patient may have. We are pioneering the use of intra-operative monitoring of hearing function during cochlear implantation to actively preserve this function in theatre. As part of this monitoring, the surgeon may adjust the electrode’s trajectory actively during implantation to preserve hearing. With newer pre-curved electrode designs that are advanced out of sheaths, it is unclear how these manipulations affect the tip of the electrode array. The purpose of this project is to investigate changes in the electrode’s position using X-ray and µCT scans in 3d printed cochlear models and donated temporal bones to develop and roll-out a protocol for actively preserving residual hearing during cochlear implantation. The project has a strong possibility for translational research, and you will be working closely with cochlear implant recipients as well as our industry partner (Cochlear Ltd).
Faculty Research Themes
Research Opportunities
Honours, Master of Biomedical Science
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
Department
Research Node
Surgery, Otolaryngology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMDHS Research library
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