Hubertus Eilers

Publications of Hubertus Eilers

• A robot-guided minimally invasive approach for cochlear implant surgery: preliminary results of a temporal bone study.

  Authors: Omid Majdani, Thomas S Rau, Stephan Baron, Hubertus Eilers, Claas Baier, Bodo Heimann, Tobias Ortmaier, Sönke Bartling, Thomas Lenarz, Martin Leinung

  International journal of computer assisted radiology and surgery. 09/2009; 4(5):475-86.

  The aim of this study was to create an access canal to the inner ear, by drilling, and perform the cochleostomy for cochlear implant surgery using robot guidance. A robot, a surgical drill and anThe aim of this study was to create an access canal to the inner ear, by drilling, and perform the cochleostomy for cochlear implant surgery using robot guidance. A robot, a surgical drill and an Image-Guided Surgery (IGS) system were combined in a closed-loop setup. Ten temporal bones were scanned at the planning stages of the procedure. The robot guided the drill along the preplanned trajectory and created the approach. Postoperative scans were obtained. The cochleostomy was performed completely in nine out of ten cases. This did not prove possible for one of the specimens, the target site selected being in too superficial a location in relation to the round window. No violation of the facial nerve took place, although the chorda tympani nerve was violated in one case and the stapes in two. It was obvious during preoperative planning that these structures would be violated, but this was accepted in order to maintain a safety margin from the facial nerve. No other unforeseen damage occurred. This preliminary study suggests that robot-guided drilling of a minimally invasive approach to the cochlea might be feasible, but further improvements are necessary before any clinical application becomes possible. Where the width of the facial recess is less than 2.5 mm, the chorda tympani nerve and the ossicles are at risk.

• Conception and design of an automated insertion tool for cochlear implants

  Authors: Andreas Hussong, Thomas Rau, Hubertus Eilers, Stephan Baron, Bodo Heimann, Martin Leinung, Thomas Lenarz, Omid Majdani

  Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2008. EMBS 2008. 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE; 09/2008

  Cochlear implants (CI) are electronic devices incorporating an electrode inserted into the human cochlea for direct electric stimulation of the auditory nerve. The implantation has become theCochlear implants (CI) are electronic devices incorporating an electrode inserted into the human cochlea for direct electric stimulation of the auditory nerve. The implantation has become the standard treatment for patients with severe-to-profound sensorineural loss not aidable with conventional hearing aids. The state of the art operative technique is a facial recess approach to the middle ear, following the opening of the scala tympani (cochleostomy) and insertion of the electrode array. The facial recess approach is applicable only by experienced surgeons and optimal CI results primarily depend on optimal electrode placement and minimal traumatic insertion. This also requires a certain amount of experience. Additionally several groups work on minimally-invasive approaches to the cochlea, resulting in the necessity to insert the implant via a keyhole access, which is not applicable with current techniques. This paper presents a mechatronic device for an automated insertion of the electrode array of a cochlear implant system. Being designed especially for minimally-invasive approaches, the tool is also applicable for regular facial recess approaches. Moreover the device allows reliable and repeatable insertion studies at synthetic models or cadaver specimen. The functionality of the tool is proofed with first experiments on a synthetic model.

• Conception and design of an automated insertion tool for cochlear implants.

  Authors: Andreas Hussong, Thomas Rau, Hubertus Eilers, Stephan Baron, Bodo Heimann, Martin Leinung, Thomas Lenarz, Omid Majdani

  Conference proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. 02/2008; 1:5593-5596.

  Cochlear implants (CI) are electronic devices incorporating an electrode inserted into the human cochlea for direct electric stimulation of the auditory nerve. The implantation has become theCochlear implants (CI) are electronic devices incorporating an electrode inserted into the human cochlea for direct electric stimulation of the auditory nerve. The implantation has become the standard treatment for patients with severe-to-profound sensorineural loss not aidable with conventional hearing aids. The state of the art operative technique is a facial recess approach to the middle ear, following the opening of the scala tympani (cochleostomy) and insertion of the electrode array. The facial recess approach is applicable only by experienced surgeons and optimal CI results primarily depend on optimal electrode placement and minimal traumatic insertion. This also requires a certain amount of experience. Additionally several groups work on minimally-invasive approaches to the cochlea, resulting in the necessity to insert the implant via a keyhole access, which is not applicable with current techniques. This paper presents a mechatronic device for an automated insertion of the electrode array of a cochlear implant system. Being designed especially for minimally-invasive approaches, the tool is also applicable for regular facial recess approaches. Moreover the device allows reliable and repeatable insertion studies at synthetic models or cadaver specimen. The functionality of the tool is proofed with first experiments on a synthetic model.