Frictional Behavior of Cochlear Electrode Array Is Dictated by Insertion Speed and Impacts Insertion Force

Applied Sciences

Dana Dohr¹  Robert Mlynski¹  Sebastian P. Schraven¹  Niels Grabow²  Nicklas Fiedler²  Wolfram Schmidt² 

[1] Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery “Otto Körner”, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Straße 137–139, 18057 Rostock, Germany;Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Straße 137–139, 18057 Rostock, Germany;

关键词: friction coefficient;    friction conditions;    insertion force;    insertion speed;    insertion trauma;    cochlear electrode array;   

DOI  :  10.3390/app11115162

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: During cochlear implantation, the electrode array has significant friction with the sensitive endocochlear lining and causes mutual mechanical trauma while the array is being inserted. Both, the impact of insertion speed on electrode friction and the relationship of electrode insertion force and friction have not been adequately investigated to date. Methods: In this study, friction coefficients between a CI electrode array (31.5 mm) and a tissue simulating the endocochlear lining have been acquired, depending on different insertion speeds (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm/s). Additionally, the electrode insertion forces during the placing into a scala tympani model were recorded and correlated with the friction coefficient. Results: It was shown that the friction coefficient reached the lowest value at an insertion speed of 0.1 mm/s (0.24 ± 0.13), a maximum occurred at 1.5 mm/s (0.59 ± 0.12), and dropped again at 2 mm/s (0.45 ± 0.11). Similar patterns were observed for the insertion forces. Consequently, a high correlation coefficient (0.9) was obtained between the insertion forces and friction coefficients. Conclusion: The present study reveals a non-linear increase in electrode array friction, when insertion speed raises and reports a high correlation between friction coefficient and electrode insertion force. This dependence is a relevant future parameter to evaluate and reduce cochlear implant insertion trauma. Significance statement: Here, we demonstrated a dependence between cochlear electrode insertion speed and its friction behavior and a high correlation to insertion force. Our study provides valuable information for the evaluation and prevention of cochlear implant insertion trauma and supports the optimization of cochlear electrode arrays regarding friction characteristics.

【 授权许可】

Unknown