New medical imaging technology can aid bone removal in cochlear implant surgery

Cochlear implant surgery helps people with severe hearing loss by placing an electronic device inside the inner ear. To reach the inner ear, surgeons must first remove part of a bone behind the ear, in a procedure called mastoidectomy. The shape of this surgically created cavity varies from patient to patient and has no clear outer boundary, making it difficult to anticipate using traditional image-analysis tools. Better prediction of this shape before surgery could support navigation systems, robotic tools, and improved visualization for surgeons, along with better outcomes for patients.