Open AccessForce Perception Thresholds in Cochlear Implantation Surgery
Author(s) -
Louis B. Kratchman,
Daniel P. Schuster,
Mary S. Dietrich,
Robert F. Labadie
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
audiology and neuro-otology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.106
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1421-9700
pISSN - 1420-3030
DOI - 10.1159/000445736
Subject(s) - cochlear implantation , audiology , perception , medicine , surgery , cochlear implant , complication , psychology , neuroscience
Tissue trauma is a frequent complication of cochlear implantation (CI) surgery, but the relationship between intracochlear trauma, electrode insertion forces, and surgeons' ability to perceive these forces is poorly understood. In this study, we simulated CI surgery using a benchtop apparatus to repeatedly apply small forces to the subjects' hands while reducing the variability in their hand movements. We used a psychophysical testing procedure to estimate the force perception thresholds of 10 otologic surgeons and found a median threshold of 20.4 mN. The results suggest that surgeons have the capability to sense at least some insertion forces and are likely to perceive severe trauma such as occurs when the electrode crosses from one scala to the other.