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

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 f...

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Main Authors: Dana Dohr, Nicklas Fiedler, Wolfram Schmidt, Niels Grabow, Robert Mlynski, Sebastian P. Schraven
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-06-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/5162
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author Dana Dohr
Nicklas Fiedler
Wolfram Schmidt
Niels Grabow
Robert Mlynski
Sebastian P. Schraven
author_facet Dana Dohr
Nicklas Fiedler
Wolfram Schmidt
Niels Grabow
Robert Mlynski
Sebastian P. Schraven
author_sort Dana Dohr
collection DOAJ
description 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.
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spelling doaj.art-b17d8ea8648f4da6b83f0f7450c25bf32023-11-21T22:31:54ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172021-06-011111516210.3390/app11115162Frictional Behavior of Cochlear Electrode Array Is Dictated by Insertion Speed and Impacts Insertion ForceDana Dohr0Nicklas Fiedler1Wolfram Schmidt2Niels Grabow3Robert Mlynski4Sebastian P. Schraven5Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery “Otto Körner”, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Straße 137–139, 18057 Rostock, GermanyInstitute for Biomedical Engineering, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Straße 137–139, 18057 Rostock, GermanyInstitute for Biomedical Engineering, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Straße 137–139, 18057 Rostock, GermanyInstitute for Biomedical Engineering, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Straße 137–139, 18057 Rostock, GermanyDepartment of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery “Otto Körner”, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Straße 137–139, 18057 Rostock, GermanyDepartment of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery “Otto Körner”, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Straße 137–139, 18057 Rostock, GermanyBackground: 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.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/5162friction coefficientfriction conditionsinsertion forceinsertion speedinsertion traumacochlear electrode array
spellingShingle Dana Dohr
Nicklas Fiedler
Wolfram Schmidt
Niels Grabow
Robert Mlynski
Sebastian P. Schraven
Frictional Behavior of Cochlear Electrode Array Is Dictated by Insertion Speed and Impacts Insertion Force
Applied Sciences
friction coefficient
friction conditions
insertion force
insertion speed
insertion trauma
cochlear electrode array
title Frictional Behavior of Cochlear Electrode Array Is Dictated by Insertion Speed and Impacts Insertion Force
title_full Frictional Behavior of Cochlear Electrode Array Is Dictated by Insertion Speed and Impacts Insertion Force
title_fullStr Frictional Behavior of Cochlear Electrode Array Is Dictated by Insertion Speed and Impacts Insertion Force
title_full_unstemmed Frictional Behavior of Cochlear Electrode Array Is Dictated by Insertion Speed and Impacts Insertion Force
title_short Frictional Behavior of Cochlear Electrode Array Is Dictated by Insertion Speed and Impacts Insertion Force
title_sort frictional behavior of cochlear electrode array is dictated by insertion speed and impacts insertion force
topic friction coefficient
friction conditions
insertion force
insertion speed
insertion trauma
cochlear electrode array
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/5162
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