POIGNET Philippe

Project status: active

Cochlear implants were the first implantable functional device for humans. They restore auditory perception in people with severe to profound hearing loss. The surgical implantation of these devices requires the insertion of an electrode holder into the inner ear to electrically stimulate the auditory nerve. This insertion represents a critical step: currently, surgeons cannot visually control the trajectory of the electrode holder, relying instead on tactile sensations. This can damage the inner ear and lead to the loss of residual hearing.

Prof. Poignet and Prof. Venail aim to develop a new tool to guide the insertion of the electrode carrier by merging the images obtained from real-time ultrasound and scanner. In practice, this will enable:

• The development and evaluation of a new ultrasound transducer tailored to humans
• Improved precision in this method
• The development of software enabling real-time merging of ultrasound and scanner images for clinical use

If successful, this innovative technology will enable safer, more effective cochlear implants for humans.

This new technology will not only benefit potential cochlear implant candidates but also lead the way to therapeutic interventions such as the administration of drugs or genetic therapy in the inner ear, which are difficult to achieve with current tools.

Professor Philippe Poignet
Research Director
Laboratory of Computer Science, Robotics and Microelectronics of Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, France