| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St, Boston, MA, USA;2. Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA;3. Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA;4. Department of Otolaryngology, UMass Memorial Medical Center, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA;5. Department of Otolaryngology, University Tübingen Medical Center, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany |
| Abstract: | PurposeA transcanal endoscopic infracochlear surgical approach to the internal auditory canal (IAC) in a human temporal bone model has previously been described. However, the proportion of patients with favorable anatomy for this novel surgical technique remains unknown. Herein, we perform a quantitative analysis of the transcanal endoscopic infracochlear corridor to the IAC based on computed tomography.Materials and methodsHigh resolution computed tomography scans of adult temporal bones were measured to determine the accessibility of the IAC when using an endoscopic transcanal, cochlear-sparing surgical corridor.ResultsThis approach to the IAC was feasible in 92% (35 of 38) specimens based on a minimum distance of 3 mm between the basilar turn of the cochlear and the great vessels (jugular bulb and carotid artery).ConclusionsInfracochlear access to the IAC is feasible in the majority of adult temporal bones and has implications for future hearing preservation drug delivery approaches to the IAC. |
