[Use of VR (virtual reality) software for preoperative implantation fitting with an implantable hearing aid as an example].

PURPOSE

To prove the feasibility of a preoperative fitting test for an implantable hearing aid using a VR environment.

METHODS

A high-resolution spiral CT was performed after mastoidectomy in 10 temporal bone specimens. The bony structures were segmented and merged with the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data of the hearing aid in a VR environment. For each specimen a three-dimensional fitting test was carried out by three examiners determining the implantability of the hearing aid. The implantation simulation was compared with the real implantation procedure performed by an experienced ENT surgeon.

RESULTS

The used VR system enabled real-time 3D-visualisation and manipulation of CT- and CAD-data. All objects could be independently moved in all three dimensions. The VR fitting test corresponded closely with the real implantation. The implantability of the hearing aid was properly predicted by all three examiners.

CONCLUSION

Merging CT and CAD data in a virtual reality environment bears high potential for the pre-surgical determination of the fit and mountability of medical implants in complex anatomical regions.