Cochlear implant surgery is a procedure that can allow people with certain types of deafness to hear better. The insertion of the cochlear electrode is traditionally a “blind” procedure relying on the surgeon’s skill and perception for inserting and correctly placing the electrode. Cases of electrode complications may only be identified after surgery, which may result in revision surgery and can impact the patient’s hearing outcomes.

The design challenge was to develop an intuitive system to help surgeons by providing real-time feedback in the operating theatre during the delicate process of electrode placement, thus reducing the need for intraoperative imaging.

The Nucleus® SmartNav system is a new tool that supports surgeons by providing wireless, real-time, and actionable intraoperative insights. It helps them to both visualise their insertion and navigate the electrode insertion in the operating theatre.

The product offers valuable insights to assess electrode placement, including real-time measurements of angular insertion depth and speed, as well as a Placement Check. These innovations may reduce the reliance on imaging during surgery, thus reducing time in the operating theatre.

The system has been designed to set a new benchmark in intraoperative measurement, providing increased assurance for professionals and their patients regarding the surgical outcome.