Cone Beam Imaging of Cochlear Implants

Abstract

Detailed radiological analysis of the postoperative images is required to cope with the new technologies and development of the cochlear implants. Routine postoperative X-ray was usually performed on the day of the surgery or the day just after as a documentation of proper insertion of electrodes. Due to the low radiation exposure by simple X-ray, the use of Multi-detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) was reserved for cases of malformations or complications. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is a relatively new imaging modality in the head and neck imaging. It provides high spatial resolution and a relatively low patient dose. In the cochlear implant field, the value of CBCT is increasing due to ability to give good diagnostic images with low metallic artifacts. In comparison with the other already used imaging modalities in the postoperative imaging of cochlear implants, CBCT provides more anatomical details and information about the electrode positioning than conventional X-ray and it also provides images with higher spatial resolution and lower metallic artifact than the MDCT.