ArticleThe international journal of medical robotics + computer assisted surgery : MRCAS2026
Feasibility of Minimally Invasive Robot-Assisted Retrofacial Access to the Stapedius Muscle for Applications in Objective Cochlear Implant Fitting: A Cadaveric Study.
Article in The international journal of medical robotics + computer assisted surgery : MRCAS, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Long-Term Electromyographic Monitoring of the Stapedius Reflex via Implanted Electrodes in Sheep: Toward Objective Autonomous Cochlear Implant Fitting.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundAccurate setting of maximum comfort levels (MCL) during cochlear implant (CI) fitting is essential but subjective, especially in non-cooperative patients. The stapedius reflex (SR) correlates with the MCL and offers an objective measure. Surgical access to the stapedius muscle (SM) is challenging due to its proximity to the facial nerve and sigmoid sinus; a retrofacial approach is preferred. This study evaluated the feasibility of robotic-assisted SM access via this approach.
methodsTwo cadaveric heads underwent robotic drilling using the HEARO system. Preoperative CT imaging and 3D planning with OTOPLAN defined patient-specific trajectories to the SM while maintaining safe distances from critical structures. Accuracy was assessed with postoperative CT and microscopic dissection.
resultsThe SM was successfully achieved in both specimens with high precision and minimal invasiveness.
conclusionsRobotic-assisted retrofacial access to the SM is feasible and safe, supporting future precision surgery and closed-loop CI systems with objective SR monitoring.
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