Three-dimensional printing of human scala tympani models: surface modification to reduce cochlear implant insertion forces with a physiological lubricant
Abstract
Recent advances in cochlear implant (CI) technology have focused on strategies aimed at enhancing surgical accuracy and improving overall performance. Insertion of CI electrodes into the scala tympani (ST) must be carefully controlled to avoid damage to the endogenous cochlear structures and preserve residual hearing. Three-dimensional (3D) models of the ST can be used for training purposes and to improve electrode design to minimize insertion forces. In this study, we present a novel 3D printing approach that facilitates surface optimization of anatomically accurate ST models. Stereolithography-based 3D printing methods were used to generate ST models of various sizes and anatomical types. Our results demonstrated that surface roughness and hydrophilic treatment of the 3D ST models led to significantly reduced insertion forces and facilitated complete electrode insertion without the need for additional lubricants. Electrodes introduced into models prepared with hydrophilic coatings and moderate surface roughness (2.8 ± 0.8 µm) were successfully introduced (100%) with the lowest insertion forces (~ 60 mN). Importantly, these optimized conditions yielded insertion forces that more closely approximate those measured in human cadaveric in vitro models. These findings highlight the potential of 3D-printed ST models for in vitro testing as well as improved surgical outcomes.
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BibTeX
@article{riviere2026threedimensional,
title = {{Three-dimensional printing of human scala tympani models: surface modification to reduce cochlear implant insertion forces with a physiological lubricant}},
author = {Margaud Rivière and Chloé Morice and Guillaume Tourrel and Adrian Laborde and Laurent Malaquin and Julie Foncy},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-63614-9},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05767437v1},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Three-dimensional printing of human scala tympani models: surface modification to reduce cochlear implant insertion forces with a physiological lubricant
AU - Margaud Rivière
AU - Chloé Morice
AU - Guillaume Tourrel
AU - Adrian Laborde
AU - Laurent Malaquin
AU - Julie Foncy
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/24
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-63614-9
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05767437v1
AB - Recent advances in cochlear implant (CI) technology have focused on strategies aimed at enhancing surgical accuracy and improving overall performance. Insertion of CI electrodes into the scala tympani (ST) must be carefully controlled to avoid damage to the endogenous cochlear structures and preserve residual hearing. Three-dimensional (3D) models of the ST can be used for training purposes and to improve electrode design to minimize insertion forces. In this study, we present a novel 3D printing approach that facilitates surface optimization of anatomically accurate ST models. Stereolithography-based 3D printing methods were used to generate ST models of various sizes and anatomical types. Our results demonstrated that surface roughness and hydrophilic treatment of the 3D ST models led to significantly reduced insertion forces and facilitated complete electrode insertion without the need for additional lubricants. Electrodes introduced into models prepared with hydrophilic coatings and moderate surface roughness (2.8 ± 0.8 µm) were successfully introduced (100%) with the lowest insertion forces (~ 60 mN). Importantly, these optimized conditions yielded insertion forces that more closely approximate those measured in human cadaveric in vitro models. These findings highlight the potential of 3D-printed ST models for in vitro testing as well as improved surgical outcomes.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -