The Cochlear Doppler
(Phase I Development)

The Problem

• Acoustic neuroma surgery causes deafness in about 50% of patients:

• Artery in inner ear difficult to see & frequently damaged
• Result is loss of cochlear function & deafness

• Sudden Deafness Syndrome is caused by a virus or sudden loss of bloodflow

• Current methods cannot differentiate between them
• Consequently, therapy is directed at both conditions

Technical Challenges

• Cochlea is embedded in temporal bone
• Blood vessels in cochlea are very small
• Blood flow is very slow (about 1cc per 3 hours)

The Solution

• Unique ultrasound device detects cochlear flow
• Intra-operative monitoring will aid surgical team to avoid damaging cochlear blood flow
• Device will provide efficient, reliable differential diagnosis of sudden deafness.
• Appropriate therapy can be directed immediately
• Result: lower costs & improved outcomes

Contact: Arne Voie, Ph.D.