Imaging of the temporal bone and development of image-based methods

  • XFi cochlear implant imaging: a clinical comparative study in imaging otosclerosis and cholesteatoma

  • 3D reconstructions, automatic segmentation 

Principal Researcher: 

Matti Iso-Mustajärvi, MD, Adj. Professor

Virtual reality (VR) and preoperative planning  

This study investigates:

  • The accuracy and validity of VR in preoperative planning
  • The feasibility of VR in educational, preoperative and intra-operative use
  • The impact of VR on surgical performance and outcomes
  • The cost-effectiveness of VR  

Our aim is to: 

  • Create enhanced and immersive visualization of patient specific images
  • Enhance the efficiency in anatomy and surgery training
  • Enable more proficient surgical performance, enhanced outcomes and patient-safety

Principal Researcher: 

Tomi Timonen, MD, PhD

Comparing virtual reality and conventional 2D (PACS) preoperative planning in mastoidectomy

  • Temporal bone is one of the most complex anatomical regions in the human body. Profound three-dimensional (3D) understanding of the important anatomical structures and their topographical relationship is crucial for temporal bone surgery
  • Preoperative planning in mastoidectomy has traditionally been based on 2D (PACS) method

This study aims to:

  • Compare virtual reality (VR) and conventional 2D (PACS) simulation in preoperative planning in mastoidectomy
  • Bring new, valuable and practical information of feasibility of VR as a preoperative planning method

Principal Researcher: 

Anna Hård, MD, PhD Student

Surgify Safety Burr in Otosurgery

The Surgify Safety Burr is a Finnish innovation in which the protective ring around the burr is activated when it reaches soft tissue, thus preventing tissue damage. When drilling hard bone, the protective ring slides out of the way, allowing the burr to activate.

In this work, we investigate the properties and drilling speed of the burr as well as the safety in drilling the temporal bone. Examinations are conducted both in laboratory conditions with cadaveric bones as well as in the operating room as part of otosurgical procedures.

Principal Researcher: 

Laura Ihalainen, MD, PhD Student