Robotic-Assisted Cochlear Implant Insertion
09-12, 17:30–18:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Hearing Implant 1 (ICC - B2 Floor - Üsküdar 3)

Introduction: cochlear implantation has evolved toward atraumatic "soft surgery" techniques aimed at preserving intracochlear structures and residual hearing. Manual electrode insertion, while effective, is subject to human tremor and variable insertion speeds, which may increase the risk of scalar translocation or mechanical trauma. Robotic-assisted insertion offers a specialized solution by providing stabilized, slow, and robotic electrode advancement designed to minimize intracochlear pressure transients and mechanical trauma.

methods/surgical technique: this "masters in surgery" video presentation focuses specifically on the integration and deployment of the iotamotion robotic system following the completion of the surgical approach. The video highlights the specialized technical maneuvers required for robotic assistance, including:

  • system calibration and docking: the precise alignment of the robotic drive with the cochleostomy or round window.

  • electrode loading: the methodology for securing the electrode array within the robotic carrier.

  • robotic insertion: the execution of a constant-velocity, low-force insertion, demonstrating the surgeon’s ability to pause and adjust in real-time.

  • disengagement: the safe removal of the robotic drive while maintaining the final electrode position.

results/discussion: outcomes of this presentation will be to provide a detailed demonstration that the audience may apply to their practice, with high-quality operative video that highlights the transition from manual tactile feedback to robotic precision. The presentation will also generate discussion among experts regarding soft surgical techniques and the potential for improved hearing preservation outcomes through the reduction of intracochlear trauma.

conclusion: this video serves as a technical guide for neurotologists to refine their cochlear implant insertion technique, focusing on the interface between robotic precision and microsurgical control to optimize patient outcomes.

Moderator Moderator
Levent Sennaroğlu
Speaker Speaker
Evan Cumpston
Levent Sennaroğlu

He did his medical training and otolaryngology residency in Hacettepe University Medical Faculty in Ankara. In 1996 He became associate professor, and in 2003 professor in the same department. He was a research scholar in House Ear Institute, Los Angeles California where he performed a temporal bone study on middle fossa approach (1997).

For the last 30 years, he has been practicing only otology and neurotology. His main academic interest is inner ear malformations. He was involved in the classification and surgery of inner ear malformations. He has recently updated his classification system of inner ear malformations (2009, 2013 and 2017). He developed an electrode for malformations. Recently he performed a histopathological study on inner ear malformations trying to explain the pathophysiology of developmental inner ear anomalies (2016). As Hacettepe Implant Team they performed over 3546 implants until May 2026. They also started auditory brainstem implantation in prelingually deafened children in 2006. So far Hacettepe team performed 205 ABI in children.

He has 164 articles in English language in peer reviewed journals.

He was the president of the Otology and Neurotology Society in Turkey between 2008 and 2010. He was the chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology in Hacettepe University between 2006 and 2011. During this time 4 year-Audiology Undergraduate Program was set up in Hacettepe University.

This speaker also appears in:
Evan Cumpston

Dr. Evan Cumpston is a neurotologist and Skull base surgeon at Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. His expertise encompasses the removal of benign tumors, such as vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), meningiomas, paragangliomas (glomus tumors), facial nerve tumors, and cholesterol granulomas. He also has expertise in removing malignant tumors involving the temporal bone, such as squamous cell carcinoma.

In addition, Dr. Cumpston specializes in surgeries for hearing loss, including cochlear implant surgery and stapes surgery. He also performs repairs for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repairs, disorders of the facial nerve, and surgery for chronic ear disease. 

Dr. Cumpson's research is dedicated to enhancing hearing outcomes for cochlear implant recipients and optimizing clinical outcomes in skull base surgeries. He is the director of the IU Otolaryngology Temporal Bone Course and is passionate about medical education, mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows.

This speaker also appears in: