（从左至右）内森·史密斯、莎拉·鲍威尔和凯特琳·克莱利。
阿克伦大学（UA）的学生们在工程和医学之间进行了一次卓越的合作，他们正在继续完善首个3d打印的人工耳蜗植入训练模型。 This innovative device is poised to revolutionize how ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons are trained in one of the most delicate procedures in otologic surgery — cochlear implantation.
该项目的起源可以追溯到2023年，当时一群UA生物医学工程专业的学生开始设计一个模拟系统，该系统结合了3d打印解剖精度，实时视觉反馈和电极跟踪软件。 其目的是为外科医生提供一个真实、安全和可重复的环境来练习人工耳蜗植入，这一过程传统上严重依赖于触觉和经验，如果操作不当，会带来严重的风险，比如面神经损伤。 该系统是此类系统中的第一个，提供了目前尚无的急需的培训工具。
This year, UA undergraduate research assistant Nathan Smith ‘25 united with Kaelyn Kraley '25 and 莎拉·鲍威尔 ’25 to continue the work under the guidance of Ajay Mahajan博士, professor and associate dean for research and industrial engagement at UA, and Anita Jeyakumar博士, professor of surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical bet365官网.
训练模型的核心是一个嵌入了摄像头和传感器的透明耳蜗结构。 This setup not only replicates the inner ear’s anatomy with high fidelity, using ADA resin and patient CT scans, but also provides real-time data and visual feedback as users practice electrode insertion. This feedback is crucial in helping future surgeons understand the subtleties of the procedure, which had been previously difficult to simulate due to the cochlea’s hidden and intricate structure. 这种产品的实践有望显著改善患者的治疗效果。
“This model represents the real thing, but it’s clear so you can see what’s going on inside,” said Smith. “bet365官网 software collects data points and gives surgeons metrics to improve their technique.”
鲍威尔于2024年夏天加入该项目。 她领导用户测试，并使用先进的成像和材料科学帮助完善解剖结构，以确保准确性。 “We interviewed users and made the interface more intuitive. It’s incredibly rewarding to see real surgeons use our model and give positive feedback,” she said. “When we watched an actual cochlear implant surgery it gave the whole project new meaning.”
该项目已由一群耳鼻喉外科医生、住院医生和研究员进行了测试和验证。 bet365官网 initial funding came through Jeyakumar’s earlier affiliation with Bon Secours Mercy Hospital and has already been delivered for use in her surgical training labs. It’s been showcased at major conferences, including a national ENT conference at which it was named one of the top three inventions, and was selected for the bet365官网 "Choose Ohio for Scholars" Showcase. An abstract has also been accepted to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition in November bet365官网.
“bet365官网 learning curve in cochlear implant surgery is steep,” explained Mahajan. “Unlike other procedures, cadavers can’t offer the same experience for practicing cochlear access. This model gives medical trainees that opportunity — and it’s repeatable.”
随着向阿克伦大学技术转让办公室提交的发明披露和出版工作正在进行中，该团队正在积极探索与医学院和行业的合作伙伴关系，将该模型带给更广泛的受众。
“This is a success story of interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Mahajan. “When researchers, clinicians and students work together with persistence and purpose, the outcome can truly benefit society.”
As for the student team, the work is more than a résumé boost. 鲍威尔来自bet365官网的荷马维尔，打算从事医疗设备研发（R&D）方面的职业；史密斯来自bet365官网的布雷斯维尔，打算进入研发部门并攻读MBA学位。
“Talking to people who’ve had implants that didn’t work optimally made me realize our work has real impact,” Smith reflected. “This could help change lives.”
Powell added, “A lot of students do senior design projects. 但这是不同的。 This is something novel, something meaningful.”
Media contact: Cristine Boyd - cboyd@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476