An image-guided robot system for direct cochlear access

The aim of direct cochlear access (DCA) is to replace the standard mastoidectomy with a small diameter tunnel from the lateral bone surface to the cochlea for electrode array insertion. In contrast to previous attempts, the approach described in this work not only achieves an unprecedented high accuracy, but also contains several safety sub-systems. This paper provides a brief description of the system components, and summarizes accuracy results using the system in a cadaver model over the past two years.

Ayi͏̈ne Roâh : méthode intuitive et élémentaire de la langue hébraique ; a l'usage des commençants

par S. Hallel

Manual Electrode Array Insertion Through a Robot-assisted Minimal Invasive Cochleostomy: Feasibility and Comparison of Two Different Electrode Array Subtypes.

HYPOTHESIS To evaluate the feasibility and the results of insertion of two types of electrode arrays in a robotically assisted surgical approach. BACKGROUND Recent publications demonstrated that robot-assisted surgery allows the implantation of free-fitting electrode arrays through a cochleostomy drilled via a narrow bony tunnel (DCA). We investigated if electrode arrays from different manufacturers could be used with this approach. METHODS Cone-beam CT imaging was performed on fivecadaveric heads after placement of fiducial screws. Relevant anatomical structures were segmented and the DCA trajectory, including the position of the cochleostomy, was defined to target the center of the scala tympani while reducing the risk of lesions to the facial nerve. Med-El Flex 28 and Cochlear CI422 electrodes were implanted on both sides, and their position was verified by cone-beam CT. Finally, temporal bones were dissected to assess the occurrence of damage to anatomical structures during DCA drilling. RESULTS The cochleostomy site was directed in the scala tympani in 9 of 10 cases. The insertion of electrode arrays was successful in 19 of 20 attempts. No facial nerve damage was observed. The average difference between the planned and the postoperative trajectory was 0.17 ± 0.19 mm at the level of the facial nerve. The average depth of insertion was 305.5 ± 55.2 and 243 ± 32.1 degrees with Med-El and Cochlear arrays, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Robot-assisted surgery is a reliable tool to allow cochlear implantation through a cochleostomy. Technical solutions must be developed to improve the electrode array insertion using this approach.

Index Tracking Using Data-Mining Techniques and Mixed-Binary Linear Programming

Index tracking has become one of the most common strategies in asset management. The index-tracking problem consists of constructing a portfolio that replicates the future performance of an index by including only a subset of the index constituents in the portfolio. Finding the most representative subset is challenging when the number of stocks in the index is large. We introduce a new three-stage approach that at first identifies promising subsets by employing data-mining techniques, then determines the stock weights in the subsets using mixed-binary linear programming, and finally evaluates the subsets based on cross validation. The best subset is returned as the tracking portfolio. Our approach outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of out-of-sample performance and running times.

Außerordentliches Extrablatt: Die erste goldene Frucht des Reichstages! Kein Robot! Kein Zehnt mehr! Die Stunde der Befreiung hat geschlagen, das schreckliche Wort "Unterthan" ist aus der deutschen Sprache verschwunden ...

Welsch (Projektbearbeiter): Vollendung der Bauernbefreiung, nachdem die Leibeigenschaft bereits 1781/82 unter Kaiser Joseph II. aufgehoben wurde: Bekanntgabe der Aufhebung der obrigkeitlichen Gewalt der Grundherren (ohne Entgelt) sowie der Aufhebung der Dienste und Abgaben (gegen Entschädigung). (Einstimmiger Beschluß des österreichischen Reichstages nach dem diesbezüglichen Antrag des Abgeordneten Hans Kudlich vom 26. Juli 1848)

Der Bauer ist frei: Kein Zehent, keine Robot mehr, beschlossen und mit allgemeine [sic!] Stimmenmehrheit angenommen durch die hohe Reichsversammlung, am 30. und 31. August 1848: Heute endlich gelangte der hohe Reichstag dahin, über des Abgeordneten Lasser's Antrag abzustimmen ...

Welsch (Projektbearbeiter): Der Kudlichsche Antrag auf Bauernbefreiung (26. Juli 1848) wird mit einigen Modifikationen (Abgeordneter Lasser) vom österreichischen Reichstag angenommen. Nebst Abdruck von Redebeiträgen aus den Vordebatten