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Thesis Project Form

Title (tentative): Video-CT registration for augmented reality applications in cochlear implant procedures

Thesis advisor(s): Solari Fabio, Manuela Chessa, Razeen Hussain, Raabid Hussain (Oticon Medical) E-mail:
Address: Via Dodecaneso, 35 - 16146 Genova 303 Phone: (+39) 010 353 6756
Description

Motivation and application domain
Cochlear implant (CI) is one of the world’s most successful medical implants by restoring the ability to speech understanding in profoundly deaf patients. Cochlear implant surgery involves placing an electrode array inside the scala tympani part of the cochlea. During insertion, the surgeon is blinded by the temporal bone eliminating any chance of visual cues. Sub-optimal insertions often lead to electrode translocation, rupture of basilar membrane, tip-fold overs and electrode buckling, all causing trauma to the patient. Visualizing hidden structures through an augmented reality setup may improve the ergonomics and performance of the procedure.

General objectives and main activities
The aim of this project will be to design an automatic registration strategy between a preoperative CT-scan and real-time video of the temporal bone using visual and optical tracking strategies. The project would involve:
• Point-based initial registration using feedback from optical tracking system.
• Contour based registration optimization.
• Validation on resin phantom models.

Training Objectives (technical/analytical tools, experimental methodologies)
The core challenge of the project is the variability of and the low number of distinct features present in the ear anatomy. A hybrid approach will provide the optimal initial registration approach that will be fed into a tracking strategy of synchronizing virtual overlays and patient movements.

Place(s) where the thesis work will be carried out: DIBRIS Valletta Puggia (Perception&Interaction Lab) and Oticon Medical (Vallauris, France)

Additional information

Pre-requisite abilities/skills: : Programming in C++ or C#, Basic knowledge of Unity3D

Maximum number of students: 1