Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh recently performed its first cochlear implant surgery with the iotaSOFT Insertion System, the world’s first FDA-authorized robotic-assisted electrode array insertion technology. It was the first pediatric iota surgery in the state and only the second pediatric-focused center in the country to use iotaSOFT.
The family – from South Africa — was excited to know that their 9-year-old child would be the first recipient. She has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and a prior implant on the right, which she received in South Africa. She has worn a hearing aid on the left with minimal benefit. Her surgery, with David Chi, MD, Division Chief, Pediatric Otolaryngology, was to minimize trauma to the cochlea with the atraumatic technique.
According to the company, iotaMotion, Inc, iotaSOFT provides “robotic-assisted control that slows electrode array insertion speed beyond human capability.” Reduced insertion speed and force reduce intracochlear trauma. In fact, by “minimizing insertion trauma and preserving delicate intracochlear structures, the technology can support long-term cochlear health, residual hearing preservation, and improve clinical outcomes.”
Dr. Chi expects to do more iota surgeries with the right candidates.