What is the main innovation of the electrode insertion training system described in the study?

The system uses interchangeable transparent inner ear models representing normal and various malformed anatomies (including IP types I-III, cochlear hypoplasia, common cavity, and EVA) to enable realistic, repeatable, and anatomy-specific surgical training.

Why is training on malformed inner ear anatomy important for cochlear implant surgeons?

Anatomical variations are more common in cochlear implant recipients than in the general population, and lack of exposure to such variants in standard training increases the risk of complications during electrode insertion.

How should the electrode be positioned during insertion to maintain a safe trajectory?

The electrode should be held with angled soft-grip forceps and advanced with a superior-inferior alignment to guide it along the lateral cochlear wall, avoiding medial wall deviation and extracochlear buckling.

What is the recommended insertion depth for incomplete partition type 1 anatomy?

Insertion should be limited to a maximum of 360 degrees of angular depth to prevent overlap of apical contacts, with electrode length matched to the cystic cochlear portion.

How is electrode insertion managed in common cavity malformations?

The electrode array should be gently prebent, and the curved segment introduced first to form a stabilizing loop within the cavity, while preventing entry into the internal auditory canal.

What considerations apply to electrode insertion in cochlear hypoplasia?

Surgeons should measure cochlear length preoperatively, select a matching electrode length, and advance only until the lumen is fully covered without overinsertion beyond the basal turn.

How does cochlear size affect angular insertion depth for a given electrode length?

Smaller cochleae result in greater angular coverage for electrodes of identical length, while larger cochleae yield reduced angular insertion, necessitating size-based electrode selection.