A High-Resolution Ultrasonic Endoscope for the Auditory System

This research project is focused on the development and commercialization of a high-resolution ultrasound imaging system, specifically for investigating tissue structures of the ear and auditory system. High-resolution ultrasound has the ability to revolutionize diagnostics in this field by providing in-vivo and real-time visualization of the micro-anatomy in the middle and inner ear. Currently, there is no medical imaging technique that can properly resolve the most important internal structures of the auditory system. These structures include the three tiny bones and associated ligaments in the middle ear, located behind the eardrum, and also the cochlea or inner ear, which is the organ of hearing. Since there are no reliable imaging techniques for the auditory system, diagnostics rely on hearing tests, which don't always provide a clear indication of the relationship between symptoms and underlying cause. The introduction of a new diagnostic imaging tool for hearing disorders has the potential to greatly increase the diagnostic accuracy of hearing disorders for the estimated one in ten people who suffer from hearing loss. In addition, the wide variety of surgical interventions used to treat hearing loss and ear disease would greatly benefit from the introduction of a high-resolution probe. The imaging probes that will be developed will be small enough to be situated at the tip of an endoscopic probe which can be inserted into the ear canal and up against the cochlea. They have been designed such that they maximize the image volume within the cochlea and using a novel electronic system to focus the ultrasound beam. These imaging probes will provide physicians with an unprecedented level of diagnostic information. The proposal also includes validation studies to be performed through animal studies. Once the new imaging system is validated on animals, commercial translation of the technology will be carried out through a licensing strategy.