3D Reconstruction of Cochlea Geometries Using Human microCT Images

Understanding of the pathophysiology of hearing process and its connection with pathologic conditions which are linked with hearing loss requires an accurate description of the inner ear geometry. In this study, a semi-automated methodology for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the main inner ear structures: i) scalae, ii) basilar membrane, iii) vestibule, iv) stapes and v) round window is proposed. The methodology is based on the acquisition of microCT images and the employment of appropriate image processing techniques for accurate and semi-automated reconstruction. The Level Set algorithm employed with marching cubes algorithm is the main component of the methodology. The proposed methodology outcome is a 3D representation of the inner ear structures in a geometry format which can be used for further processing for inner ear modeling.