Interact with the Electrode Array: Click and drag vertically on any of the metallic electrode rings or along the transparent silicone carrier to simulate insertion or retraction of the cochlear implant array. Dragging upwards generally retracts the array, while dragging downwards inserts it further into the cochlea model.
Camera Controls: When not actively dragging the electrode array, you can manipulate the 3D view. Use the left mouse button to orbit around the cochlea, the right mouse button (or two-finger drag on a trackpad) to pan the view, and the mouse wheel (or pinch-to-zoom on a trackpad) to zoom in and out.
Real-time Feedback: Observe the "HUD" (Heads-Up Display) in the top-right corner for live updates on insertion depth (in millimeters) and applied force (in millinewtons). Colour-coded messages will indicate whether the current insertion parameters are considered safe or if there's a risk of tissue damage (e.g., if the force exceeds a predefined threshold).
Insertion Metrics Chart: The chart in the top-left corner plots insertion depth, force, and speed over time. You can resize this chart by dragging its bottom-right corner. Click the ⊖/⊕ icon in the chart's header to collapse or expand it.
Automated Insertion: Use the "Play/Pause" button to initiate or halt an automated insertion sequence at a controlled speed.
This interactive web application simulates the delicate process of inserting a cochlear implant electrode array into a simplified model of the human cochlea. A cochlear implant is a sophisticated medical device that can provide a sense of sound to individuals who are profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve.
The simulation is built using Three.js for 3D rendering and Chart.js for data visualization. It aims to provide an educational tool for understanding the mechanics and critical parameters involved in cochlear implant surgery, such as insertion depth, applied force, and insertion speed. Real-time visual and graphical feedback helps to illustrate the relationship between these factors and the potential for a safe and successful insertion.