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Congratulations! Co-Me researchers PD Dr. med Marco Caversaccio, University
Hospital Insel, Bern, and Dr. Guoyan Zheng of the MEM Research Center,
Institute for Surgical Technology & Biomechanics of the University of Bern
participated strongly in the development of necessary surgical techniques for
the implantation of this year's CTI Medtech award-winning DACS-System.
The innovative implantable hearing system DACS (Direct Acoustical Cochlear
Stimulation) was developed under the direction of Prof. Rudolf Häusler of the
department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery of the
University Hospital Insel, Bern for an effective correction of combined severe
to severe hearing loss. The DACS device couples directly to the inner ear fluid
on the principle of a power-driven stapes prosthesis. It consists of an
implantable electromagnetic transducer and an externally worn audio processor.
The transducer which drives a tiny rod is implanted behind the ear using a
specially developed retromeatal microsurgical procedure.
The DACS system was successfully implanted in 4 adult patients with results
that could hardly be achieved with alternative therapy.
The high-tech device and the new surgical approaches necessary for its implantation were co-financed by the hearing aid industry and the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI).
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