Functional simulation of the cochlea for implant optimization.

Cochlear implantation is a surgical technique which aims to restore hearing in people with deep hearing loss. However, outcomes of the surgery still exhibit a large variability between patients. Among the factors that contribute to variability the most important are morphological differences in anatomical structures between patients and incorrect implant placements. In order to address these issues, it would be desirable to have a functional model of the cochlea which incorporates inter-patients variability and simulate electrode placement. To this end, we present a finite element model which captures the interaction between the cochlear partition, modeled as an elastic solid with finite deformation, and the perilymph fluid, modeled as a compressible, viscous fluid. Numerical results show that the membrane responds to changes in the stimulation frequencies.

Gluteal augmentation with cryopreserved fat.

Gluteal augmentation with autologous fat is becoming a standard ancillary procedure for sculpting the buttock area. The high rate of resorption due to aggressive harvesting techniques or inadequate injection procedures often leads to repeated treatments. Currently, several techniques for storing fat by controlled freezing and thawing procedures can guarantee a high rate of cell viability, similar to that obtained with fresh tissue. This allows surgeons to compile fat tissue available for future repeat injections, decreasing additional costs and morbidity for patients. The authors describe a case of gluteal augmentation with cryopreserved fat in a 42-year-old man.