Papers
23
Total Citations
567
H-Index
15
About
Olivier Sterkers is a pioneering otologic surgeon and researcher whose work has fundamentally advanced the field of cochlear implantation and middle ear surgery through the innovative application of robotics. Based at a tertiary otologic center, Sterkers has dedicated his career to reducing surgical trauma during cochlear implant electrode array insertion — a challenge with profound implications for preserving patients' residual hearing. His most celebrated contributions center on the development and clinical translation of robot-assisted cochlear implantation. From early foundational work on the RobOtol system (2010) and teleoperated middle ear microsurgery (2012), Sterkers steadily built toward landmark clinical milestones, including the first reported robot-assisted cochlear implant insertions in adults and, remarkably, in pediatric patients — breakthroughs that have collectively garnered over 250 citations. His experimental studies rigorously demonstrated how optimized insertion axes and controlled robotic motion reduce intracochlear trauma compared to manual techniques. Sterkers has also contributed meaningfully to understanding how electrode array physical properties — stiffness and diameter — affect hearing preservation in animal models. His 2021 contemporary review synthesizing robotics, automation, and emerging implant technologies reflects his authoritative standing in the field. For students and clinicians exploring the future of hearing restoration, Sterkers' body of work represents an essential scientific foundation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 7RobOtol: from design to evaluation of a robot for middle ear surgery36 citations · 2010
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