Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080234793 | SECURING AN IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE IN A PATIENT - An apparatus and method for implanting and securing an implanted medical device in a recipient. The implantable medical device of the generally includes an electrode assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating electrode positioned thereon. The carrier member further has a fixation structure positioned thereon configured to interact with a portion of the rigid structure to longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient. | 09-25-2008 |
20080269864 | Cochlear implant electrode array - A cochlear implant electrode assembly ( | 10-30-2008 |
20090012594 | COMPLIMENTARY DRUG DELIVERY SHEATH FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A complementary drug delivery sheath for implantable medical devices. The complementary drug delivery sheath is covered, impregnated or otherwise carries one or more drugs. The complementary drug-delivery sheaths are manufactured separately from to the implantable device and are operationally combined with the device subsequent to the device's manufacture and/or sterilization. For example, embodiments of the complementary drug-delivery sheaths may be configured, for example, to attain an implanted position adjacent to one or more surfaces of an implantable medical device. In certain embodiments, the sheath is configured in the form of a glove, pocket, pouch, or the like to receive and to partially or completely wrap around or envelop an implantable medical device. Embodiments of the complementary drug delivery sheath may be implanted into the recipient prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to the implantation of the implantable medical device. | 01-08-2009 |
20090036962 | Simultaneous Intracochlear Stimulation - A method, system and computer product for simultaneously activating at least two electrodes in a multichannel electrode array is presented. The method includes calculating pulse amplitudes of the electrodes in the multichannel array by taking into account parameters of spatial channel interaction reflecting geometric overlapping of electrical fields from each electrode. Calculating is based, at least in part, on place-independent impulse responses characterized by a first exponential decay constant α at a first side of the electrode and a second exponential decay constant β at a second side of the electrode, such that the first exponential decay constant α is the same for each electrode in the array, and the second exponential decay constant β is the same for each electrode in the array. | 02-05-2009 |
20090043369 | Flexible Biodegradable Coating For Implantable Medical Devices - An implantable device includes an implantable cochlear electrode carrier for electrically stimulating cochlear tissue. A flexible lubricant coating covers the outer surface of at least a portion of the electrode carrier and may include a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent for surrounding tissue of the inner ear. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043370 | PRE-CURVED COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODE ARRAY - An implantable electrode array ( | 02-12-2009 |
20090062896 | Minimizing Trauma During and After Insertion of a Cochlear Lead - A method for delivering dexamethasone base (DXMb) via an implantable electrode includes coupling DXMb to the implantable electrode and inserting the implantable electrode into animal tissue, the DXMb eluting into the animal tissue. An implantable nerve stimulating device includes an elongated member having a distal end bearing at least one electrode; and DXMb coupled to the elongated member, the DXMb being eluted into tissue surrounding the elongated member. | 03-05-2009 |
20090076581 | IMPLANTATABLE COMPONENT HAVING AN ACCESSIBLE LUMEN AND A DRUG RELEASE CAPSULE FOR INTRODUCTION INTO SAME - In one aspect of the invention, a method for delivering drugs from an implantable medical device to an implantee is disclosed, comprising implanting the medical device having a receptacle configured to receive a drug release capsule, the drug release capsule having at least one drug disposed thereon, placing the drug release capsule in the receptacle subsequent to the implanting, and permitting the release of the at least one drug from the drug release capsule to the recipient | 03-19-2009 |
20090143848 | Cochlear Stimulation Device - A cochlear stimulation device comprising an electrode array designed to provide enhanced charge injection capacity necessary for neural stimulation. The electrode array comprises electrodes with high surface area or a fractal geometry and correspondingly high electrode capacitance and low electrical impedance. The resultant electrodes have a robust surface and sufficient mechanical strength to withstand physical stress vital for long term stability. The device further comprises wire traces having a multilayer structure which provides a reduced width for the conducting part of the electrode array. The cochlear prosthesis is attached by a grommet to the cochleostomy that is made from a single piece of biocompatible polymer. The device, designed to achieve optimum neural stimulation by appropriate electrode design, is a significant improvement over commercially available hand-built devices. | 06-04-2009 |
20090187237 | Inner Hair Cell Stimulation Model for Use by a Cochlear Implant System - The stimulation provided in the electrically stimulated cochlea is modulated in accordance with the amplitude of a received acoustic signal and the onset of a sound in a received acoustic signal to provide increased sound perception. An onset time that corresponds to the onset of a sound is detected in an acoustic signal associated with a frequency band. A forcing voltage and a transmitting factor are determined, wherein the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor are associated with the frequency band at the detected onset time. The acoustic signal is modulated as a function of the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor to generate an output signal. The generated output signal can be used to stimulate the cochlea. The modulation strategy can be used in conjunction with sound processing strategies that employ frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or a combination of frequency and amplitude modulation. | 07-23-2009 |
20090254163 | SECURING AN IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE IN A PATIENT - An apparatus and method for implanting and securing an implanted medical device in a recipient. The implantable medical device of the generally includes a stimulating lead assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating element positioned thereon. The stimulating lead assembly further has an expandable portion thereon configured to be inserted into said reference structure in a first dimension, expand to a second dimension, and interact with a portion of the reference structure to help longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient. | 10-08-2009 |
20090306754 | TELESCOPIC ELECTRODE ARRAY - A telescoping electrode assembly and method of implantation of a telescoping electrode assembly are provided herein. The electrode assembly may comprise a plurality of telescoping sections that may, for example, be in a retracted configuration during insertion into the patient and then after insertion expanded to their final expanded configuration. These sections may have electrodes disposed therein for use in applying electrical stimulation to the patient in which the electrode is implanted. | 12-10-2009 |
20100010609 | Multi-Channel Electrode for Cochlear Implants Having a Plurality of Contacts Distributed Over the Length of the Electrode - In a multi-channel electrode for cochlear implants, having a plurality of contacts ( | 01-14-2010 |
20100036470 | Laser-Based Fabrication of Implantable Stimulation Electrodes - A method of fabricating an implantable stimulation electrode is described. An arrangement of conductive metal powder is provided atop an electrode substrate. A laser beam is then focused on the metal powder to form the stimulation electrode in a given geometry with given dimensions and supported by the electrode substrate. | 02-11-2010 |
20100057180 | IMPLANTABLE CARRIER MEMBER HAVING A NON-COMMUNICATIVE LUMEN - A non-communicative lumen for electrode assemblies of medical implants, in particular prosthetic hearing implants, is provided by the present invention. The non-communicative lumen prevents the lumen within the cochlea from being able to transport fluids, cells, bacteria, tissue, etc., with the lumen outside the cochlea, and vis versa through the incision or cochleostomy. The lumen may have a cavity or slit that receives a stylet during insertion of the electrode assembly. | 03-04-2010 |
20100087905 | Cochlear Tissue Protection from Electrode Trauma - A cochlear implant device is described which is an electrode shell for insertion into a fixed position in cochlear tissue. The electrode shell includes an interior volume that partially encases an implant electrode so that its electrode contacts are exposed for delivering electrical stimulation signals to the cochlear tissue. The electrode shell allows insertion and removal of the implant electrode with minimal trauma to the cochlear tissue. | 04-08-2010 |
20100106232 | HEARING PROSTHESIS ELECTRODE ARRAY WITH RESILIENTLY FLEXIBLE TIP MEMBER - A tip member for inserting into the cochlea, a device comprising: an elongate member including at least one electrode mounted thereon; and a tip member extending distally from a distal end of the elongate member, the tip member comprising a tapered portion tapering distally and a blunt end portion at a distal end of the tapered portion, wherein the tip member is resiliently flexible, and a method for making such a device. | 04-29-2010 |
20100114288 | COCHLEAR ELECTRODE INSERTION - A system for mechanically assisted insertion of an electrode includes: an insertion tool configured to insert the electrode into biological tissues; and a controller configured to control the insertion tool, in which the controller is further configured to select operating parameters comprising a maximum allowable force profile from a library of operating parameters, in which the maximum allowable force profile is generated from data recorded during a number of previous successful operations. Also, a method for insertion of a cochlear lead, includes: selecting operating parameters comprising a maximum allowable force profile from a library of operating parameters; inserting the cochlear lead while sensing real time force and position; and continuing the insertion while the real time force is below the maximum allowable force profile, in which the maximum allowable force profile is generated from data recorded during a number of previous successful operations. | 05-06-2010 |
20100121422 | Hydrogel-Filled Drug Delivery Reservoirs - A cochlear implant electrode includes an implantable electrode carrier having an outer surface with electrode contacts for electrically stimulating nerve tissue of the inner ear of a patient. A drug lumen is within the electrode carrier and adapted to receive a therapeutic fluid. The drug lumen contains delivery openings to the outer surface of the electrode carrier and a hydrogel matrix disposed between the drug lumen and the one or more delivery openings and adapted to swell in volume when exposed to the therapeutic fluid. The hydrogel matrix is adapted to control diffusion of the therapeutic fluid from the drug lumen through the delivery openings to the outer surface of the electrode carrier. | 05-13-2010 |
20100179631 | SENSOR SIGNAL ALIGNMENT - Methods and systems, including computer readable mediums, are provided for transforming a measurement made relative to a first reference frame into a corresponding measurement relative to a second reference frame. Sensor signals that are produced by sensors in response to the sensors' motion relative to the first reference frame are transformed using a transformation matrix. The transformation generates corrected sensor signals that are relative to the axes of the second reference frame. | 07-15-2010 |
20100204768 | Implantable Electrode with Variable Mechanical Modulation Wiring - A cochlear implant electrode is described. A basal electrode lead carries electrical stimulation signals from an implant housing to a cochleostomy opening, and a portion of the electrode lead has a periodically recurring lead shape. An apical electrode array at the cochleostomy end of the electrode lead passes into a cochlea scala and includes electrode contacts for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue. A portion of the electrode array has a periodically recurring array shape different from the lead shape. | 08-12-2010 |
20100268312 | CONTROL OF SHAPE OF AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE ARRAY - An implantable electrode array includes an elongated carrier ( | 10-21-2010 |
20100268313 | REFERENCE ELECTRODE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR NEUROSTIMULATION IMPLANTS - An implantable apparatus and method are provided for use in conjunction with an implantable neurostimulation signal generator that provides an electrical stimulation signal to an active electrode. In auditory stimulation applications, the apparatus includes at least one anchor member having a distal end portion for directly contacting a patient's cranial bone and an electrically conductive portion extending from the distal end portion to a contact location proximal to the distal end portion. An electrical connection line may be electrically interconnected at a first end to the contact location of the anchor member and electrically interconnected at a second end to an implantable auditory neurostimulation signal generator to define a reference electrode. A bracket member may be mounted to a patient's cranial bone utilizing the anchor member, wherein an electrically conductive pathway extends from a first contact location to a second contact location of the bracket member. The first contact location may selectively contact the contact location of the anchor member and the second location of the bracket member may be adapted for electrical interconnection to the electrical connection line. | 10-21-2010 |
20100305676 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - Disclosed is a lead for a cochlear implant modified so as to provide increased robustness to the lead. In one aspect, the lead has a helix region having an increased length such that it extends into a mastoid cavity of a patient when in situ. Also disclosed is a cochlear implant having a lead as described herein. In another aspect, the lead has an increased lead angle between the helix region and the transition region. | 12-02-2010 |
20100305677 | Middle Ear Fixation Structure - An implantable fixation structure includes a c-shape bone fixation clip adapted to fit over and attach to a bony bridge element in the middle ear of a patient. A c-shape electrode fixation clip is adapted to fit over and attach to an electrode array element in the middle ear of the patient. A connecting bar has a first end connected to the bone fixation clip and a second end connected to the electrode fixation clip. A coupling clip is connected to the connecting bar between the first end and the second end and adapted to fit over and attach to a cochlear implant element and hold the cochlear implant element in a desired position relative to the middle ear of the patient. | 12-02-2010 |
20110022145 | INTEGRATED WIRE CARRIER FOR ELECTRODE ARRAY - A method for forming a cochlear electrode array with a plurality of electrodes which are spaced so as to stimulate sites within a cochlea includes shaping a sheet of electrically conductive material to form a support structure and a plurality of electrodes, in which the electrodes are tethered to the support structure at the spacing of the cochlear electrode array. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body that has frictional characteristics that vary about its circumference. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body with a first region and a second region with different surface textures. This generates differential sliding forces during insertion of the cochlear lead which influence a motion of the cochlear lead during insertion. The cochlear lead having an electrode array with varying stiffness along its length is also provided. | 01-27-2011 |
20110022146 | MANUFACTURING AN ELECTRODE ARRAY FOR A TUMULATINGL MEDICAL DEVICE - A method of forming an electrode array is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an elongate comb structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrode contacts extending from and supported by a spine; electrically connecting each of a plurality of electrically conductive pathways to a respective one of the plurality of electrode contacts; placing the conductive pathways adjacent the contacts; placing silicone over the conductive pathways and contacts; curing the silicone so as to substantially retain the longitudinal spacing between neighboring contacts; and severing the spine from the plurality of electrode contacts. | 01-27-2011 |
20110022147 | METHOD OF INSERTING AN ENDOSTEAL ELECTRODE - An implantable tissue-stimulating device comprising an elongate electrode carrier member ( | 01-27-2011 |
20110040364 | ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY HAVING A FLEXIBLE TIP - A cochlear implant electrode assembly device comprising an elongate electrode carrier member, a stiffening element, and a stiffening sheath that at least partially envelops the elongate member. The member is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a plurality of electrodes mounted thereon. The member has a first configuration that allows it to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea. The member also has a second configuration wherein the member is curved to match an inside surface of the cochlea, and at least one intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. Both the stiffening element and sheath are made of a material that is relatively stiffer than the member. The stiffening element and the stiffening sheath in combination bias the elongate member into the first configuration. If either the stiffening element or the stiffening sheath is removed or deactivated, the elongate member adopts an intermediate configuration. | 02-17-2011 |
20110060396 | INSULATED CONDUCTIVE ELEMENT HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY CONTINUOUSLY COATED SECTIONS SEPARATED BY UNCOATED GAPS - Coating an elongate, uncoated conductive element with a barrier layer to form an insulated conductive element. The insulated conductive element comprises substantially continuously coated elongate sections separated by uncoated gaps which are substantially small relative to the lengths of the coated sections. | 03-10-2011 |
20110137393 | STIFFINER HAVING AN ENLARGED BOMBOUS DISTAL END REGION AND CORRESPONDING COCHLEAR IMPLANT STIMULATING ASSEMBLY - A cochlear implant comprising an elongate implantable stimulating assembly configured to be implanted in a recipient's cochlea, the stimulating assembly having a carrier member with a lumen longitudinally extending therethrough; and an elongate stylet configured to be removably inserted into the lumen, the stylet having an elongate body region and a distal end region comprising a bombous tip having a cross-sectional diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the lumen. | 06-09-2011 |
20110144733 | Electrode for a Cochlear Implant - An electrode for a cochlear implant for implantation in a cochlea of a patient, the electrode having a first side that is curved in a lateral dimension so as to substantially conform to a side wall of a scala upon implantation of the electrode into a cochlea and a second side that is shaped so as to preserve a natural acoustic pathway within the scala upon implantation of the electrode into the cochlea. In one example, opposing ends of the electrode taper off in cross section. In another example, the fluid contact side is concave. In a further example, the electrode is one of crescent-shaped, oval shaped, and semi-circular in cross section. By using such an electrode, a more natural fluid-flow in the cochlea can be maintained after implantation relative to an original fluid-flow prior to implantation. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144734 | MEDICAL LEAD SYSTEM UTILIZING ELECTROMAGNETIC BANDSTOP FILTERS - Medical lead systems utilizing electromagnetic bandstop filters are provide which can be utilized in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment for patients who have implanted medical devices. The medical lead system includes an implanted lead having at least one bandstop filter associated therewith, for attenuating current flow through the lead over a range of frequencies. The bandstop filter has an overall circuit Q wherein the resultant 3 dB bandwidth is at least 10 kHz. The values of capacitance and inductance of the bandstop filter are selected such that the bandstop filter is resonant at a selected center frequency. Preferably, the bandstop filter has an overall circuit Q wherein the resultant 10 dB bandwidth is at least 10 kHz. Such bandstop filters are backwards compatible with known implantable deployment systems and extraction systems. | 06-16-2011 |
20110152991 | STRAIN RELIEF IN AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - An implantable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly comprises an elongate carrier member, at least one electrode contact disposed in the carrier member, and at least one elongate conductive pathway disposed in the carrier member having a distal end attached to the at least one electrode contact and having a substantially planar strain relief formed therein that is located only in the distal region of the at least one pathway. | 06-23-2011 |
20110178587 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT WITH MODIFIED INTRACOCHLEAR ELECTRODE MEMBER - An implantable tissue stimulating electrode device comprising: a carrier member; one or more biocompatible electrodes positioned on the carrier member, said electrodes having a surface; and an ionically conductive layer disposed at least over a portion of the surface of one or more electrodes. | 07-21-2011 |
20110196465 | STRAIN RELIEF IN AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - An implantable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly comprises an elongate carrier member, at least one electrode contact disposed in the carrier member, and at least one elongate conductive pathway disposed in the carrier member having a distal end attached to the at least one electrode contact and having a substantially planar strain relief formed therein that is located only in the distal region of the at least one pathway. | 08-11-2011 |
20110202120 | Electrode Design for Reduced Trauma Insertion - An implantable electrode for a cochlear implant system is described. A basal electrode lead goes from an implant housing to a cochleostomy opening and contains electrode wires for carrying one or more electrical stimulation signals. An apical electrode array fits through the cochleostomy opening into a patient cochlea and has multiple electrode contacts for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue in the cochlea. Resilient array projections extend radially outward from an outer surface of the electrode array. | 08-18-2011 |
20110218605 | UPGRADEABLE IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - An implantable device including an implantable first module having an elongate carrier member connected to a first housing; a stimulation unit disposed in the first housing and configured to utilize electrical signals received from a second module, and an electrically conductive first lead including at least one electrical conductor extending from the first housing at a proximal end of the first lead to a distal end of the first lead and an electrical insulator covering the at least one conductor at the proximal and distal ends of the first lead, wherein the first lead is configured to provide the signals from the second module to the stimulation unit when the first lead is electrically connected to the second module. | 09-08-2011 |
20110264183 | PRE-CURVED COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODE ARRAY - An implantable electrode array ( | 10-27-2011 |
20110270370 | Impact Protection for Implants - An implantable device includes an implantable housing having an outer surface and providing a hermetically sealed interior volume. A flexible electric lead is mechanically connected to the housing and electrically connected to circuitry within the interior volume. An impact protector overlies at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing and shields the underlying housing surface from the force of a mechanical impact. At least a portion of the impact protector may include an electrode electrically connected to the circuitry within the interior volume. | 11-03-2011 |
20110276118 | Cochlear Implant Electrode and Method of Making Same - A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making a curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond its originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature. | 11-10-2011 |
20110295352 | Cochlear Lead - A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body and positioned such that the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea. | 12-01-2011 |
20110301681 | ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR A STIMULATING MEDICAL DEVICE - An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals. In one particular embodiment, the carrier is pre-curved to attain a perimodiolar position in the scala tympani to facilitate accurate delivery of electrical stimulation with a minimum stimulation current and power consumption. | 12-08-2011 |
20110319974 | TOOLS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INSERTING AN ELECTRODE ARRAY PORTION OF A LEAD INTO A BODILY ORIFICE - Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a slider assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into an electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled to the stiffening member and configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The slider assembly may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member and further configured to release the spring-loaded retractor member to move from the distal position to the proximal position in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly. | 12-29-2011 |
20120004715 | Ear Implant Electrode and Method of Manufacture - A novel electrode array is described for ear implant systems such as cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). The electrode array includes electrode wires for carrying electrical stimulation signals. At a terminal end of each electrode wire is an electrode stimulation contact for applying the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An electrode carrier of resilient material encases the electrode wires and has an outer surface with a plurality of contact openings exposing the stimulation contacts. Multiple bend control elements are distributed along the length of the electrode array to control bending flexibility of the electrode array as a function of a bend radius threshold. | 01-05-2012 |
20120041531 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT WITH IMPROVED LUMEN ARRANGEMENT - Disclosed is an electrode lead for a medical implant, and in one example, a cochlear implant. The electrode lead includes a lumen for receiving a stylet for assisting in implanting the device. The lumen of the electrode lead is removable from the electrode lead upon or after implantation. | 02-16-2012 |
20120065717 | ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR A STIMULATING MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable electrode assembly for a cochlear implant comprising: an elongate carrier member having an intra-cochlear region, an extra-cochlear region, and an additional region immediately adjacent the extra-cochlear region and extending to a stimulator unit; one or more electrodes disposed on the intra-cochlear region of the elongate carrier member; and one or more signal pathways extending from the additional region through at least a portion of the intra-cochlear region, wherein a cross-sectional profile of each of the one or more signal pathways is smaller in the intra-cochlear region than in the additional region. | 03-15-2012 |
20120071957 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT HAVING ELECTRICALLY NONCONDUCTIVE OCCLUDENT FOR TISSUE OPENINGS - An electrically nonconductive occludent constructed and arranged to forcefully infill a tissue opening so as to effectively prevent transport of electrical current, fluid and bacteria through the tissue opening. A cochlear implant comprising: an elongate electrode carrier member having at least one electrode disposed thereon, wherein the carrier member is configured to traverse a cochleostomy to position the electrodes in the cochlea; and an electrically nonconductive occludent constructed and arranged to circumferentially surround a portion of the carrier member traversing the cochleostomy, and to forcefully infill cochleostomy thereby segregating perilymphatic canals of the cochlea from extracochlear regions. | 03-22-2012 |
20120101559 | Implantable Electrode with Variable Mechanical Modulation Wiring - A cochlear implant electrode is described. A basal electrode lead carries electrical stimulation signals from an implant housing to a cochleostomy opening, and a portion of the electrode lead has a periodically recurring lead shape. An apical electrode array at the cochleostomy end of the electrode lead passes into a cochlea scala and includes electrode contacts for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue. A portion of the electrode array has a periodically recurring array shape different from the lead shape. | 04-26-2012 |
20120109274 | ELECTRODE ARRAYS AND SYSTEMS FOR INSERTING SAME - Electrode arrays and systems for inserting same are disclosed. In some embodiments, electrode arrays are provided, the electrode arrays comprising: a passive-bending portion; an active-bending portion coupled to the passive bending portion; a plurality of electrodes located in at least one of the passive-bending portion and the active bending portion; and an actuator that causes the active-bending portion to deflect from the passive-bending portion. In some embodiments, systems for inserting an electrode array in the body are provided, the systems comprising: an insertion module for controllably inserting the electrode array in the body and sensing forces applied to the electrode array; a monitor for providing information to a user; and a controller coupled to the insertion module and the monitor, wherein the controller causes the insertion module to control an amount of force that is applied to the electrode array. | 05-03-2012 |
20120130465 | VESTIBULAR STIMULATION DEVICE - A vestibular stimulation array is disclosed having one or more separate electrode arrays each operatively adapted for implantation in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, wherein each separate electrode array is dimensioned and constructed so that so that residual vestibular function is preserved. In particular, the electrode arrays are dimensioned such that the membranous labyrinth is not substantially compressed. Furthermore, the electrode array has a stop portion to limit insertion of the electrode array into the semi-circular canal and is stiff enough to avoid damage to the anatomical structures. | 05-24-2012 |
20120158112 | Multichannel Cylindrical Electrode For Nerve Stimulation And Recording - An implantable multi-channel electrode is described. An ear implant electrode with a cylinder shaped electrode body has opposing top and bottom end surfaces. Electrode contacts are dispersed across the bottom end surface to provide electrical interaction with nearby auditory nerve tissue. | 06-21-2012 |
20120158113 | Rectilinear Electrode Contact For Neural Stimulation - A cochlear implant electrode is described. An elongate flexible electrode array has a linear central axis and an outer surface with electrode contacts for electrical stimulation of nearby neural tissue. At least one of the electrode contacts is a linear electrode contact forming an elongated rectilinear surface along a line parallel to the linear central axis of the electrode array. | 06-21-2012 |
20120158114 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE - Devices for the delivery of a bioactive substance to a cochlea and methods of delivery thereof. The devices include means to allow the release of the bioactive substance within a cochlea. | 06-21-2012 |
20120185028 | HYBRID COCHLEAR IMPLANT - An electrode array which is able to be inserted to a desired depth within the cochlea to provide useful percepts for the recipient which will also preferably not cause damage to the sensitive structures of the cochlea. The electrode array is insertable through an opening in the cochlea and into at least the basal region of the cochlea and comprises an elongate carrier having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of electrodes supported by the carrier at respective spaced locations thereon in a region between the proximal end and the distal end. A stabilising collar extends outwardly from the elongate carrier at or adjacent a proximal end thereof and has an abutment surface adapted to abut a portion of the cochlea surface around the cochleostomy and at least substantially prevent movement of the carrier following completion of insertion of the array into the cochlea. | 07-19-2012 |
20120197374 | Combined Stimulation with Controlled Light Distribution for Electro-Optical Cochlear Implants - An implantable stimulation device is described which includes an implantable stimulation source carrier for insertion into or adjacent to target tissue. The stimulation source carrier includes stimulation contacts for delivering neural stimulation signals to nearby target tissue. At least one of the stimulation contacts is an optical stimulation element having multiple individual optical stimulation sub-elements for delivering optical stimulation signals to the nearby target tissue with controlled shape and direction. | 08-02-2012 |
20120221088 | Cochlear Lead - A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body, the stiffening element extending past a most distal electrode at the tip of the cochlear lead, wherein a distal portion of the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea. | 08-30-2012 |
20120245666 | Implantable Auditory Prosthesis with Temporary Connector - An implantable electrode arrangement for an ear implant system is described. A proximal electrode lead has electrode wires for carrying one or more electrical stimulation signals. A distal electrode array has electrode contacts each forming a terminal end of an electrode wire for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue, and one or more intra-operative sensors for generating insertion sensing signals during surgical insertion of the electrode array into the target tissue. An intra-operative electrode section has a sensor connector for providing a temporary connection of one or more external measurement arrangements to the one or more intra-operative sensors during the surgical insertion of the electrode array without being functional after the surgical insertion. | 09-27-2012 |
20120296405 | COCHLEAR ELECTRODE ARRAY - A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrode assemblies partially embedded in a flexible body configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea. Each of the electrode assemblies includes a flexible electrically conductive material forming a plurality of support structures and an electrode pad attached a support structure, the electrode pad having a surface that is configured to be exposed to cochlear tissue and fluids and has a charge transfer to the cochlear tissue and fluids that is higher than the flexible electrically conductive material. | 11-22-2012 |
20130041448 | Flexible Protected Lead - Designs for an implantable lead are disclosed. In one embodiment, the lead includes at least one conductive pathway and a protective element surrounding at least a portion of the at least one conductive pathway. A stiffness of the protective element varies along a length of the protective element. The stiffness may be varied by varying a material composition of the protective element. Alternately, the protective element may be one or two helically-wound wires, and the stiffness may be varied by varying a pitch of one or both helically-wound wires. Alternately, the protective element may be a perforated tube and the stiffness may be varied by varying a ratio of openings to tube in the perforated tube. Alternately, the protective element may be a patterned mesh and the stiffness may be varied by varying a pattern of the patterned mesh. The implantable lead may be used in a cochlear implant. | 02-14-2013 |
20130079862 | ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT - The invention relates to an electrode arrangement to be attached on and/or in the ear of a human, wherein the electrode arrangement is designed to exert a transcutaneous electric stimulation stimulus onto the surface of the ear and wherein the electrode arrangement has at least one stimulation electrode and at least one reference electrode. In order to achieve an improved transcutaneous stimulation, especially of the Vagus nerve, the invention provides that the at least one stimulation electrode contacts the surface of the ear via a first contact surface and that the at least one reference electrode contacts the surface of the ear via a second contact surface, wherein the second contact surface is at least three time the size of the first contact surface. | 03-28-2013 |
20130090711 | Helical Core Ear Implant Electrode - A novel electrode array is described for ear implant systems such as cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). The electrode array includes an electrode array core made of a flexible polymer material including an elongated helical portion having multiple helical turns. Electrode wires are embedded within the array core for carrying electrical stimulation signals. At a terminal end of each electrode wire, an electrode stimulation contact is exposed through the array core for applying the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An electrode carrier of resilient material encases the electrode array and has an outer surface with contact openings exposing the stimulation contacts. | 04-11-2013 |
20130131771 | CURRENT RECYCLING IN MULTIPLE LINEAR REGULATORS - Described herein is an apparatus ( | 05-23-2013 |
20130138194 | VARIABLE IMPEDANCE SHUNT FOR A TISSUE STIMULATING PROSTHESIS - A method and apparatus for neural stimulation are disclosed. The principle is that a conventional current path is used to deliver the stimulus to neural structures, but an alternative current path is provided to bypass the neural structures during the opposite polarity part of the current flow. As a consequence, charge balance can be provided at the tissue/electrode interface, whilst delivering stimuli which are not charge balanced to the neural structures. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138195 | Low Power Signal Transmission - A low-power implant system. The system includes an implant for implantation into a person, such as a cochlear implant or a middle ear implant. The implant is capable of communicating with a device via transmission of ultra wideband pulses. The device may be adapted to be worn external to the person, or may be a second implant. So as to conserve battery power, the transmitted ultra wideband pulses may have a low duty cycle of approximately 1/1000 or less. Power savings may also be realized by using time-gating amplifiers in the implant and/or device receiver. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144370 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE - Devices for the delivery of a bioactive substance to a cochlea and methods of delivery thereof. The devices include means to allow the release of the bioactive substance within a cochlea. | 06-06-2013 |
20130184804 | IMPLANTABLE COMPONENT INTERFACE - An implantable medical device, comprising a first implantable component having a first interface surface and a second implantable component. The second implantable component has a second interface surface comprising one or more integrated protrusions extending therefrom configured to mate with the first interface surface and to provide a desired spacing between the first and second implantable components. | 07-18-2013 |
20130190853 | TISSUE STIMULATING ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - An electrode assembly including a carrier section, an electrode section(s), and joint section(s). Each electrode section including an electrode contact, and an electrode section body. Each joint section connecting the carrier section to at least one electrode section, and providing each connected electrode section with at least one of pitch, roll, and yaw about a point generally along an axis between the carrier section and the electrode section. The joint section made of material of durometer less the durometer of the carrier section. A fill section can substantially occupying the space between the carrier section and the electrode section that is not occupied by the joint section. | 07-25-2013 |
20130204339 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOADING A PRE-CURVED ELECTRODE ARRAY ONTO A STRAIGHTENING MEMBER - An exemplary system for loading a pre-curved electrode array onto a straightening member includes a loading tool and a straightening member. An exemplary loading tool may include a body and first and second flexible arms each having a fixed end connected to the body and a free end opposite the fixed end. The first and second flexible arms may define a straightening channel configured to constrain a pre-curved electrode array in a straightened configuration. The first and second flexible arms may be further configured to flex away from each other to receive the pre-curved electrode array into the straightening channel. The straightening member is configured to be inserted into the pre-curved electrode array while the pre-curved electrode array is in the straightened configuration and retain the pre-curved electrode array in the straightened configuration after the pre-curved electrode array is removed from the loading tool. Corresponding methods are also described. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204340 | NEUROSTIMULATION ELECTRODE ARRAY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A tissue stimulation assembly, including an elongate electrode assembly having a longitudinal axis and including a contact electrode, the contact electrode including a contact surface, wherein at least a portion of the contact surface has a width that gradually increases as the contact surface progresses in a lateral direction. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204341 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY ACTIVATING CELLS BY APPLYING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS IN A SPATIAL PATTERN - A method and apparatus for applying electrical signals in specific spatial patterns to selectively activate sensory cells. The method comprises interfacing a population of cells with two or more electrodes, identifying target cells within the population to activate by electrical signals; and applying electrical signals in a spatial pattern to the population via the electrodes, such that the target cells are selectively activated in the desired spatial pattern. | 08-08-2013 |
20130238074 | Ear Implant Electrode and Method of Manufacture - A novel electrode array is described for ear implant systems such as cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). The electrode array includes electrode wires for carrying electrical stimulation signals. At a terminal end of each electrode wire is an electrode stimulation contact for applying the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An electrode carrier of resilient material encases the electrode wires and has an outer surface with a plurality of contact openings exposing the stimulation contacts. A bend control element is helically wound along a portion of the electrode array to control bending flexibility of the electrode array as a function of a bend radius threshold. | 09-12-2013 |
20130245740 | Ear Implant Electrode and Method of Manufacture - A novel electrode array is described for ear implant systems such as cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). The electrode array includes electrode wires for carrying electrical stimulation signals. At a terminal end of each electrode wire is an electrode stimulation contact for applying the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An electrode carrier of resilient material encases the electrode wires and has an outer surface with a plurality of contact openings exposing the stimulation contacts. Multiple bend control elements are distributed along the length of the electrode array to control bending flexibility of the electrode array as a function of a bend radius threshold to be greater for bending less than the bend radius threshold and lesser for bending greater than the bend radius threshold. | 09-19-2013 |
20130268043 | Stimulating Device - An implantable apparatus, such as a inner ear prosthetic hearing implant, and a method for delivering neuron firing threshold-reducing stimuli to a neural network of an implantee are provided. The apparatus comprises a stimulator device that generates stimulation signals, and an electrode array that receives the stimulation signals and delivers the stimuli to the neural network of the implantee in response to the signals. The stimuli delivered to the implantee facilitates and/or controls the production and/or release of naturally occurring agents into the neural network to reduce the firing thresholds of neurons. | 10-10-2013 |
20130282094 | Implantable Prosthesis Configuration to Control Heat Dissipation from Prosthesis Components - Disclosed herein are medical prostheses including a cochlear implant that includes circuitry enclosed within a housing and at least one electrode lead extending from the housing. The electrode lead comprises a conducting pathway and an electrode terminal at one end of the electrode lead. The conducting pathway connects the circuitry with the electrode terminal, and insulation (or an insulating sleeve) encloses at least a portion of the conducting pathway. In some embodiments, the electrode terminal has a lower thermal conductivity relative to the implant housing. In further embodiments, the insulation has thermal conductivity and thermal conduction properties that cause at least some thermal energy in the conducting pathway to flow into the insulation rather than to the electrode terminal. In still further embodiments, at least one of the electrode terminal or the electrode lead includes at least one thermal mass enhancing structure. | 10-24-2013 |
20130296994 | MOISTURE RESISTANT HEADPIECES AND IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR STIMULATION SYSTEMS INCLUDING THE SAME - Cochlear implant headpieces with improved moisture resistance. The headpiece comprises a housing ( | 11-07-2013 |
20130331923 | PARTICULATE TOUGHENED CERAMIC FEEDTHROUGH - A feedthrough includes a ceramic body mechanically joined about a perimeter to a hermetic case. The ceramic body includes a ceramic matrix and a ductile phase distributed through at least a portion of the ceramic matrix. The ductile phase increases the resistance of the ceramic matrix to crack propagation. A plurality of electrical conductors passes through the ceramic body. | 12-12-2013 |
20140025148 | ARRANGEMENT FOR THE FIXATION OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical implant, such as a cochlear implant, comprising a fixating point which is located remotely from the medical implant. This arrangement can reduce the risk of post operative infection in a patient in which the medical implant is implanted. | 01-23-2014 |
20140074214 | ELECTRODE CONSTRUCTIONS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Electrode constructions comprise an inner wall structure with an electrode assembly disposed therein that includes a number of stimulation sites disposed at different locations along its length thereby forming an electrode array. An outer insulating layer is disposed over the electrode assembly and comprises a number of openings disposed therethrough at locations corresponding to the stimulation sites to thereby permit direct contact between the stimulation sites and an adjacent external object. | 03-13-2014 |
20140094892 | MID-SCALAR ELECTRODE ARRAY - In one example, a cochlear lead includes a flexible body, an array of electrodes in the flexible body, and a plurality of wires passing along the array of electrodes. The plurality of wires includes a flexural geometry between each pair of adjacent electrodes and a substantially straight geometry over the electrodes. A method for forming an electrode array with a reduced apical cross section is also provided. | 04-03-2014 |
20140114388 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE HAVING OSSEOINTEGRATING PROTUBERANCES - An implantable device for mounting to a patient's bone includes a housing and at least one osseointegrating protuberance. The housing includes a surface having an abutting portion configured to abut the bone when the housing is implanted in the patient, the abutting portion defining a housing axis orthogonal to the surface. The at least one osseointegrating protuberance: extends from the surface of the housing; is adapted to abut the patient's bone; and has a substantially smooth shaft. | 04-24-2014 |
20140121743 | HOUSING CONSTRUCTIONS WITH INCREASED IMPACT RESISTANCE - Housing constructions as disclosed herein can be an implantable component of a medical device and are designed to provide an enhanced degree of protection to electrical and/or mechanical components disposed therein to impact forces onto the housing from an external object to thereby increase the effective service life of devices making use of such housing constructions. | 05-01-2014 |
20140142675 | COCHLEAR ELECTRODE ARRAY - An implantable tissue-stimulating prosthesis such as a cochlear implant system comprising an elongate carrier member having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode positioned thereon; at least one electrical conductor extending from one or more of the at least one electrode; a lead extending from the carrier member and enclosing the at least one electrical conductor; and a holding member constructed and arranged to radially extend outwardly from the surface of the carrier member to facilitate grasping of the holding member during implantation of the carrier member in a patient. | 05-22-2014 |
20140163662 | INTEGRATED WIRE CARRIER FOR ELECTRODE ARRAY - A method for forming a cochlear electrode array with a plurality of electrodes which are spaced so as to stimulate sites within a cochlea includes shaping a sheet of electrically conductive material to form a support structure and a plurality of electrodes, in which the electrodes are tethered to the support structure at the spacing of the cochlear electrode array. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body that has frictional characteristics that vary about its circumference. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body with a first region and a second region with different surface textures. This generates differential sliding forces during insertion of the cochlear lead which influence a motion of the cochlear lead during insertion. The cochlear lead having an electrode array with varying stiffness along its length is also provided. | 06-12-2014 |
20140200645 | SOUND PROCESSOR INTERCONNECTS, HEADPIECE ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - An interconnect for connecting a sound processor to a headpiece and headpiece assemblies including the same. The interconnect comprises: a plug ( | 07-17-2014 |
20140214145 | Impact Protection for Implantable Electric Lead - A novel implantable electric lead arrangement is described for medical implant systems such as middle ear implants (MEI), cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). An electric lead contains parallel lead wires wound in an elongated helix about a central longitudinal axis. A lead core is fixed and enclosed within the wire helix for providing impact strain relief to the lead wires by resisting radial and/or axial deformation from external impact force. | 07-31-2014 |
20140343657 | ATRAUMATIC ELECTRODE LEAD - A cochlear implant includes a processor, an array of electrodes disposed along a flexible body and a lead body connecting the processor to the array of electrodes. The lead body includes a first tube having a first outside diameter, a second tube having a second outside diameter smaller than the first diameter, a portion of the second tube being disposed within the first tube, and wires passing through the first tube and the second tube, the wires comprising a helically coiled portion. A method for forming a lead body is also provided. | 11-20-2014 |
20140371835 | Implantable Medical Device Feedthroughs and Housings - Embodiments are generally directed to a feedthrough for an implantable medical device. The feedthrough comprises an insulator having one or more conductors extending therethrough that is hermetically connected (joined) to a housing of the implantable medical device. More specifically, the housing includes an aperture and the insulator is configured be positioned in the aperture. Braze material is configured to be positioned in one or more indentations in at least one of the housing or the insulator such that the braze material is disposed in the indentations between the insulator and the housing. | 12-18-2014 |
20150025613 | IMPLANTABLE ANTENNA ASSEMBLIES - An implantable antenna assembly includes a multilayer flexible printed circuit board comprising a first flexible substrate, second flexible substrate, and third flexible substrate. An inductor coil is formed by electrically conductive traces disposed on the first flexible substrate. A shield is formed by electrically conductive traces disposed on the second flexible substrate and third flexible substrate, the shield surrounding the inductor coil. A method for forming an implantable antenna assembly is also provided. | 01-22-2015 |
20150032194 | BIOCOMPATIBLE ELECTRODE COMPONENT AND METHOD FOR FABRICATION THEREOF - The present invention provides methods for fabricating an electrode device component, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biocompatible carrier material, and (ii) performing an ablative method on the biocompatible carrier material to form a recess, the recess capable of receiving a biocompatible electrode material. The components so fabricated are useful as carriers for biological electrodes, such as cochlear electrodes and nerve cuff electrodes. | 01-29-2015 |
20150051683 | MALLEABLE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A malleable implantable medical device for implanting in a recipient comprising a flexible region of the medical device, one or more structures proximate to the flexible region, wherein the one or more structures is configured to provide a bending force to the flexible region, and one or more hermetically sealed medical components coupled to the flexible region, wherein the one or more medical components is configured to provide a therapeutic effect on the recipient. | 02-19-2015 |
20150051684 | Cochlear Stimulation Device - A cochlear stimulation device comprising an electrode array designed to provide enhanced charge injection capacity necessary for neural stimulation. The electrode array comprises electrodes with high surface area or a fractal geometry and correspondingly high electrode capacitance and low electrical impedance. The resultant electrodes have a robust surface and sufficient mechanical strength to withstand physical stress vital for long term stability. The device further comprises wire traces having a multilayer structure which provides a reduced width for the conducting part of the electrode array. The cochlear prosthesis is attached by a grommet to the cochleostomy that is made from a single piece of biocompatible polymer. The device, designed to achieve optimum neural stimulation by appropriate electrode design, is a significant improvement over commercially available hand-built devices. | 02-19-2015 |
20150057733 | SURFACE MODIFIED DEVICES AND STERILE PACKAGING THEREFOR - A method for sterile packaging of a surface modified implantable device includes irradiating a surface of the device such that the hydrophobicity of the surface is decreased and, optionally, the device is simultaneously sterilized. The surface of the sterile, surface-modified implantable device is then covered in a polar solution to prevent hydrophobic recovery of the surface. | 02-26-2015 |
20150066126 | Fenestration Electrode to Treat Patients with Meniere's Disease - An implantable fenestration electrode delivers electrical stimulation signals for treatment of Meniere's disease. An electrode lead contains one or more signal wires for carrying a stimulation signal. An electrode tip at a terminal end of the electrode lead is configured for placement within a fenestration opening in an outer surface of a bony labyrinth of a patient with Meniere's disease without penetrating or impairing intra-labyrinthine membranes or neural tissue, and is adapted to deliver the stimulation signal via intra-labyrinthine fluid to the intra-labyrinthine neural tissue. | 03-05-2015 |
20150073520 | Cochlear Implant Electrode with Liquid Metal Alloy - A cochlear implant electrode includes an implantable array carrier made of flexible material with electrode contacts distributed on its outer surface along a longitudinal axis. Electrode wires are embedded within the array carrier, each electrode wire having a terminal end electrically connected to a corresponding electrode contact for applying electrical stimulation signals carried by the electrode wires to adjacent neural tissue within the cochlea. Each electrode wire has an inner non-crystal conductive material surrounded by a flexible outer seal. The flexible material of the array carrier is configured to be reactive with the non-crystal conductive material of the electrode wires so that if a break occurs in the outer seal of an electrode wire that allows contact between the flexible material and the non-crystal conductive material, then a local leakage seal will form at the break that resists migration of the non-crystal conductive material to the outer surface of the array carrier. | 03-12-2015 |
20150094793 | FLUIDIC CONDUCTORS FOR IMPLANTABLE ELECTRONICS - Fluidic conductors deliver electrical signals to targeted locations within an organ. Both the insulating materials and conductive media components of the fluidic conductors are ultra-flexible. The small size of the fluidic conductors makes the technology particularly applicable to auditory prostheses, for example, cochlear implants, that deliver electrical signals to very discrete locations within the cochlea. | 04-02-2015 |
20150119967 | Stimulating Assembly Fixation Features - Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a stimulating assembly of a cochlear implant. The stimulating assembly comprises one or more fixation features configured to be inserted into a recipient's cochlea via an opening in the cochlea. Following insertion, the one or more fixation features are configured to engage an inner surface of the cochlea adjacent to the opening to prevent movement of the stimulating assembly out of the cochlea through the opening. | 04-30-2015 |
20150314122 | Real Time Cochlear Implant Insertion Status Indicator - A method of determining insertion status of a cochlear implant electrode array into a cochlea of a patient is provided. The method includes measuring conductivity associated with an electrode in the electrode array. Insertion status of the electrode is determined based, at least in part, on the measured conductivity. | 11-05-2015 |
20150320550 | TIP ELEMENTS FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS - A cochlear implant system includes an electrode array comprising a tip element and a sensing module in communication with the tip element. The sensing module detects conditions surrounding the electrode array using the tip element during insertion of the electrode array into a cochlea. Various methods for implanting a cochlear electrode array with a tip element are also presented. | 11-12-2015 |
20150335880 | Impact Protection for Implantable Electric Lead - An implantable electric lead arrangement for a medical implant system includes an implantable electric lead with parallel lead wires wound in an elongated helix about a central longitudinal axis. A conical shape lead core is fixed and enclosed within the wire helix for providing impact strain relief to the electric lead by resisting radial and/or axial deformation from external impact force. The conical shape of the lead core is configured for a smooth transition between a lead core portion of the electric lead that is protected against external impact force and a non-lead core portion of the electric lead that is unprotected from external impact force. | 11-26-2015 |
20150367126 | IMPLANTABLE AUDITORY PROSTHESIS HAVING ISOLATED COMPONENTS - A magnet is completely encased within a body of a biocompatible implant. The body of the biocompatible implant is formed so as to allow for removal of the magnet after implantation in a recipient. The body includes a portion that is at least partially separable from the remainder of the body, either by application of a removing agent or a tool. The magnet can be removed and replaced. Thereafter, the body can be sealed or the magnet can be left exposed. | 12-24-2015 |
20160015964 | VESTIBULAR STIMULATION DEVICE - A vestibular stimulation array is disclosed having one or more separate electrode arrays each operatively adapted for implantation in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, wherein each separate electrode array is dimensioned and constructed so that so that residual vestibular function is preserved. In particular, the electrode arrays are dimensioned such that the membranous labyrinth is not substantially compressed. Furthermore, the electrode array has a stop portion to limit insertion of the electrode array into the semi-circular canal and is stiff enough to avoid damage to the anatomical structures. | 01-21-2016 |
20160015965 | Implantable Stimulating Assembly Arrangements - Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a stimulating assembly of a cochlear implant that includes a perimodiolar flexure. The perimodiolar flexure is formed in a basal section of the stimulating assembly and has elastic properties and a shape so as to, after insertion into the cochlea, position the stimulating contacts disposed in the basal section of the stimulating assembly adjacent to a modiolar wall of the cochlea. | 01-21-2016 |
20160096012 | Modified Electrode Lead for Cochlear Implants - An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system is described. The arrangement includes a flexible intracochlear electrode array having an outer surface with electrode contacts for applying cochlear stimulation signals to target neural tissue within the implanted cochlea. A flexible extracochlear electrode lead is coupled at a lead proximal end to an implanted signal processor that provides the cochlear stimulation signals, and connected at a lead distal end to a proximal end of the electrode array. A lead holder is connected to the lead distal end and has an initial shape. The lead holder is malleable and adapted to be intra-surgically deformed into and retain a new desired shape so as to secure the lead distal end at the electrode opening into the implanted cochlea and decouple post-surgical mechanical strain at the lead distal end from the electrode array. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096019 | Template for Bilateral Symmetric Stimulator Fixation/Implantation - A bilateral hearing implant surgical template arrangement is described. An adjustable headpiece with left and right sides fits over the head of a surgical patient. There are left and right implant stimulator templates, each configured to conform against an underlying side of the patient's head and each connected to a corresponding left and right side of the adjustable headpiece by an adjustable connection. Each adjustable connection is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the implant stimulator template with respect to the adjustable headpiece so as to define stimulator implantation sites at symmetric locations on each side of the patient's head. | 04-07-2016 |
20160106988 | Electrical Feedthrough Assembly - A device includes a hermetically sealed case with electronic circuitry housed within. One surface of the hermetically sealed case includes a metallic plate and a co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough with a number of vias. The co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough is hermetically joined to the metallic plate and a hybrid circuit is connected to the feedthrough. | 04-21-2016 |
20160129240 | TRANSMODIOLAR ELECTRODE ARRAY AND A MANUFACTURING METHOD - According to an embodiment, an electrode array for a transmodiolar implant is disclosed. The implant includes a substrate, a conductive metal located at a plurality of discrete portions on the substrate; and a single layer of insulation material over the conductive metal and the substrate. The single layer of insulation material includes a plurality of apertures that expose the conductive metal, the exposed conductive metal forming a plurality of electrodes, the electrode array having a Young's modulus of at least 100 GPa. | 05-12-2016 |
20160158532 | Electrode for Common Cavity Cochlear Malformation - An implantable electrode is described for a cochlear implant patient with a cochlea having a single internal cavity defined by an outer cavity wall. The electrode includes an extra-cochlear electrode lead with signal wires for conducting electrical stimulation signals. An intra-cochlear electrode array is configured to be inserted into the cochlea through a single cochleostomy opening and is made of a resilient carrier material having an outer surface with one or more stimulation contacts for delivering the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An insertion line is attached to the outer surface of the electrode array at a distal end and is made of a line material different from the electrode carrier material. The insertion line is configured to have an extra-cochlear end extending outside the cochleostomy opening during surgical insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. | 06-09-2016 |
20160193460 | THERMOFORMED ELECTRODE ARRAYS | 07-07-2016 |
20160199637 | ASYMMETRIC COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODES AND METHOD | 07-14-2016 |
20160199638 | IMPLANTABLE LEADS WITH FLAG EXTENSIONS | 07-14-2016 |
20180021568 | ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC IMPLANT | 01-25-2018 |
20190143100 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE ARRAY | 05-16-2019 |