Mid-scalar electrode array
First Claim
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1. A cochlear lead, the cochlear lead comprising:
- a flexible body;
an array of electrodes in the flexible body; and
a plurality of wires passing along the array of electrodes, wherein the plurality of wires comprise a plurality of flexural elements with a single flexural element between each pair of adjacent electrodes, each flexural element consisting of a loop, an arch, or a semicircle formed in the wire, wherein the flexural elements are configured to create a spring force that tends to return the flexible body to a mid-scalar geometry after straightening, and wherein the spring force is partially based on resisting stiffness or curling of the plurality of wires.
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Abstract
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.
25 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A cochlear lead, the cochlear lead comprising:
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a flexible body; an array of electrodes in the flexible body; and a plurality of wires passing along the array of electrodes, wherein the plurality of wires comprise a plurality of flexural elements with a single flexural element between each pair of adjacent electrodes, each flexural element consisting of a loop, an arch, or a semicircle formed in the wire, wherein the flexural elements are configured to create a spring force that tends to return the flexible body to a mid-scalar geometry after straightening, and wherein the spring force is partially based on resisting stiffness or curling of the plurality of wires. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A cochlear lead, the cochlear lead comprising:
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a flexible body; an array of electrodes in the flexible body; a wire between each electrode and the proximal end of the flexible body, wherein each wire is oriented in a straight line along a length of the lead over each electrode and each wire has a flexural element between each pair of electrodes such that the wire over the electrode is static relative to the electrode and the wire between the electrodes flexes at the flexural element to accommodate bending of the flexible body and creates a spring force that tends to return the flexible body to a mid-scalar geometry after straightening, and wherein the spring force is partially based on resisting stiffness or curling of the plurality of wires. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of forming a cochlear lead with a reduced apical cross section, the method comprising:
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connecting a wire to a first electrode; forming in the connected wire, a single arch having a radius of curvature between the first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode, the wire passing straight over the surface of the second electrode such that the wire occupies a minimum area over the second electrode, wherein the single arch is configured to create a spring force; and overmolding the wire and electrodes with encapsulation material in a single molding operation to form a completed silicone body, wherein the spring force is partially based on an amount of silicone in the completed silicone body and wherein the spring force tends to return the silicone body to a mid-scalar geometry after straightening. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification