Implantable leads with flag extensions
First Claim
1. An implantable lead comprising:
- a substrate; and
an electrically conductive material disposed on the substrate to form a flexible circuit, the flexible circuit comprising;
a proximal end to electrically connect to an implantable processor;
a distal portion comprising an electrode array arranged to stimulate a cochlear nerve to induce hearing;
a lead body extending from the proximal end to the distal portion, the lead body having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of electrical traces adapted to carry electrical signals from the proximal end to individual electrodes of the electrode array of the distal portion, wherein the electrical traces and electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the substrate; and
a flag extension formed in the substrate and extending laterally outward from the lead body longitudinal axis, wherein the flag extension comprises a depth marker that indicates a target insertion depth of the lead into the cochlea.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In one example, an implantable lead includes a substrate and an electrically conductive material disposed on the substrate to form a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit includes a proximal end adapted to electrically connect to an implantable processor, a distal portion adapted to stimulate a cochlear nerve, and a lead body extending from the proximal end to the distal portion, the lead body having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of electrical traces adapted to carry electrical signals from the proximal end to the distal portion. A flag extension is formed in the substrate and extends laterally outward from the lead body longitudinal axis. A method for forming a cochlear lead with a flag extension is also provided.
69 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An implantable lead comprising:
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a substrate; and an electrically conductive material disposed on the substrate to form a flexible circuit, the flexible circuit comprising; a proximal end to electrically connect to an implantable processor; a distal portion comprising an electrode array arranged to stimulate a cochlear nerve to induce hearing; a lead body extending from the proximal end to the distal portion, the lead body having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of electrical traces adapted to carry electrical signals from the proximal end to individual electrodes of the electrode array of the distal portion, wherein the electrical traces and electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the substrate; and a flag extension formed in the substrate and extending laterally outward from the lead body longitudinal axis, wherein the flag extension comprises a depth marker that indicates a target insertion depth of the lead into the cochlea. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An implantable lead comprising:
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a flexible circuit having a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the flexible circuit comprising; a substrate; and an electrically conductive material disposed on a portion of the substrate forming; an electrode array on the distal end, the electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes adapted to stimulate a cochlear nerve; and a lead body electrically coupled to the electrode array and extending proximally therefrom; wherein the substrate has a plurality of flag extensions formed therein, proximal of the electrode array, extending outwardly from the longitudinal axis, and adapted to be affixed to tissue and when affixed to the tissue, the plurality of flag extensions maintain a curvature in the lead body. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. An implantable lead comprising:
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a substrate; and an electrically conductive material disposed on the substrate to form a flexible circuit, the flexible circuit comprising; a proximal end to electrically connect to an implantable processor; a distal portion comprising an electrode array arranged to stimulate a cochlear nerve to induce hearing; a lead body extending from the proximal end to the distal portion, the lead body having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of electrical traces adapted to carry electrical signals from the proximal end to individual electrodes of the electrode array of the distal portion, wherein the electrical traces and electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the substrate; and a flag extension formed in the substrate and extending laterally outward from the lead body longitudinal axis such that a plane of the flag extension is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the lead body. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification