High contact count, sub-miniature, fully implantable cochlear prosthesis
First Claim
1. An active electrode array for use with an implantable neural stimulator, wherein the active electrode array comprises at least four banks of active electrodes, wherein each bank of active electrodes includes a plurality of active electrodes, wherein each active electrode comprises a plurality of individual electrode contacts and an active switch integrally formed with the individual electrode contacts for individually activating the plurality of individual electrode contacts with a selected electrode stimulation current in response to electrode control signals.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fully implantable cochlear prosthesis includes (1) an implantable hermetically sealed case wherein electronic circuitry, including a battery and an implantable microphone, are housed, (2) an active electrode array that provides a programmable number of electrode contacts through which stimulation current may be selectively delivered to surrounding tissue, preferably through the use of appropriate stimulation groups, and (3) a connector that allows the active electrode array to be detachably connected with the electronic circuitry within the sealed case. The active electrode array provides a large number of both medial and lateral contacts, any one of which may be selected to apply a stimulus pulse through active switching elements included within the array. The active switching elements included within the array operate at a very low compliance voltage, thereby reducing power consumption. The entire prosthesis is very efficient from a power consumption standpoint, thereby allowing a smaller battery to power the system for longer periods of time before recharging or replacement is required. The hermetically sealed case within which the electronic circuitry, battery, and microphone are housed may be replaced, when needed, through minimally invasive surgery. Further, the electronic circuitry housed within the hermetically sealed case may be programmed, as needed, using acoustic and/or RF control signals. In one embodiment, such control signals may be realized using phase-shift keyed (PSK) modulation of an acoustic signal within a very narrow frequency band centered at about 6 KHz.
76 Citations
16 Claims
- 1. An active electrode array for use with an implantable neural stimulator, wherein the active electrode array comprises at least four banks of active electrodes, wherein each bank of active electrodes includes a plurality of active electrodes, wherein each active electrode comprises a plurality of individual electrode contacts and an active switch integrally formed with the individual electrode contacts for individually activating the plurality of individual electrode contacts with a selected electrode stimulation current in response to electrode control signals.
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5. An active electrode array adapted for use with an implantable tissue stimulating prosthesis, wherein the active electrode array comprises:
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a plurality of active electrodes;
wherein each active electrode includes switching circuitry built into the electrode array and a plurality of individual electrode contacts that may be individually activated by electrode control signals applied to the switching circuitry. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An active electrode array comprising
a flexible carrier in which n+1 wires are embedded, where n is an integer of at least 4; -
an active electrode array at or near a distal end of the flexible carrier comprising at least 2n electrode contacts;
switching circuitry located at or near the distal end of the flexible carrier adjacent the electrode contacts, said switching circuitry being responsive to control signals presented on at least a plurality of the n+1 wires so as to direct a stimulation signal presented on another of the n+1 wires to a selected pair of the electrode contacts; and
means for connecting the n+1 wires at a proximal end of the flexible carrier to electronic circuitry adapted to generate the control signals and stimulation signal;
whereby at least 2n electrodes located at the distal end of the flexible carrier may be connected for individual control through no more than n+1 wires embedded within the flexible carrier. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification