Electrode Array

• US 20080249588A1
• Filed: 10/28/2007
• Published: 10/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cortigent Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc. (Vivani Medical, Inc.)
• Inventors: Greenberg, Robert J., Schulman, Joseph H.
• Granted Patent: US 8,170,676 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/54
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0543 Retinal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36046 of the eye
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37247 User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/16225 the item being non-metallic, e.g. insulating substrate with or without metallisation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49165 by forming conductive walled aperture in base

Abstract

The present invention is an electrode array for neural stimulation. In particular, the present invention provides electrode shapes and electrode coating advantageous in maximizing the charge dissipation without harming neural tissue. Neurotophic factors are used to further improve electrode performance.

Claims

1. An implantable electrode array comprising:

an electrode array body; and

a plurality of protuberances, each having a base end connected to said array body and a tip end, wherein said tip end is larger than said base end.

2. The implantable electrode array according to claim 1, wherein said protuberances are generally mushroom shaped.

3. An implantable electrode array comprising:

an electrode array body;

insulation covering said electrode array body forming voids; and

a plurality of electrodes recessed within said voids.

4. The implantable electrode array according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of electrodes stimulates a retina.

5. The implantable electrode array according to claim 3, wherein at least one side of said insulation forms a curved surface.

6. The implantable electrode array according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of electrodes is recessed within said voids, but exposed in more than one dimension.

7. The implantable electrode array according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of electrodes are metal slugs attached to a substrate by conductive adhesive.

8. An implantable electrode array comprising:

an electrode array body;

a plurality of elongated electrodes; and

insulation deposited on portions of said plurality of elongated electrodes by ion-beam assisted deposition.

9. An implantable electrode array comprising;

An array body;

A plurality of electrodes supported by said array body; and

neurotophic factors in proximity to said plurality of electrodes.

10. The implantable electrode array according to claim 9, wherein said neurotophic factors are a coating on said plurality of electrodes.

11. The implantable electrode array according to claim 9, wherein said neurotophic factors are nerve growth factors.

12. The implantable electrode array according to claim 9, wherein said implantable electrode array is suitable to stimulate visual neurons.