Electrode Array for Even Neural Pressure

• US 20090149915A1
• Filed: 10/24/2008
• Published: 06/11/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cortigent Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc. (Vivani Medical, Inc.)
• Inventors: Greenberg, Robert J., Humayun, Mark S.
• Granted Patent: US 8,014,868 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/54
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0543 Retinal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0558 Anchoring or fixation means therefor

Abstract

The present invention is an electrode array for neural stimulation. In particular it is an electrode array for use with a visual prosthesis with the electrode array suitable to be positioned on the retina. The array includes multiple attachment points to provide for even pressure across the electrode array surface. The attachment points are arranged so as to not damage retinal tissue stimulated by the electrode array.

Claims

1. An electrode array for neural stimulation comprising:

an electrode array for stimulating neural tissue within an array body having a heel proximate to a supply cable and a toe opposite said heel; and

three or more attachment points for attaching said array body to neural tissue.

2. The electrode array according to claim 1, having a plurality of attachment points in said heel.

3. The electrode array according to claim 1, having a plurality of attachment points in said toe.

4. The electrode array according to claim 1, further comprising stress relief portions between said attachment points and said array body.

5. The electrode array according to claim 4, wherein said stress relief portion is a soft polymer.

6. The electrode array according to claim 1, wherein said electrode array is suitable to contact retinal tissue to electrically induce artificial vision.

7. The electrode array according to claim 1, wherein said electrode array body comprises a soft polymer formed over a hard polymer.

8. The electrode array according to claim 7, wherein said attachment points are formed in said soft polymer.

9. An electrode array for neural stimulation comprising;

an electrode array for stimulating neural tissue within an array body having a heel proximate to a supply cable and a toe opposite said heel;

a attachment point within said array body; and

a strap having a plurality of attachment points suitable to locate said array body proximate to neural tissue.

10. The electrode array according to claim 9, wherein said attachment point within said array body is within said heel and said strap is suitable to locate said toe.

11. The electrode array according to claim 9, wherein said attachment point within said array body is within said toe and said strap is suitable to locate said heel.

12. The electrode array according to claim 9, further comprising a stress relief between said attachment points and said array body.

13. The electrode array according to claim 12, wherein said stress relief portion is a soft polymer.

14. The electrode array according to claim 9, wherein said electrode array is suitable to contact retinal tissue to electrically induce artificial vision.

15. The electrode array according to claim 9, wherein said electrode array body comprises a soft polymer formed over a hard polymer.

16. The electrode array according to claim 15, wherein said attachment points are formed in said soft polymer.