Method and anchor for anchoring
First Claim
1. In the method of implanting one or more electrodes in or adjacent to a human cochlea so that the electrode can afford electrical stimulation of nerve fibers to produce the sensation of sound, which method comprises the step of positioning a lead terminating at the electrode through an opening surgically made in a temporal bone with the electrode at a predetermined position relative to the cochlea, the improvement wherein said method further includes the steps of:
- (a) providing an anchor having a first end portion and a second end portion comprising means for engaging a portion of the lead to restrict longitudinal, transverse and rotational movement thereof relative to the anchor, the first end portion of the anchor including a barb projecting along one side and toward the second portion of the anchor;
(b) forming a socket from the opening into the temporal bone, which socket is adapted to receive the first end portion of the anchor;
(c) inserting the first end portion of the anchor into the socket with the anchor rotated from its desired orientation;
(d) rotating the anchor to its desired orientation; and
(e) engaging a portion of the lead with the means for engaging of the anchor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for implanting electrodes in or around a human cochlea that involves inserting one end of an anchor in the temperal bone, and functionally engaging a lead to the electrode with the anchor. Numerous anchor embodiments are described together with tools for inserting some of the anchors.
129 Citations
4 Claims
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1. In the method of implanting one or more electrodes in or adjacent to a human cochlea so that the electrode can afford electrical stimulation of nerve fibers to produce the sensation of sound, which method comprises the step of positioning a lead terminating at the electrode through an opening surgically made in a temporal bone with the electrode at a predetermined position relative to the cochlea, the improvement wherein said method further includes the steps of:
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(a) providing an anchor having a first end portion and a second end portion comprising means for engaging a portion of the lead to restrict longitudinal, transverse and rotational movement thereof relative to the anchor, the first end portion of the anchor including a barb projecting along one side and toward the second portion of the anchor; (b) forming a socket from the opening into the temporal bone, which socket is adapted to receive the first end portion of the anchor; (c) inserting the first end portion of the anchor into the socket with the anchor rotated from its desired orientation; (d) rotating the anchor to its desired orientation; and (e) engaging a portion of the lead with the means for engaging of the anchor.
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2. An anchor adapted to be inserted in the temporal bone of a human skull and to be engaged with one or more leads extending to an electrode to help position the electrode at a desired location relative to the cochlea, said anchor comprising
a metal wire having a first end portion of a size capable of insertion in a socket in the temporal bone and comprising means adapted to firmly engage the walls defining the socket; - and an opposite generally U-shaped second end portion having adjacent surfaces; and
a layer of resiliently elastic polymeric material over the adjacent surfaces of said wire along said U-shaped end portion and having adjacent surfaces, the adjacent surfaces of said layer of polymeric material being spaced to frictionally receive a portion of a said lead therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4)
- and an opposite generally U-shaped second end portion having adjacent surfaces; and
Specification