Self-curving cochlear electrode array
First Claim
1. An electrode array for an implantable device, said array having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first portion bearing a plurality of electrodes at predetermined spacings from each other, and a second portion which is longitudinally interconnected and at least partly coextensive with said first portion, said first and second portions having respective initial volumes, and said second portion to undergo a change of volume relative to that of said first portion in a direction along said longitudinal axis, said first and second portions being disposed relatively to each other so that when the volume of said second portion changes longitudinally, at least that part of said array which includes the coextensive parts of said first and second portions inherently curves while the spacings between said electrodes borne by said first portion remain substantially constant.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrode array (12) for cochlear (30) implant is formed by two layers, wherein the first layer (10, 20) is formed from a bio-compatible material and contains electrode contacts and connecting leads and the second layer (11, 21) is formed from a bio-compatible material having a property of a controlled rate of expansion when exposed to the water contained in body fluids. This material expands in use and curves the implanted array and enables more effective stimulation.
73 Citations
16 Claims
- 1. An electrode array for an implantable device, said array having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first portion bearing a plurality of electrodes at predetermined spacings from each other, and a second portion which is longitudinally interconnected and at least partly coextensive with said first portion, said first and second portions having respective initial volumes, and said second portion to undergo a change of volume relative to that of said first portion in a direction along said longitudinal axis, said first and second portions being disposed relatively to each other so that when the volume of said second portion changes longitudinally, at least that part of said array which includes the coextensive parts of said first and second portions inherently curves while the spacings between said electrodes borne by said first portion remain substantially constant.
- 8. A cochlear implant device including an electrode array adapted to be inserted into the cochlea of a patient'"'"'s ear, said array having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first portion bearing a plurality of electrodes at predetermined spacings from each other, and a second portion which is longitudinally interconnected and at least partly coextensive with said first portion, said first and second portions having respective initial volumes, and said second portion being adapted to undergo a change of volume relative to that of said first portion in a direction along said longitudinal axis, said first and second portions being disposed relatively to each other so that when the volume of said second portion changes longitudinally, at least that part of said array which includes the coextensive parts of said first and second portions inherently curves while the spacings between said electrodes borne by said first portion remain substantially constant.
Specification