Flexible positioner for use with implantable cochlear electrode array
First Claim
1. A flexible positioner insertable into a human cochlea, said flexible positioner comprising an elongate silastic member being a tapered cross section, with a distal tip of the positioner having a smaller along the length of the member than a proximal end of the positioner;
- and having a length adapted to allow the distal tip of the positioner to be inserted into the cochlea to a depth of about 1 to 11/2 turns when the proximal end is at the opening of the cochlea; and
wherein the cross sectional size of the positioner fills only a fraction of the available space within the cochlea;
whereby an electrode array may jointly occupy the space within the cochlea with the positioner.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tapered, flexible positioner, typically molded in a curved or hooked shape from a silicone polymer, is adapted to be inserted into the scala tympani duct of a human cochlea so as to position or force an electrode array, also inserted into the scala tympani duct, against the modiolar wall of the cochlea. The positioner may be inserted into the scala tympani duct before, or preferably after, insertion of the electrode array. The flexible positioner thus fills space within the scala tympani duct so as to force the electrode array, also inserted into the scala tympani duct, against the modiolar wall of the cochlea, where the electrode contacts of the electrode array may be more effective. In a preferred embodiment, a channeling groove is formed along one side of the positioner for receiving the electrode array. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a silastic tube forms a molded-in tube within the molded positioner, and provides a lumen, sealed or closed at its distal end, into which a stylet wire may be inserted during the insertion process.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A flexible positioner insertable into a human cochlea, said flexible positioner comprising an elongate silastic member being a tapered cross section, with a distal tip of the positioner having a smaller along the length of the member than a proximal end of the positioner;
- and having a length adapted to allow the distal tip of the positioner to be inserted into the cochlea to a depth of about 1 to 11/2 turns when the proximal end is at the opening of the cochlea; and
wherein the cross sectional size of the positioner fills only a fraction of the available space within the cochlea;
whereby an electrode array may jointly occupy the space within the cochlea with the positioner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- and having a length adapted to allow the distal tip of the positioner to be inserted into the cochlea to a depth of about 1 to 11/2 turns when the proximal end is at the opening of the cochlea; and
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8. A flexible positioner (20) insertable into the scala tympani duct of a human cochlea for positioning an electrode array (10), also insertable into the scala tympani duct, against the modiolar wall (16) of the cochlea, where electrode contacts of the electrode array may be more effective, the flexible positioner comprising:
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a silastic tube (23) having a lumen (27) passing longitudinally therethrough, the silastic tube having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the lumen is open at the proximal end and closed at the distal end; silastic material molded and bonded to the silastic tube along the tube length so as to form a channeling groove (22) along one side thereof for receiving the electrode array; the silastic material being molded to assume a curve at the distal end, with the channeling groove residing on the inside of the curve. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification