Cochlear electrode array with electrode contacts on medial side
First Claim
1. An implantable electrode array for use with a tissue stimulation device comprisinga flexible carrier having a medial side;
- a multiplicity of in-line electrodes having an exposed surface area only on the medial side of the flexible carrier, the in-line electrodes being spaced along the flexible carrier from a distal end of the flexible carrier to a proximal end of the flexible carrier, the in-line electrodes each having an embedded portion behind the exposed surface area that extends into the flexible carrier; and
a multiplicity of wires embedded within the flexible carrier, wherein at least one wire of the multiplicity of wires is electrically and physically connected to a respective in-line electrode, and wherein each wire of the multiplicity of wires that is electrically connected to a more distal in-line electrode passes and is engaged by each more proximal in-line electrode;
wherein the electrode array is more flexible in a medial direction than in a direction lateral to the medial direction, wherein the medial direction comprises the direction faced by the exposed surface area of the in-line electrodes.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, provides improved stability of electrode contact direction. In-line electrodes are spaced-apart along one side of a flexible carrier. The structure of the electrode array facilitates bending of the array with the electrode contacts on the inside of the bend, yet deters flexing or twisting of the array in other directions. The electrode contacts preferably are each made from two strips of metal, arranged in a "T" shape (top view). During assembly, all of the "T" strips are held in position on an iron sheet. Two wire bundles are formed that pass along each side of each "T". The leg of each "T" is folded over to pinch at least one of the wires from one of the wire bundles therebetween. This pinched wire is then resistance welded to the strip. The sides of the "T" are then folded up and touch or nearly touch to form a "Δ" shape (side view). The wire bundles going to more distal electrodes pass through the "Δ" and are thus engaged by the "Δ". A flexible carrier, made from, e.g., silicone rubber, is molded over and around the wire bundles and folded electrode T'"'"'s, preferably in a slightly curved shape. The iron sheet is chemically etched away, leaving an array of spaced-apart electrode contact areas along one edge of the flexible carrier, each of which is electrically attached to at least one wire which passes through the carrier. The electrode array can be manufactured using low cost technology; and once made can be easily inserted, removed and reinserted, if required, into the cochlea or other curved body cavity.
199 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An implantable electrode array for use with a tissue stimulation device comprising
a flexible carrier having a medial side; -
a multiplicity of in-line electrodes having an exposed surface area only on the medial side of the flexible carrier, the in-line electrodes being spaced along the flexible carrier from a distal end of the flexible carrier to a proximal end of the flexible carrier, the in-line electrodes each having an embedded portion behind the exposed surface area that extends into the flexible carrier; and a multiplicity of wires embedded within the flexible carrier, wherein at least one wire of the multiplicity of wires is electrically and physically connected to a respective in-line electrode, and wherein each wire of the multiplicity of wires that is electrically connected to a more distal in-line electrode passes and is engaged by each more proximal in-line electrode; wherein the electrode array is more flexible in a medial direction than in a direction lateral to the medial direction, wherein the medial direction comprises the direction faced by the exposed surface area of the in-line electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An implantable cochlear electrode array for use with a cochlear stimulator comprising
an elongate flexible carrier having a medial side facing in a medial direction, wherein the elongate flexible carrier has only medial electrodes, and further wherein the flexible carrier has a distal end having a tip, wherein the tip is made from a material that is softer than the elongate flexible carrier; -
wherein the medial electrodes comprise at least eight spaced-apart electrodes embedded within the flexible carrier, each electrode having an exposed contact surface area on the medial side of the flexible carrier; and a multiplicity of wires embedded within the flexible carrier, at least one wire of the multiplicity of wires being electrically and physically connected to a respective electrode; wherein the electrode array is more flexible in a medial direction than in a lateral direction, wherein the medial direction comprises a direction perpendicular to the medial side, and where the lateral direction comprises a direction perpendicular to the medial direction and the longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An implantable cochlear electrode array for use with a cochlear stimulator comprising
an elongate flexible carrier having a medial side and a longitudinal axis; -
at least n spaced-apart electrodes embedded within the flexible carrier, where n is an integer of at least twelve, each electrode having an exposed contact surface area only on the medial side of the flexible carrier; and a multiplicity of wires embedded within the flexible carrier, at least one wire of the multiplicity of wires being electrically and physically connected to a respective electrode, wherein the number of multiplicity of wires comprises at least n+1, with at least two wires being connected to a most distal electrode, and with at least one wire being connected to the remaining electrodes; wherein the electrode array is more flexible in a medial direction than in a lateral direction, wherein the medial direction comprises a direction perpendicular to the medial side, and where the lateral direction comprises a direction perpendicular to the medial direction and the longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An implantable electrode array for use with a tissue stimulation device comprising
a flexible carrier having a medial side; -
a multiplicity of in-line electrodes having an exposed surface area on the medial side of the flexible carrier, the in-line electrodes having an embedded portion behind the exposed surface area that extends into the flexible carrier; and first and second wire bundles embedded within the flexible carrier, each wire bundle comprising a multiplicity of wires bundled together at a proximal end of the flexible carrier, wherein the first and second wire bundles pass longitudinally through the flexible carrier near the embedded portion of the in-line electrodes on opposite lateral sides of the in-line electrodes, wherein at least one wire of the multiplicity of wires is electrically connected to a respective in-line electrode; and wherein the electrode array is more flexible in a medial direction than in a direction lateral to the medial direction, wherein the medial direction comprises the direction faced by the medial side of the flexible carrier. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification