Space-filling cochlear electrode
First Claim
1. An implantable electrode system for use with a tissue stimulation device comprising an electrode array and a positioner, the electrode array and the positioner being joined together near their distal end but not joined anywhere else, wherein:
- the electrode array comprises;
a flexible carrier having a medial side, a multiplicity of electrodes on the flexible carrier having an exposed surface area, 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; and
wherein the positioner comprises;
an elongate silastic member having a tapered cross section, with a distal tip of the positioner having a smaller cross section than a proximal end of the positioner, the positioner having a length which allows the distal tip of the positioner to be inserted into the cochlea to a depth of about 1 to 1½
turns when the proximal end is at the opening of the cochlea, wherein the cross sectional size of the positioner fills only a fraction of the available space within the cochlea, whereby the electrode array may jointly occupy the space within the cochlea with the positioner, and wherein the positioner includes a lumen that passes longitudinally through the elongate silastic member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable space-filling electrode system, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, includes an elongate electrode array and a positioner. The electrode array has a multiplicity of electrode contacts carried on a flexible elongate carrier, which carrier is adapted for insertion into one of the spiraling ducts, e.g., the scala tympani, of the cochlea. The positioner is an elongate, flexible member, having a longitudinal channel that passes therethrough. The positioner is adapted to reside in and fill the space in the cochlear channel behind the electrode array so as to position and maintain the electrode array against a modiolar wall of the cochlea. A distal tip of the positioner is detachably joined to the electrode array at one point near the distal tip of the electrode array. To insert the electrode system into the cochlea, a stylet wire is inserted into the channel of the positioner, and the positioner is then gently guided and pushed into the cochlea by extending the stylet wire. As the positioner is thus inserted into the cochlea, the electrode array is carried along with it, thereby allowing both elements—the electrode array and the positioner—to be implanted within the cochlea during a single implant operation.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An implantable electrode system for use with a tissue stimulation device comprising an electrode array and a positioner, the electrode array and the positioner being joined together near their distal end but not joined anywhere else, wherein:
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the electrode array comprises;
a flexible carrier having a medial side, a multiplicity of electrodes on the flexible carrier having an exposed surface area, 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; and
whereinthe positioner comprises;
an elongate silastic member having a tapered cross section, with a distal tip of the positioner having a smaller cross section than a proximal end of the positioner, the positioner having a length which allows the distal tip of the positioner to be inserted into the cochlea to a depth of about 1 to 1½
turns when the proximal end is at the opening of the cochlea,wherein the cross sectional size of the positioner fills only a fraction of the available space within the cochlea, whereby the electrode array may jointly occupy the space within the cochlea with the positioner, and wherein the positioner includes a lumen that passes longitudinally through the elongate silastic member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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- 14. An implantable cochlear electrode system for use with a cochlear stimulation system comprising a cochlear electrode array and a positioner, the cochlear electrode array and the positioner being joined together near their respective distal ends but not joined anywhere else, the positioner comprising an elongate silastic member having a longitudinal channel passing therethrough, the longitudinal channel being closed at the distal end of the positioner.
Specification