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Implantable expandable multicontact electrodes

  • US 6,205,361 B1
  • Filed: 01/28/1999
  • Issued: 03/20/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/10/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An implantable electrode array (10) comprising:

  • a silicone paddle having a perimeter edge and including a plurality of electrode contacts (11) arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along the perimeter edge;

    a flexible membrane (14) formed within the area inbetween the perimeter edge;

    a memory element (12) affixed to the perimeter edge, the memory element having flexible properties that allow it to bend and fold, but also having memory properties that cause it to assume a desired shape in the absence of external folding or bending forces, said memory element comprising a wire formed in the perimeter edge of the flexible membrane, said wire comprising a shape-memory element that assumes a desired shape in the absence of external forces; and

    means for making electrical contact with each of the plurality of electrode contacts;

    whereby the electrode array may be folded to assume a small cross-sectional area during implantation, but whereby the electrode array unfolds to assume an expanded configuration as controlled by the desired shape of the memory element after implantation.

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