Method and anchor for anchoring electrode leads used in cochlear implantation
First Claim
1. In the method of implanting one or more electrodes in or adjacent to a human cochlea so that the electrode can afford electrical stimulation of nerve fibers to produce the sensation of sound, which method comprises the step of positioning a lead terminating at the electrode through an opening surgically made in a temporal bone with the electrode at a predetermined position relative to the cochlea, the improvement wherein said method further includes the steps of:
- (a) providing an anchor having a first end portion and a second end portion comprising means for engaging a portion of the lead to restrict longitudinal, transverse and rotational movement thereof relative to the anchor;
(b) forming a socket from the opening into the temporal bone, which socket is adapted to receive the first end portion of the anchor;
(c) inserting the first end portion of the anchor into the socket; and
(d) engaging a portion of the lead with the means for engaging of the anchor.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for implanting electrodes in or around a human cochlea that involves inserting one end of an anchor in the temperal bone, and functionally engaging a lead to the electrode with the anchor. Numerous anchor embodiments are described together with tools for inserting some of the anchors.
52 Citations
6 Claims
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1. In the method of implanting one or more electrodes in or adjacent to a human cochlea so that the electrode can afford electrical stimulation of nerve fibers to produce the sensation of sound, which method comprises the step of positioning a lead terminating at the electrode through an opening surgically made in a temporal bone with the electrode at a predetermined position relative to the cochlea, the improvement wherein said method further includes the steps of:
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(a) providing an anchor having a first end portion and a second end portion comprising means for engaging a portion of the lead to restrict longitudinal, transverse and rotational movement thereof relative to the anchor; (b) forming a socket from the opening into the temporal bone, which socket is adapted to receive the first end portion of the anchor; (c) inserting the first end portion of the anchor into the socket; and (d) engaging a portion of the lead with the means for engaging of the anchor. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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- 3. An anchor adapted to be inserted in the temporal bone of a human skull and to be engaged with one or more leads extending to an electrode to help position the electrode at a desired location relative to the cochlea, said anchor comprising a first end portion comprising means for engaging the temporal bone, and an opposite generally U-shaped second end portion having adjacent surfaces and a distal tip as a means for projecting from a temporal bone engaged by said means for engaging so that the combined space between said means for engaging the temporal bone and said distal tip and between said adjacent surfaces is generally L-shaped and is adapted to receive a portion of a said lead therein.
- 5. An anchor adapted to be inserted in the temporal bone of a human skull and to be engaged with a lead extending between an electronic device and an electrode to help position the electrode at a desired location relative to the cochlea, said anchor comprising a metal wire having a first end portion comprising means for engaging the temporal bone, and a second end portion comprising means for engaging spaced portions of a said lead including first and second spaced generally U-shaped parts positioned with the major planes of said U-shaped parts being generally parallel, and a connecting part connecting ends of said U-shaped parts and extending generally at a right angle to said major planes, said first end portion projecting from the end of one of said U-shaped parts opposite said connecting part.
Specification