Electrode array for neural stimulation

• US 7,894,911 B2
• Filed: 08/17/2005
• Issued: 02/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Schulman, Joseph H., Greenberg, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Layno; Carl H
• Assistant Examiner(s): Gedeon; Brian T
• Application Number:
  US11/206,484
• Publication Number:
  US 20060036296A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,015 Days
• Field of Search: 607/137, 607/152, 607/53, 607/54, 607115-120
• US Class Current: 607/115
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0543 Retinal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36046 of the eye
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37247 User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/16225 the item being non-metallic, e.g. insulating substrate with or without metallisation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49165 by forming conductive walled aperture in base

Abstract

The stimulation device is an improved array for neuro-stimulation. The electrode array of the stimulation device is ideally suited for a visual prosthesis for the restoration of sight in patients with lost or degraded visual function. The electrode array of the stimulation device improves connectivity between a prosthesis and neurons.

Claims

1. An implantable electrode array comprising:

an electrode array body;

insulation covering said electrode array body forming a surface, defining voids; and

a plurality of mushroom shaped electrodes having an exposed head portion larger in diameter than the diameter of the void and suitable to stimulate a retina.

2. An implantable electrode array comprising:

an electrode array body;

insulation covering said electrode array body forming a surface, defining voids; and

a plurality of mushroom shaped electrodes having an exposed head portion above the surface and larger in diameter than the diameter of the void, but smaller than the surface.

3. The implantable electrode array according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of electrodes are metal slugs attached to a substrate by conductive adhesive.

4. An implantable electrode array comprising:

an electrode array body;

insulation covering said electrode array body forming a convex curved surface to approximate the shape of a retina, defining voids; and

a plurality of mushroom shaped electrodes having an exposed head portion larger in diameter than the diameter of the void and suitable to stimulate a retina.