Disconnection system for two-part cochlear electrode and method of making same

An electrode/positioner system adapted for insertion into a human cochlea, comprising:

• a cochlear electrode having a distal tip and a multiplicity of spaced-apart electrode contacts exposed along at least one side thereof;
• a band secured near the distal tip of the cochlear electrode;
• a positioner having a distal tip adapted to be detachably connected to the stretchable band, wherein the distal tip of the positioner is connected to the band when an advancing force is applied to the positioner, and wherein the distal tip of the positioner is detached from the band when a retracting force is applied to the positioner, wherein an advancing force is one wherein the positioner is advanced in a distal direction, and wherein a retracting force is one wherein the positioner is retracted in a proximal direction.

An electrode/positioner system adapted for insertion into body tissue, comprising:

• an electrode having a distal tip and a multiplicity of spaced-apart electrode contacts exposed along at least one side of the electrode;
• a loop secured to the electrode near the distal tip of the electrode;
• a positioner having a distal tip, wherein the distal tip of the positioner is adapted to be engaged with the loop when an advancing force is applied to the positioner, and wherein the distal tip of the positioner is adapted to be disengaged from the loop when a retracting force is applied to the positioner.

A tool (40) for placing a cuff (12) near a distal end of a cochlear electrode, the cuff comprising a stretchable band having an inside surface and being made from a biocompatible material, the tool comprising reverse action tweezers having a handle portion (45) and distal fingers (42, 43) adapted to hold the cuff on the inside surface thereof, wherein the distal fingers separate from each other as opposing sides of the handle portion (45) are squeezed together, thereby stretching the cuff, and wherein at least one of the distal fingers (43) includes a slot (46) therein, said slot facilitating access to the inside surface of the cuff so as to allow a suitable bonding agent to be applied thereto.