Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion Support Device
AssigneeMED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
InventorsThomas Lenarz, Ingeborg Hochmair, Claude Jolly, Anandhan Dhanasingh, Andreas Harnisch
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Abstract
An electrode insertion support device is used for inserting a cochlear implant electrode into a cochlea scala of a patient cochlea. A stiff electrode holder encloses at least a portion of a cochlear implant electrode while allowing the electrode within to slide freely. A pointed distal tip of the electrode holder is adapted to pierce an electrode opening through an outer surface of the patient cochlea into the cochlea scala. The insertion support device prevents an apical tip of the enclosed electrode from contacting tissues around the electrode opening during the insertion surgery.
Claims20
An electrode insertion support device for inserting a cochlear implant electrode into a cochlea scala of a patient cochlea, the insertion support device comprising:
- a stiff electrode holder enclosing at least a portion of a cochlear implant electrode while allowing the electrode within to slide freely;
- and
- a pointed distal tip of the electrode holder adapted to pierce an electrode opening through an outer surface of the patient cochlea into the cochlea scala;
- wherein the insertion support device prevents an apical tip of the enclosed electrode from contacting tissues around the electrode opening during the insertion surgery.
A method for inserting a cochlear implant electrode into a cochlea scala of a patient cochlea, the method comprising:
- enclosing at least a portion of a cochlear implant electrode within a stiff electrode holder while allowing the electrode within to slide freely while preventing an apical tip of the enclosed electrode from contacting tissues around the electrode opening during the insertion surgery;
- piercing an electrode opening through an outer surface of the patient cochlea into the cochlea scala with a pointed distal tip of the electrode holder;
- and
- inserting the electrode over the apical tip and into the cochlea scala.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.