Electrode Lead with Integrated Attachment Mechanism

Abstract

An electrode for use with a cochlear implant system includes an electrode array with electrode contacts distributed along the electrode array, and an electrode lead adjacent to the electrode array. The electrode lead has (1) a flexible region configured to allow the electrode lead to bend, (2) an attachment mechanism with an internal portion positioned within and along a longitudinal direction of the electrode lead, and an external portion configured to be bent and secured to bone, the external portion having an attachment element configured to secure the attachment mechanism to the bone, and (3) a securing element extending from the electrode lead and located further back from the flexible region toward a rear end of the electrode lead, the securing element configured to secure the electrode lead to the bone. A method of securing the electrode to bone is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.