Cochlear Implant Localization System

A system to track an implantable cochlear stimulator electrode assembly, wherein the implantable cochlear stimulator electrode assembly includes a plurality of implant electrode portions and a conductive connector extending from each implant electrode portion of the plurality of implant electrode portions, the system comprising:

• a localizer configured to be positioned near a subject in which the implantable cochlear stimulator electrode assembly is to be positioned,
• wherein the localizer is operable to at least one of generate a field or inject a current into the subject,
• wherein each of the plurality of implant electrodes is formed to sense a voltage based on the current,
• wherein a signal based on the sensed voltage is transmitted on the conductive connector;
• a processor system configured to:
• receive a signal from each of the electrodes of the plurality of implant electrodes,
• determine a capacitance between pairs of electrodes of the plurality of implant electrodes,
• execute instructions to determine a relative position between the electrodes of the pairs of electrodes of the plurality of implant electrodes;
• a display device configured to display at least one of a position of at least a portion of the implantable cochlear stimulator electrode assembly or the determined relative position of the pair of electrodes;
• wherein the plurality of implant electrodes of the implantable cochlear stimulator electrode assembly is configured to be purposed to stimulate a cochlea of the subject.

A method to track an implantable cochlear stimulator electrode assembly, comprising:

• measuring a capacitance between a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion along a length of the implantable cochlear stimulator electrode assembly;
• determining a relative position of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion based the measured capacitance;
• and
• displaying on a display device a shape of the implantable cochlear stimulator electrode assembly at least between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion based on the determined relative position.