US 4,819,647 A · Intracochlear electrode array

Abstract

An electrode array for implantation in a human cochlea. The array includes a spiral-shaped resilient carrier which generally conforms to the shape of the scala tympani of the cochlea. The carrier supports eight electrode pairs, with each electrode having an associated lead. The leads are arranged in the carrier to form a central rib structure which controls flexing of the array. The individual leads have an elongated cross-section and are individually vertically aligned in the rib structure, so that the array will readily flex in the plane defined by the array spiral. The structure limits flexing in the vertical direction. The restricted flexing serves to avoid injury to the basal membrane located at the upper surface of the scala tympani during implantation.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An intracochlear multielectrode array having a direction of curvature defining a spiral shape at least generally conforming to the scala tympani of a cochlea, said array comprising

elastomeric carrier means having an elastic memory for assuming said spiral shape after it has been straightened and then relaxed, and
a plurality of electrode means carried by said carrier means for electrically stimulating an auditory nerve, said electrode means including
a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other in the direction of curvature of said spiral shape, and
a plurality of elongated lead means, each connected to a respective one of said electrodes, supported in encapsulated relationship at least generally centrally within said carrier means to form a spiraled rib structure for allowing flexion and straightening of said array in the direction of curvature of said spiral shape, but for preventing flexion of said array in a perpendicular direction relative to said direction of curvature, at least two of said lead means being disposed in vertical alignment relative to each other in said perpendicular direction and each said lead means comprising a flattened metallic wire having a width in said perpendicular direction that is greater than the thickness thereof, when said wire is viewed in cross-section.

1 more element

An intracochlear multielectrode array having a direction of curvature defining a spiral shape at least generally conforming to the scala tympani of a cochlea, said array comprising

elastomeric carrier means having an elastic memory for assuming said spiral shape after it has been straightened and then relaxed, and
a plurality of electrode means carried by said carrier means for electrically stimulating an auditory nerve, said electrode means including
a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other in the direction of curvature of said spiral shaped, and
a plurality of elongated lead means, each connected to a respective one of said electrodes, supported in encapsulated relationship at least generally centrally within said carrier means and extending in the direction of curvature of said spiral shape to form a rib structure for allowing flexion and straightening of said array in the direction of curvature of said spiral shape, but for preventing flexion of said array in a perpendicular direction relative to said direction of curvature, at least two of said lead means being disposed in vertical alignment relative to each other in said perpendicular direction and each said lead means comprising a flattened metallic wire having a width in said perpendicular direction that is greater than the thickness thereof, when said wire is viewed in cross-section, said carrier mean comprising a basal portion and an apical portion having a cross-sectional area less than that of said basal portion and wherein a first wire portion of said wire supported in said apical portion is constructed of a heavier gauge and is stiffer than a second wire portion of said wire supported in said basal portion to permit said array to flex substantially uniformly throughout the length thereof.

1 more element

An intracochlear multielectrode array having a direction of curvature defining a spiral shape at least generally conforming to the scala tympani of a cochlea, said array comprising

elastomeric carrier means having an elastic memory for assuming said spiral shape after it has been straightened and then relaxed, and
a plurality of electrode means for electrically stimulating an auditory nerve, said electrode means including
a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other in the direction of curvature of said spiral shape, and
a plurality of elongated lead means, each connected to a respective one of said electrodes, supported in encapsulated relationship at least generally centrally within said carrier means and extending in the direction of curvature of said spiral shape to form a rib structure for allowing flexion and straightening of said array in the direction of curvature of said spiral shape, but for preventing flexion of said array in a perpendicular direction relative to said direction of curvature, at least two of said lead means being disposed in vertical alignment relative to each other in said perpendicular direction and each said lead means comprising a flattened metallic wire having a width in said perpendicular direction that is greater than the thickness thereof, when said wire is viewed in cross-section, each said electrode being formed integrally with a respective one of said wires, said electrode having a convex outer surface positioned in exposed relationship on a selected outer surface of said carrier means.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Intracochlear electrode array

Life of this patent

Intracochlear electrode array

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14