Ribbed electrode for cochlear stimulation

Abstract

An electrode array, made in a straight or curved shape, but made on a flexible carrier so that it can easily bend within a curved body cavity, such as the cochlea. The electrode array having a multiplicity of electrode contacts along a front side of the electrode array and a plurality of flexible ribs located on an opposite rear side. Insertion of the electrode array is performed by inserting the electrode array into the scala tympani (one of the channels of the cochlea) to a desired depth, which desired depth typically involves a rotation of about 360 degrees and causes the flexible ribs to make contact against the outer or lateral wall of the scala tympani, positioning the electrode contacts adjacent the inner wall of the scala tympani. To lock the electrode array in place, the electrode array is pulled back slightly, urging the flexible ribs into the outer wall thereby forcing the electrode array against the inner wall of the scala tympani, maintaining it in that position and preventing further removal of the electrode array. The electrode array is then attached to a tissue stimulation device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.