US 6,782,619 B2 · Method of making high contact density electrode array

Abstract

A laminated multi-electrode biocompatible implant, comprising a first layer of flexible, biocompatible dielectric material having a first, exposed surface. A second layer of flexible biocompatible dielectric material, is adhered to the first layer. Further, a third layer of flexible biocompatible dielectric material is adhered to the second layer. Additionally, a first conductive trace is interposed between the first layer and the second layer and a second conductive trace interposed between said second layer and said third layer. Finally, a first conductor, which breaches said first layer, conductively connects the first conductive trace to the exposed surface of the first layer, thereby forming a first electrode and a second conductor, which breaches the first layer and the second layer, conductively connects the second conductive trace to the exposed surface of the first layer, thereby forming a second electrode.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A method of creating a bio-implant in a helical shape adapted to conform to the helical shape of a mammalian cochlea interior volume, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a lamina of flexible, biocompatible material having a proximal end;
b) constructing a set of conductive traces and a set of electrodes on said lamina and wherein each said conductive trace extends from said proximal end to a one of said electrodes, thereby creating a structure;
(c) placing said structure into a mold that is in said helical shape of a mammalian cochlea interior volume;
(d) adding a thermosetting material to said mold, together with said structure;
and
(e) thermo-forming said structure into said helical shape of a mammalian cochlea interior volume.

3 more elements

A method of creating a bio-implant in a three-dimensional shape adapted to conform to the three-dimensional shape of an internal organ to be stimulated, comprising the steps of:

a) creating a structure by:
(i) providing a first lamina and second lamina of flexible biocompatible material each having a proximal end;
(ii) constructing a first set of conductive traces on said first lamina and wherein each said conductive trace extends from said proximal end;
(iii) constructing a second set of conductive traces on said second lamina and wherein each said conductive trace extends from said proximal end;
(iv) attaching said second lamina and said second set of conductive traces on top of said first lamina and said first set of conductive traces in such a manner that said second lamina adheres to said first lamina;
(v) attaching a third lamina of flexible biocompatible material on top of said second lam ma and said second set of conductive traces in such a manner that said third lamina adheres to said second lamina, said third lamina having an exposed surface;
(vi) removing a portion of said third lamina to create a first opening, extending from said exposed surface to a first one of said second set of traces;
(vii) removing a portion of said third lamina and said second lamina to create a second opening, extending from said exposed surface to a first one of said first set of traces;
and
(viii) introducing conductive material into said first opening and said second opening, said conductive material extending the entire length of said first opening and said second opening and thereby creating a first electrode and a second electrode on said exposed surface;
(b) placing said structure into a mold that is in said three-dimensional shape adapted to conform to the three-dimensional shape of an internal organ to be stimulated;
and
(c) thermo-forming said structure into said three-dimensional shape adapted to conform to the three-dimensional shape of an internal organ to be stimulated.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method of making high contact density electrode array

Life of this patent

Method of making high contact density electrode array

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13