Method of manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode array

Abstract

Polymer materials form electrode array bodies for neural stimulation, especially for retinal stimulation to create vision. The method lays down a polymer layer. Apply a metal layer to the polymer and pattern to create electrodes and leads. Apply a second polymer layer over the metal layer and pattern to leave openings for electrodes. The array and its supply cable are a single body. A method for manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode array, is: deposit a metal trace layer on an insulator polymer base layer; apply a layer of photoresist on the metal trace layer and pattern the metal trace layer and form metal traces on the insulator polymer base layer; activate the insulator polymer base layer and deposit a top insulator polymer layer and form a single insulating polymer layer with the base insulator polymer layer; wherein the insulator polymer layers are heated at 80-150° C. and then at 230-350° C.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.