Method and device for intracochlea impedance measurement
AssigneeCochlear Limited
InventorsKostas Tsampazis, Paul Carter, Herbert Mauch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This method of determining an intracochlea tissue impedance comprises using at least two stimulating electrodes to apply an electrical stimulus to intracochlea tissue. A voltage caused by the stimulus is measured between two measuring electrodes distinct from the stimulating electrodes. From the voltage a stimulus-response characteristic of tissue between the two measuring electrodes is determined. This allows the tissue/electrode interface impedance and potential and the tissue impedance and potential to be uniquely determined. In turn, modiolus currents can be estimated in monopolar stimulation mode. Also provided is automated initiation of re-mapping of the device when tissue characteristics change.
Claims22
A method of determining an intracochlea tissue impedance, the method comprising:
- applying an electrical stimulus to intracochlea tissue with at least two stimulating electrodes;
- measuring a voltage caused by the stimulus between two measuring electrodes, wherein the two measuring electrodes are different electrodes than the stimulating electrodes;
- determining, from the measured voltage, the impedance of tissue between the two measuring electrodes;
- comparing the determined impedance of the tissue between the two measuring electrodes with a previously obtained impedance of the tissue between the two measuring electrodes obtained in response to a previously applied stimulus;
- and
- identifying, based on the comparing, any changes to the impedance of the tissue between the two measuring electrodes.
A cochlear implant system for determining an intracochlea tissue impedance, the cochlear implant system comprising:
- an implantable electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes for applying electrical stimuli to intracochlea tissue;
- and
- a controller adapted to:
- cause application of an electrical stimulus to intracochlea tissue by at least two stimulating electrodes;
- cause measurement of a voltage caused by the stimulus between two measuring electrodes, wherein the two measuring electrodes are different electrodes than the at least two stimulating electrodes;
- determine, from the measured voltage, the impedance of tissue between the two measuring electrodes;
- compare the determined impedance of the tissue between the two measuring electrodes with a previously obtained impedance of the tissue between the two measuring electrodes obtained in response to a previously applied stimulus;
- and
- identify, based on the comparing, any changes to the impedance of the tissue between the two measuring electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.