发明授权
- 专利标题: Inflatable cochlear electrode array and method of making same
- 专利标题(中): 充气耳蜗电极阵列及其制作方法
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申请号: US09300800申请日: 1999-04-27
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公开(公告)号: US06266568B1公开(公告)日: 2001-07-24
- 发明人: Alfred E. Mann , Thomas H. R. Lenarz , Janusz A. Kuzma , William Vanbrooks Harrison
- 申请人: Alfred E. Mann , Thomas H. R. Lenarz , Janusz A. Kuzma , William Vanbrooks Harrison
- 主分类号: A61N104
- IPC分类号: A61N104
摘要:
An inflatable cochlear electrode array adapted for insertion into a human cochlear includes a flexible carrier on which a multiplicity of spaced-apart electrode contacts are carried, preferably along one side, e.g., a medial side, of the carrier. The flexible carrier also includes an inflatable compartment or section. In one embodiment, the inflatable section is located at the distal tip of the electrode array on a side of the flexible carrier that is opposite the electrode contacts. In another embodiment, the inflatable compartment or section is located along at least one half of the full length of the flexible carrier, forming a spine. In either embodiment, the electrode is readily inserted into the cochlea to a desired depth while the inflatable compartment or section remains in a deflated state. Thereafter, a desired modiolus-hugging position is achieved by inflating the inflatable compartment or section by injecting therein a suitable biocompatible fluid. A method of making an inflatable cochlear electrode is also disclosed.