Invention Application
- Patent Title: FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT ELECTRODE ARRAY
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Application No.: PCT/US2006/016655Application Date: 2006-04-28
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Publication No.: WO2006116765A3Publication Date: 2006-11-02
- Inventor: GREENBERG, Robert Jay , TALBOT, Neil , NEYSMITH, Jordan , LITTLE, James S. , MECH, Brian, V. , HUMAYAN, Mark , GUVEN, Dilek , RIPLEY, Ann Marie de Merlier
- Applicant: SECOND SIGHT MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. , GREENBERG, Robert Jay , TALBOT, Neil , NEYSMITH, Jordan , LITTLE, James S. , MECH, Brian, V. , HUMAYAN, Mark , GUVEN, Dilek , RIPLEY, Ann Marie de Merlier
- Applicant Address: 12744 San Fernando Road, Building 3, Sylmar, California 91342 US
- Assignee: SECOND SIGHT MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.,GREENBERG, Robert Jay,TALBOT, Neil,NEYSMITH, Jordan,LITTLE, James S.,MECH, Brian, V.,HUMAYAN, Mark,GUVEN, Dilek,RIPLEY, Ann Marie de Merlier
- Current Assignee: SECOND SIGHT MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.,GREENBERG, Robert Jay,TALBOT, Neil,NEYSMITH, Jordan,LITTLE, James S.,MECH, Brian, V.,HUMAYAN, Mark,GUVEN, Dilek,RIPLEY, Ann Marie de Merlier
- Current Assignee Address: 12744 San Fernando Road, Building 3, Sylmar, California 91342 US
- Agency: DUNBAR, Scott B et al.
- Priority: US60/676,008 20050428; US11/207,644 20050819
- Main IPC: A61N1/05
- IPC: A61N1/05
Abstract:
Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, or cortical stimulation many purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques generally require that a flexible circuit electrode array be made flat. Since neural tissue is almost never flat, a flat array will necessarily apply uneven pressure. Further, the edges of a flexible circuit polymer array may be sharp and cut the delicate neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced. With a thermoplastic polymer it may be further advantageous to repeatedly heat the flexible circuit in multiple molds, each with a decreasing radius. Further, it is advantageous to add material along the edges. It is further advantageous to provide a fold or twist in the flexible circuit array. Additional material may be added inside and outside the fold to promote a good seal with tissue.
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