公开(公告)号：US08032220B2

公开(公告)日：2011-10-04

申请号：US13053689

申请日：2011-03-22

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61N1/375

CPC分类号： A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/0558 ,  A61N1/37205

摘要： An implantable microdevice includes at least one electrode detachably connected to electronic circuitry housed in an hermetically-sealed micro housing. The micro housing has a length no more than about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the electrode is located at a distal end of an electrode lead, and a proximal end of the electrode lead is removably inserted into a connector that forms part of the micro housing.

摘要翻译： 可植入微型装置包括至少一个可拆卸地连接到容纳在密封的微型壳体中的电子电路的电极。 微型外壳的长度不得超过约10mm。 在一个实施例中，电极位于电极引线的远端，并且电极引线的近端可移除地插入形成微型外壳的一部分的连接器中。

公开(公告)号：US20110172679A1

公开(公告)日：2011-07-14

申请号：US13053689

申请日：2011-03-22

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61B19/00

CPC分类号： A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/0558 ,  A61N1/37205

摘要： An implantable microdevice includes at least one electrode detachably connected to electronic circuitry housed in an hermetically-sealed micro housing. The micro housing has a length no more than about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the electrode is located at a distal end of an electrode lead, and a proximal end of the electrode lead is removably inserted into a connector that forms part of the micro housing.

摘要翻译： 可植入微型装置包括至少一个可拆卸地连接到容纳在密封的微型壳体中的电子电路的电极。 微型外壳的长度不得超过约10mm。 在一个实施例中，电极位于电极引线的远端，并且电极引线的近端可移除地插入形成微型外壳的一部分的连接器中。

公开(公告)号：US20100256720A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-07

申请号：US12563641

申请日：2009-09-21

申请人： Edward Holman Overstreet ,  Anne M. Pianca ,  Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Aditya Pandit ,  Shaina G. Brito ,  Robert E. Richard ,  Kerri DiPietro ,  Frederick H. Strickler ,  Mark Boden ,  Lan Pham ,  William Orinski

发明人： Edward Holman Overstreet ,  Anne M. Pianca ,  Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Aditya Pandit ,  Shaina G. Brito ,  Robert E. Richard ,  Kerri DiPietro ,  Frederick H. Strickler ,  Mark Boden ,  Lan Pham ,  William Orinski

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61L27/54 ,  A61L27/18 ,  A61L27/34 ,  A61L2300/222 ,  A61L2300/602 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0541 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  C08L83/06

摘要： In various aspects, the present invention is directed to implantable neurostimulation leads and methods for their formation. In various additional aspects, the present invention is directed to medical devices having silicone-containing regions with overlying polymeric layers and to methods of forming the same.

摘要翻译： 在各个方面，本发明涉及可植入的神经刺激引线及其形成方法。 在各种附加方面，本发明涉及具有含有覆盖聚合物层的含硅氧烷的区域的医疗装置及其形成方法。

公开(公告)号：US06754537B1

公开(公告)日：2004-06-22

申请号：US09979804

申请日：2001-11-13

申请人： William Vanbrooks Harrison ,  Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Alfred E. Mann ,  Thomas J. Balkany

发明人： William Vanbrooks Harrison ,  Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Alfred E. Mann ,  Thomas J. Balkany

IPC分类号： A61N118

CPC分类号： A61N1/36036 ,  A61N1/0541

摘要： A hybrid cochlear implant hearing aid sytem (10) provides low frequency acoustic energy boost, if needed, and high frequency direct neural stimulation. Tinnitus suppression may also be provided. The neurons responsible for sensing high frequency sounds are located at the basal end of the cochlea. A short basal electrode (52) that extends into the cochlea only at the basal region allows direct stimulation of these neurons by an appropriately-controlled cochlear stimulator (50). The basal electrode array typically has from four to eight electrode contacts (54). The design of the electrode array allows the surgeon to place the array using minimally invasive surgical techniques and requires no cochleostomy. The electrode array is thin, and can typically be inserted directly through the round window membrane to make contact with, or to be positioned in close proximity to, the modiolus wall in the basal region of the cochlea. The hybrid implantable cochlear stimulator and hearing aid system relies primarily on the cochlear stimulator portion of the system for being able to sense high frequency sounds, and relies primarily on normal hearing processes, or other acoustic boosting devices and systems, for being able to sense lower frequency sounds.

摘要翻译： 混合耳蜗植入式助听器系统（10）提供低频声能增强，如果需要，以及高频直接神经刺激。 也可以提供耳鸣抑制。 负责感测高频声音的神经元位于耳蜗的基端。 仅在基底区域延伸到耳蜗的短基底电极（52）允许通过适当控制的耳蜗刺激器（50）直接刺激这些神经元。 基极电极阵列通常具有四至八个电极触点（54）。 电极阵列的设计允许外科医生使用微创手术技术来放置阵列，并且不需要耳蜗造口术。 电极阵列是薄的，并且通常可以直接插入通过圆窗膜以与耳蜗的基底区域中的闭孔壁接触或靠近位置。 混合植入式耳蜗刺激器和助听器系统主要依赖于系统的人工耳蜗刺激器部分，以便能够感测高频声音，并且主要依赖于正常听力过程或其他声学增强装置和系统，以便能够感测较低频 频率声音。

公开(公告)号：US06658302B1

公开(公告)日：2003-12-02

申请号：US10188168

申请日：2002-07-01

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Carla M. Mann

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Carla M. Mann

IPC分类号： A61N105

CPC分类号： A61N1/0553 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/0558

摘要： An insertion needle facilitates the implantation of an electrode array carried on a flexible, foldable or compressible, subcarrier or substrate. Such subcarrier or substrate folds or compresses during implantation, thereby facilitating its insertion using the insertion needle. Once implanted, such subcarrier or substrate expands, thereby placing the electrodes in a desired spaced-apart positional relationship, and thus achieving a desired electrode array configuration. The insertion needle has a lumen with a non-circular cross-sectional shape, e.g., having a width greater than its height, to facilitate sliding the folded or compressed paddle-type electrode array therein, and further includes a longitudinal slit.

摘要翻译： 插入针有助于植入在柔性，可折叠或可压缩的副载波或衬底上的电极阵列。 这样的子载波或衬底在植入期间折叠或压缩，从而便于其使用插入针进行插入。 一旦植入，这样的副载波或衬底就会膨胀，从而将电极放置在所希望的间隔开的位置关系中，从而实现所需的电极阵列构型。 插入针具有具有非圆形横截面形状的内腔，例如具有大于其高度的宽度，以便于将折叠或压缩的桨式电极阵列滑入其中，并且还包括纵向狭缝。

公开(公告)号：US06304787B1

公开(公告)日：2001-10-16

申请号：US09375424

申请日：1999-08-17

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  William Vanbrooks Harrison ,  Albert A. Maltan

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  William Vanbrooks Harrison ,  Albert A. Maltan

IPC分类号： A61N136

CPC分类号： A61N1/0541

摘要： An implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, provides a multiplicity of exposed electrode contacts, each having a shape, geometry, or makeup that aids in controlling the current flow and current density associated with the electrode contact as a function of position on the electrode contact. In one embodiment, the shape or geometry of the exposed electrode contact controls the contact surface of the electrode contact in a way that varies the current flow and current density as a function of surface area position on the electrode, thereby focusing most of the current to flow through the center of the electrode contact. In another embodiment, the electrode contact is coated with a dielectric or other material that controls the surface contact impedance as a function of distance from the center of the electrode, again focusing most of the current flow through the center of the electrode contact. In yet a further embodiment, the exposed electrode contact surface area is masked with an insulator to prevent conduction of current at various locations on the surface of the electrode contact. Separately, or in combination with any of the above embodiments, the exposed electrode contact surface and/or the entire electrode array may be coated with a selected substance or drug compound that diffuses into the tissue and liquids surrounding the electrode. Such substance or drug compound is selected to elicit a desired result, e.g., to inhibit fibrous tissue or bone growth in the vicinity of the electrode contacts; to promote healing of damaged tissue in the region of the electrode contacts, to prevent neural degeneration, or to promote neural regeneration.

摘要翻译： 适于插入耳蜗的可植入电极阵列提供多个暴露的电极触点，其各自具有形状，几何形状或组合，其有助于控制与电极接触相关联的电流流动和电流密度作为位置的函数 电极接触。 在一个实施例中，暴露的电极接触件的形状或几何形状以电极流动和电流密度作为电极上的表面积位置的函数来控制电极接触件的接触表面，从而将大部分电流聚焦到 流过电极接触点的中心。 在另一个实施例中，电极接触件涂覆有电介质或其它材料，其控制作为距电极中心的距离的函数的表面接触阻抗，再次将电流大部分流经电极接触的中心。 在又一个实施例中，暴露的电极接触表面区域被绝缘体掩蔽，以防止在电极接触表面上的各个位置的电流传导。 单独地或与任何上述实施例组合，暴露的电极接触表面和/或整个电极阵列可以涂覆有扩散到组织中的选定物质或药物化合物和电极周围的液体。 选择这样的物质或药物化合物以引出期望的结果，例如抑制电极接触附近的纤维组织或骨生长; 促进电极接触区域受损组织的愈合，防止神经变性，或促进神经再生。

公开(公告)号：US06275736B1

公开(公告)日：2001-08-14

申请号：US09312158

申请日：1999-05-14

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Lani A. Smith ,  Richard P. Malmgren

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Lani A. Smith ,  Richard P. Malmgren

IPC分类号： A61N136

CPC分类号： H04R25/606 ,  A61N1/36036 ,  Y10S128/903

摘要： A hair clip for use with a cochlear implant system retains a headpiece assembly, including a transmitting coil, in an aligned position relative to an implanted stimulator. In one embodiment, the hair clip provides a retention system that uses a magnet which forms part of the transmitting coil. A comb or plurality of prongs forms part of the retention system. In another embodiment, the comb has central teeth that are made from ferromagnetic material, and typically also has a non-central teeth that are made from non-ferromagnetic material. The comb is placed and secured in the patient's hair over the area where a cochlear implant is implanted. The transmitting coil is then placed next to the comb, and the magnet within the transmitting coil attaches to the ferromagnetic teeth of the comb. In another embodiment, the transmitting coil is housed in a headpiece, and the headpiece and comb or hair clip are fastened together, along an edge of the comb or hair clip where the teeth or prongs are bonded, with a hinge attachment spring. In a further embodiment, the hair clip is formed from a single sheet of stainless steel, and a plurality of prongs engage a lower surface of the headpiece while a retaining band, with an integral spring, securely holds the headpiece in place against the prongs. The hair clip is opened by applying a manual force against the spring and retaining band.

摘要翻译： 与耳蜗植入系统一起使用的发夹将相对于植入的刺激器保持在对准位置的包括发射线圈的头戴组件。 在一个实施例中，发夹提供使用形成发射线圈的一部分的磁体的保持系统。 梳子或多个插脚构成保持系统的一部分。 在另一个实施例中，梳具有由铁磁材料制成的中心齿，并且通常还具有由非铁磁材料制成的非中心齿。 将梳子放置并固定在植入人耳蜗植入物的区域上的患者头发中。 然后将发射线圈放置在梳子附近，并且发射线圈内的磁体附着到梳子的铁磁齿上。 在另一个实施例中，发射线圈被容纳在头盔中，并且头盔和梳子或发夹沿着梳子或发夹的边缘固定在一起，其中齿或尖头被接合在一起，具有铰链附接弹簧。 在另一实施例中，发夹由单片不锈钢形成，并且多个插脚与头戴臂的下表面接合，而具有整体弹簧的保持带牢固地将针头固定在针头上。 通过对弹簧和保持带施加手动力来打开发夹。

公开(公告)号：US06266568B1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-24

申请号：US09300800

申请日：1999-04-27

申请人： Alfred E. Mann ,  Thomas H. R. Lenarz ,  Janusz A. Kuzma ,  William Vanbrooks Harrison

发明人： Alfred E. Mann ,  Thomas H. R. Lenarz ,  Janusz A. Kuzma ,  William Vanbrooks Harrison

IPC分类号： A61N104

CPC分类号： A61N1/0541

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.

摘要翻译： 适于插入到人类耳蜗中的充气耳蜗电极阵列包括柔性载体，其上承载有多个间隔开的电极触点，优选地沿载体的一侧，例如内侧。 柔性载体还包括可充气的隔室或部分。 在一个实施例中，可充气部分位于与电极接触件相对的柔性载体侧上的电极阵列的远端。 在另一个实施例中，可充气隔室或部分沿柔性载体的全长的至少一半定位，形成脊柱。 在任一实施例中，电极容易地插入耳蜗到期望的深度，同时可充气隔间或部分保持在放气状态。 此后，通过在其中注射合适的生物相容性流体来使充气室或部分膨胀来实现所需的夹层位置。 还公开了制造充气耳蜗电极的方法。

公开(公告)号：US6129753A

公开(公告)日：2000-10-10

申请号：US247734

申请日：1999-02-09

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61N1/0541 ,  Y10T29/49117 ,  Y10T29/49179

摘要： An implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, provides improved stability of electrode contact direction. In-line electrodes are spaced-apart along one side of a flexible carrier. The structure of the electrode array facilitates bending of the array with the electrode contacts on the inside of the bend, yet deters flexing or twisting of the array in other directions. The electrode contacts preferably are each made from two strips of metal, arranged in a "T" shape (top view). During assembly, all of the "T" strips are held in position on an iron sheet. Two wire bundles are formed that pass along each side of each "T". The leg of each "T" is folded over to pinch at least one of the wires from one of the wire bundles therebetween. This pinched wire is then resistance welded to the strip. The sides of the "T" are then folded up and touch or nearly touch to form a ".DELTA." shape (side view). The wire bundles going to more distal electrodes pass through the ".DELTA." and are thus engaged by the ".DELTA.". A flexible carrier, made from, e.g., silicone rubber, is molded over and around the wire bundles and folded electrode T's, preferably in a slightly curved shape. The iron sheet is chemically etched away, leaving an array of spaced-apart electrode contact areas along one edge of the flexible carrier, each of which is electrically attached to at least one wire which passes through the carrier. The electrode array can be manufactured using low cost technology; and once made can be easily inserted, removed and reinserted, if required, into the cochlea or other curved body cavity.

摘要翻译： 适于插入耳蜗的可植入电极阵列提供改善的电极接触方向的稳定性。 在线电极沿着柔性载体的一侧间隔开。 电极阵列的结构有利于电极触点在弯曲部内侧的阵列的弯曲，而且阻止阵列在其它方向的弯曲或扭转。 电极接触件优选地由两条以“T”形（顶视图）排列的金属条制成。 在组装期间，所有的“T”条都保持在铁板上的适当位置。 形成通过每个“T”的每一侧的两个线束。 每个“T”的腿被折叠以从其间的线束之一夹紧至少一根电线。 然后将该夹紧的线材电阻焊接到带材上。 然后将“T”的侧面折叠起来，触摸或接触以形成“DELTA”形状（侧视图）。 穿过更远端电极的电线束通过“DELTA”并因此被“DELTA”接合。 由例如硅橡胶制成的柔性载体在电线束和折叠电极T之上和之上被模制，优选地在稍微弯曲的形状。 铁板被化学蚀刻掉，留下沿着柔性载体的一个边缘的间隔开的电极接触区域的阵列，每个电极接触区域电连接到穿过载体的至少一根电线。 电极阵列可以使用低成本技术制造; 并且一旦制成可以容易地插入，移除并重新插入，如果需要，进入耳蜗或其他弯曲体腔。

公开(公告)号：US6096059A

公开(公告)日：2000-08-01

申请号：US251761

申请日：1999-02-18

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61B17/28 ,  A61B17/30

CPC分类号： A61B17/29 ,  A61B17/30 ,  A61B17/2909 ,  A61B2017/2918 ,  A61B2017/305

摘要： A microsurgical tool (8), in the form of forceps, allows access and micro-manipulation into very small confined spaces, such as the cochlea. The microsurgical tool includes an activation body (10) and a working head (20). The activation body is made from a pair of leaf springs (11) joined permanently at one end to a sliding bracket (12) and joined at the other end to a central section (15) with removable screws (13). The central section (15) tapers to an extension (15A) that extends to the working head. A push arm (16) has a first end coupled to the sliding bracket (12) and a second end pivotally joined to the working head (20). The working head (20) is made from a first jaw part (21) attached to the extension (15A), and a second jaw part (22) pivotally connected to the second end of the push arm (16). In operation, pressing the pair of leaf springs together forces the sliding bracket to slide forward and close the first and second jaw parts together, while releasing the pair of leaf springs allows the sliding bracket to slide backward to open the jaw parts.

摘要翻译： 以镊子形式的显微手术工具（8）允许进入和微操作进入非常小的密闭空间，例如耳蜗。 显微手术工具包括激活体（10）和工作头（20）。 激活体由一对永久地连接到滑动支架（12）的一对板簧（11）制成，并且在另一端与具有可拆卸的螺钉（13）的中心部分（15）连接。 中心部分（15）向延伸到工作头部的延伸部（15A）逐渐变细。 推臂（16）具有联接到滑动支架（12）的第一端和枢转地连接到工作头（20）的第二端。 工作头（20）由附接到延伸部（15A）的第一钳口部分（21）和可枢转地连接到推动臂（16）的第二端的第二钳口部分（22）制成。 在操作中，按压一对板簧一起迫使滑动支架向前滑动并将第一和第二钳口部分一起关闭，同时释放一对板簧允许滑动支架向后滑动以打开颚部件。