摘要:
A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body and positioned such that the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea.
摘要:
Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a slider assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into an electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled to the stiffening member and configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The slider assembly may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member and further configured to release the spring-loaded retractor member to move from the distal position to the proximal position in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly.
摘要:
A cochlear lead includes a plurality electrodes forming an electrode array configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea; a lead body connected to the electrode array; a plurality of wires passing through the lead body and connecting to the plurality of electrodes; an integrated wire carrier extending between an exit of the wires from the lead body and a first electrode in the electrode array, the integrated wire carrier comprising a cavity along its longitudinal axis configured to contain the plurality of wires and shape the plurality of wires into a wire bundle in which the plurality of wires passing through the integrated wire carrier are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the integrated wire carrier; and a flexible body encapsulating the integrated wire carrier and the wires.
摘要:
Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting a pre-curved electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, an insertion assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and configured to selectively couple to a straightening member inserted into the pre-curved electrode array portion and at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly. The retractor assembly may comprise a spring-loaded retractor member configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position in response to actuation by the user of the slider assembly to at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion. Corresponding insertion tools, systems, and methods are also described.
摘要:
A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrode assemblies partially embedded in a flexible body configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea. Each of the electrode assemblies includes a flexible electrically conductive material forming a plurality of support structures and an electrode pad attached a support structure, the electrode pad having a surface that is configured to be exposed to cochlear tissue and fluids and has a charge transfer to the cochlear tissue and fluids that is higher than the flexible electrically conductive material.
摘要:
A composite stylet for facilitating insertion of an implantable electrode array into either a left or right cochlea comprises a composite having a glass transition temperature between room temperature and body temperature. While relatively stiff and straight at room temperature, the composite stylet is slidably inserted into a longitudinal lumen of the electrode array. The electrode array is then inserted into the cochlea. As the composite stylet within the electrode array warms to body temperature, it becomes compliant, allowing the electrode array to assume a spiral shape. The proximal end of the composite stylet, which is not inserted into the body, retains its stiffness to aid the implanter in inserting the electrode array.
摘要:
Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a slider assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into an electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled to the stiffening member and configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The slider assembly may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member and further configured to release the spring-loaded retractor member to move from the distal position to the proximal position in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly.
摘要:
Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a rocker lever. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into the electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled at a proximal end of the stiffening member. The spring-loaded retractor member may be configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The rocker lever may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member in the distal position. Corresponding tools, systems, and methods are also described.
摘要:
A device includes a hermetically sealed case with electronic circuitry housed within. One surface of the hermetically sealed case includes a metallic plate and a co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough with a number of vias. The co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough is hermetically joined to the metallic plate and a hybrid circuit is connected to the feedthrough.
摘要:
A method for forming a cochlear electrode array with a plurality of electrodes which are spaced so as to stimulate sites within a cochlea includes shaping a sheet of electrically conductive material to form a support structure and a plurality of electrodes, in which the electrodes are tethered to the support structure at the spacing of the cochlear electrode array. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body that has frictional characteristics that vary about its circumference. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body with a first region and a second region with different surface textures. This generates differential sliding forces during insertion of the cochlear lead which influence a motion of the cochlear lead during insertion. The cochlear lead having an electrode array with varying stiffness along its length is also provided.