Electrode lead that avoids electrode array migration from the cochlea

US10213597B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH · AT

Inventors

• Thomas Lenarz · Hannover, DE
• Claude Jolly · Innsbruck, AT
• Anandhan Dhanasingh · Innsbruck, AT
• Daniel Sieber · Innsbruck, AT
• Andreas Harnisch · Innsbruck, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 14, 2016
• Grant date: Feb 26, 2019
• Expiry date: Dec 9, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/034
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A cochlear implant electrode arrangement is described that prevents post-surgical retraction of the electrode array from the cochlea. The arrangement includes an electrode lead that carries cochlear stimulation signals from an implanted signal processor, through an oval shaped posterior tympanotomy opening in the facial recess of a patient, to an electrode array implanted in a cochlea of the patient. A retraction limiter slides over the electrode lead through the posterior tympanotomy with projection arms aligned along the long diameter of the posterior tympanotomy, then is rotated to align the projection arms along the short diameter of the posterior tympanotomy, and secured to the electrode lead so that the projection arms prevent post-surgical retraction of the electrode lead back through the posterior tympanotomy.