Electrode-carrier devices able to be implanted in the cochlea so as to electrically stimulate the nervus acusticus
US5123422A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0541
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intra-cochlea electrode carrier for implantation into a helically shaped tympanic canal has a plurality of segments. Each segment has opposite first and second surfaces, the first surface defining a length between opposite ends of the segment and a width between opposite sides of the segment, a height in cross section to the width being defined between the opposite first and second surfaces of the segment. Respective electrodes are on the first surfaces of the segments. Hinges on the opposite ends of the segments connect one end of each segment to one end of another segment, whereby to connect the segments into an elongated electrode carrier, the hinges having sufficient heights relative to the widths of the first surfaces of the segments and providing sufficient spacing between the ends of the connected segments for the electrode carrier to follow a helix of a helically shaped tympanic canal when implanted therein with the electrodes on the first surfaces of the connected segments oriented toward a nerve-receptor surface of the tympanic canal. A connector connects the electrodes of the connected segments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.