Stapedius reflex electrode and connector
US6208882A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/183
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A stapedius electrode attaches to or is embedded within the stapedius muscle (20) at a point near where the stapedius muscle is visible as it exits a bony channel (30) within the middle ear. In one embodiment, the electrode is made from a biocompatible metal wire formed into a flat blade (102) having a sharp tip (104) and serrations (103) along one edge. An insulated lead attaches electrically and mechanically to the blade. Such attachment may be made by welding and wrapping the insulated lead at one end of the wire around the body of the electrode and protecting such weld and securing such wrappings with a coating or blob of epoxy. During implantation of the electrode, the electrode blade is inserted through a small slot made in the muscle tissue. Alternatively, the electrode may be inserted alongside the muscle tissue through an opening in the bony wall as it passes through the bony channel, with a tip of the electrode protruding from the bony channel. The protruding tip is then bent over to lie against the bony wall, and hold the electrode in place. Other embodiments of a stapedius electrode are also presented. such as the distal end (84) of a multistrand insulated wire (82) tha…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.