Totally implantable cochlear prosthesis
US6358281B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36038
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A totally implantable cochlear prosthesis is presented. Said prosthesis is designed to function for hours or days without any external components. An externally-activated subcutaneous pressure switch enables the user to adjust the perceived volume by pressing against the skin with a finger. A similar second pressure switch provides a safety “off/on” feature. A pliable bridge connecting two hermetically sealed housing sections, and corrugated conductor lines, provide for future dimensional changes due to head growth. A titanium encapsulated microphone is positioned underneath the skin in the posterior wall of the external auditory canal. A modiolus-hugging electrode array is inserted into one of the cochlea scala. Periodic charging of the implanted battery (contained within one of the housing sections) is required, such charging accomplished via an external mechanically held head-mounted device containing an external coil, said external coil inductively coupling electrical power to an implanted receiving coil. The external and implanted coils can also be used as a communication link to program the implanted electronics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.