Modiolar hugging electrode array
US6374143B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0541
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multi-bipolar configured electrode array and means to uniquely position said array within the scalae of the human cochlea is described. Said array is inserted into the scala tympani, scala vestibuli or both, by a surgeon. The electrode array may be pre-formed to lightly hug the modiolar wall of a scala so as to position the electrodes in close proximity to the cochlear spiral lamina and spiral ganglia in the modiolus. Mechanical features within said array allow the surgeon to further position said array against the modiolar wall of the scala, post insertion, and to mechanically retain such positioning of said array. Such positioning is in close proximity to surviving neural sites in the spiral lamina and/or spiral ganglion cells in the modiolus to efficiently stimulate functioning auditory neural elements. The multi-bipolar electrode configuration achieves a high degree of spatial selectivity, thus improving the implantee's speech percepts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.