Flexible retinal electrode array
US7127301B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0543
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electrode array which has applications for neural stimulation and sensing. The electrode array can include a large number of electrodes each of which is flexibly attached to a common substrate using a plurality of springs to allow the electrodes to move independently. The electrode array can be formed from a combination of bulk and surface micromachining, with electrode tips that can include an electroplated metal (e.g. platinum, iridium, gold or titanium) or a metal oxide (e.g. iridium oxide) for biocompatibility. The electrode array can be used to form a part of a neural prosthesis, and is particularly well adapted for use in an implantable retinal prosthesis where the electrodes can be tailored to provide a uniform gentle contact pressure with optional sensing of this contact pressure at one or more of the electrodes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.