Coated electrode array having uncoated electrode contacts
US7949412B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0558
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Implantable electrode leads, e.g. cochlear, spinal cord stimulation, or any type of neurostimulation leads, used in a patient's body to stimulate muscle or nerve tissue, provide enhanced stimulation for treating, e.g., hearing loss or chronic pain. One such lead includes, an implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, which lead provides improved stability of electrode contact direction. In-line electrodes are spaced-apart along one side of a flexible carrier having non-conductive bumps coated with a bioresorbable material spaced apart between each electrode contact. Over time the bioresorbable material is absorbed thereby reducing chronic placement pressure caused during the insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The bioresorbable material may also serve as a carrier for drugs or other materials that would improve performance of the electrode for any type of lead.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.