Electrode assembly for a stimulating medical device

US7966077B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cochlear Limited · AU

Inventor

• Frank Risi · Sydney, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 29, 2006
• Grant date: Jun 21, 2011
• Expiry date: May 24, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/36038
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals. In one particular embodiment, the carrier is pre-curved to attain a perimodiolar position in the scala tympani to facilitate accurate delivery of electrical stimulation with a minimum stimulation current and power consumption.