Stapedius muscle electrode

US8280480B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH · AT

Inventors

• Hans Wilhelm Pau · Rostock, DE
• Detlef Behrend · Jülich, DE
• Wolfram Schmidt · Friedelsheim, DE
• Klaus-Peter Schmitz · Rostock, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 19, 2008
• Grant date: Oct 2, 2012
• Expiry date: Mar 1, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/0541
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a stapedius muscle electrode array for detecting the action elements generated when a human stapedius muscle is contracted. Said array comprises an electrode (2, 2′, 2″) that is adapted for bipolar discharge and is to be attached to a human stapedius muscle. The electrode has two flexible, elastic, electrically conducting elongate elements (2a, 2b), each of which has a distal (4a, 4b) and a proximal end (17a, 17b) and is helically preshaped along at least some of the length thereof to the distal end (4a, 4b) thereof in such a way that the distal end (4a, 4b) and a section of the respective elongate element (2a, 2b) which adjoins the distal end (4a, 4b) can be placed at least in part around the tendon (7) extending between the stapedius muscle and the stapes while the helical part can be guided along the tendon (7), can be moved in the direction of the stapedius muscle, and can be at least partly twisted into and/or slid onto the region of the muscle belly (6) adjoining the tendon (7). The two elongate elements (2a, 2b) are electrically insulated from one another, and the helical parts (3) thereof are intertwined in such a way as to run around a common cente…