Combined vestibular and cochlear implant and method
US8843217B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/0605
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method for triggering nerve-action potentials (NAPs) in each of a plurality of cochlear neurons in a cochlea of a person and in each one of a plurality of vestibular neurons in a vestibular organ of the person in order to provide auditory and balance sensations for the person, the method including generating a first plurality of light signals that stimulate a NAP in the selected cochlear neuron; delivering the first plurality of light signals to the selected cochlear neuron from within the cochlea; generating a second plurality of light signals that stimulate a NAP in the selected vestibular neuron; delivering the second plurality of light signals to the selected vestibular neuron from within the vestibular organ; and selectively controlling the first and second plurality of light signals to optically stimulate the selected cochlear and vestibular neuron in order to trigger NAPs of the selected cochlear and vestibular neuron.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.