Helical core ear implant electrode

US8948884B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH · AT

Inventors

• Anup Ramachandran · Innsbruck, AT
• Stefan B. Nielsen · Innsbruck, AT
• Claude Jolly · Innsbruck, AT
• Martin Zimmerling · Patsch, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2012
• Grant date: Feb 3, 2015
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2032

Classification

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

Abstract

A novel electrode array is described for ear implant systems such as cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). The electrode array includes an electrode array core made of a flexible polymer material including an elongated helical portion having multiple helical turns. Electrode wires are embedded within the array core for carrying electrical stimulation signals. At a terminal end of each electrode wire, an electrode stimulation contact is exposed through the array core for applying the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An electrode carrier of resilient material encases the electrode array and has an outer surface with contact openings exposing the stimulation contacts.