Active electrode state control system

US9008787B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cochlear Limited · AU

Inventors

• Paul Michael Carter · Parramatta, AU
• Torsten Lehmann · Sydney, AU
• Christopher van den Honert · Centennial, US
• Ibrahim Ibrahim · Chatswood, AU
• Tony Nygard · Gosford, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 2010
• Grant date: Apr 14, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2032

Classification

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

Abstract

A method and system for charge imbalance compensation in a stimulating medical device is provided. The stimulating medical device includes at least one electrode contact configured for providing stimulation to a recipient. A charge imbalance compensation system in the stimulating medical device measures any residual charge remaining on the electrode contact that may result from an imbalance in the applied stimulation. If the measured residual charge exceeds a threshold, the charge imbalance compensation system causes a compensator current to be applied to reduce the residual charge. This residual charge may be measured by measuring a potential difference between the electrode contact and a reference electrode; or, by measuring a potential difference across a capacitor in-series with the electrode contact.