Optically coupled active ossicular replacement prosthesis
US9544700B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/183
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An active ossicular replacement device is configured to couple the malleus to the stapes, and conduct sound through the vibratory structures of the ear in response to the transmitted electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic energy may comprise light so as to decrease interference from sources of noise external to the user. The prosthetic device may comprise an assembly that can be implanted in the middle ear in a manner that simplifies surgery. The assembly may comprise a narrow cross-sectional profile such that the assembly can be positioned in the middle ear through an incision in the eardrum, for example without cutting bone that defines the shape of the ear canal or the shape of the middle ear. The prosthetic device can be sized to the user based on a measurement of the ear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.