Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to the delivery of drugs through the use of an expandable polymeric component that is configured to swell when exposed to a recipient's bodily fluid. More specifically, in one embodiment an apparatus for implantation into a recipient comprises an expandable polymeric component and a drug delivery element that releasably carries a drug. The drug delivery element at least partially surrounds the expandable polymeric component.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible elongate carrier member configured to introduce a therapeutic element into the recipient and a stiffening member, permanently embedded in and longitudinally extending through at least a first region of said carrier member, configured to decrease said flexibility of said carrier member region so as to prevent deformation of said first region during implantation into the recipient.

Abstract: An insertion tool having an insertion guide tube that maintains a perimodiolar or other pre-curved electrode assembly in a substantially straight configuration while preventing the electrode assembly from twisting in response to stresses induced by the bias force which urges the assembly to return to its pre-curved configuration. This generally ensures that when the electrode assembly is deployed from the distal end of the insertion guide tube, the electrode assembly and insertion guide tube have a known relative orientation.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible elongate carrier member configured to introduce a therapeutic element into the recipient and a stiffening member, permanently embedded in and longitudinally extending through at least a first region of said carrier member, configured to decrease said flexibility of said carrier member region so as to prevent deformation of said first region during implantation into the recipient.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment system that can form part of a cochlear implant system. The magnetic alignment system prevents substantial movement of a magnet of an implanted component during an MRI procedure or allows for easy removal of the magnet to facilitate the MRI procedure.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment system that can form part of a cochlear implant system. The magnetic alignment system prevents substantial movement of a magnet of an implanted component during an MRI procedure or allows for easy removal of the magnet to facilitate the MRI procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible elongate carrier member configured to introduce a therapeutic element into the recipient and a stiffening member, permanently embedded in and longitudinally extending through at least a first region of said carrier member, configured to decrease said flexibility of said carrier member region so as to prevent deformation of said first region during implantation into the recipient.

Abstract: A vestibular stimulation array is disclosed having one or more separate electrode arrays each operatively adapted for implantation in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, wherein each separate electrode array is dimensioned and constructed so that so that residual vestibular function is preserved. In particular, the electrode arrays are dimensioned such that the membranous labyrinth is not substantially compressed. Furthermore, the electrode array has a stop portion to limit insertion of the electrode array into the semi-circular canal and is stiff enough to avoid damage to the anatomical structures.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in a prosthetic hearing implant is disclosed, the electrode assembly comprising: an elongate carrier member for implantation into the cochlea, said carrier member having a proximal end adapted to be positioned in a basal region of the cochlea, and a distal end adapted to be positioned toward an apical region of the cochlea, wherein a substantial portion of said carrier member has a fabiform cross section; and a plurality of electrodes disposed along said carrier member.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in a prosthetic hearing implant, the electrode assembly comprising: an elongate carrier member for implantation into the cochlea, the carrier member having a proximal end adapted to be positioned in a basal region of the cochlea, and a distal end adapted to be positioned in an apical region of the cochlea; and a plurality of electrodes disposed along a longitudinal surface of the carrier member, wherein the plurality of electrodes have a predetermined spacing to attain a desired flexibility along the length of the carrier member.

Abstract: An implantable device having an elongate electrode carrier with a longitudinal axis, the carrier having at least one electrode mounted in the electrode carrier so as to provide exposure to the exterior of the electrode carrier, and at least one closed break in the surface of the electrode carrier arranged to allow flexing of the electrode carrier.

Abstract: A cochlear implant comprising: a speech processor for processing received sounds to generate coded stimulation control signals; a stimulator unit configured to generate stimulation signals in response to the control signals; and an electrode assembly (200). The electrode assembly in turn comprises: a flexible elongate carrier member (202) having a plurality of electrodes (212) disposed thereon, the electrodes configured to stimulate auditory nerves of the cochlea; and a stiffening member (208), permanently embedded in and longitudinally extending through at least a first region of carrier member, configured to decrease the flexibility of the carrier member region so as to prevent deformation of the first region during implantation.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment system that can form part of a cochlear implant system. The magnetic alignment system prevents substantial movement of a magnet of an implanted component during an MRI procedure or allows for easy removal of the magnet to facilitate the MRI procedure.

Abstract: An elongate carrier member configured for implantation into a cochlea, the carrier member having a proximal end adapted to be positioned in a basal region of the cochlea, and a distal end adapted to be positioned in an apical region of the cochlea; and a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier member; wherein the carrier member has a length such that the carrier member cannot be implanted in the cochlea beyond a maximum insertion depth at which residual hearing of the apical region of the cochlea is substantially preserved and at which said carrier member provides electrical-only stimulation to a depth in the cochlea of approximately 270° to 320°. In one embodiment, the carrier member has a length such that the carrier member has a maximum insertion depth into the cochlea of between approximately 14 mm and 18 mm.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in a prosthetic hearing implant is disclosed, the electrode assembly comprising: an elongate carrier member for implantation into the cochlea, said carrier member having a proximal end adapted to be positioned in a basal region of the cochlea, and a distal end adapted to be positioned toward an apical region of the cochlea, wherein a substantial portion of said carrier member has a fabiform cross section; and a plurality of electrodes disposed along said carrier member.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in a prosthetic hearing implant, the electrode assembly comprising: an elongate carrier member for implantation into the cochlea, the carrier member having a proximal end adapted to be positioned in a basal region of the cochlea, and a distal end adapted to be positioned in an apical region of the cochlea; and a plurality of electrodes disposed along a longitudinal surface of the carrier member, wherein the plurality of electrodes have a predetermined spacing to attain a desired flexibility along the length of the carrier member.