Abstract: A tip member for inserting into the cochlea, a device comprising: an elongate member including at least one electrode mounted thereon; and a tip member extending distally from a distal end of the elongate member, the tip member comprising a tapered portion tapering distally and a blunt end portion at a distal end of the tapered portion, wherein the tip member is resiliently flexible, and a method for making such a device.

Abstract: A device, system and method for inserting a pre-curved electrode array (100) held in a substantially straight configuration by a straightening member (101) into a cochlea of a subject. As the electrode array (100) is inserted into the cochlea by the device, the straightening member (101) is held by the device such that the electrode array (100) advances off the straightening member (101) such that it is free to take on its pre-curved configuration in the cochlea of the subject.

Abstract: A device, system and method for inserting a pre-curved electrode array (100) held in a substantially straight configuration by a straightening member (101) into a cochlea of a subject. As the electrode array (100) is inserted into the cochlea by the device, the straightening member (101) is held by the device such that the electrode array (100) advances off the straightening member (101) such that it is free to take on its pre-curved configuration in the cochlea of the subject.

Abstract: A tip member for inserting into the cochlea, a device comprising: an elongate member including at least one electrode mounted thereon; and a tip member extending distally from a distal end of the elongate member, the tip member comprising a tapered portion tapering distally and a blunt end portion at a distal end of the tapered portion, wherein the tip member is resiliently flexible, and a method for making such a device.

Abstract: A device, system and method for inserting a pre-curved electrode array (100) held in a substantially straight configuration by a straightening member (101) into a cochlea of a subject. As the electrode array (100) is inserted into the cochlea by the device, the straightening member (101) is held by the device such that the electrode array (100) advances off the straightening member (101) such that it is free to take on its pre-curved configuration in the cochlea of the subject.

Abstract: A tip member for inserting into the cochlea, a device comprising: an elongate member including at least one electrode mounted thereon; and a tip member extending distally from a distal end of the elongate member, the tip member comprising a tapered portion tapering distally and a blunt end portion at a distal end of the tapered portion, wherein the tip member is resiliently flexible, and a method for making such a device.

Abstract: A device, system and method for inserting a pre-curved electrode array (100) held in a substantially straight configuration by a straightening member (101) into a cochlea of a subject. As the electrode array (100) is inserted into the cochlea by the device, the straightening member (101) is held by the device such that the electrode array (100) advances off the straightening member (101) such that it is free to take on its pre-curved configuration in the cochlea of the subject.

Abstract: A device, system and method for inserting a pre-curved electrode array (100) held in a substantially straight configuration by a straightening member (101) into a cochlea of a subject. As the electrode array (100) is inserted into the cochlea by the device, the straightening member (101) is held by the device such that the electrode array (100) advances off the straightening member (101) such that it is free to take on its pre-curved configuration in the cochlea of the subject.

Abstract: A device, system and method for inserting a pre-curved electrode array (100) held in a substantially straight configuration by a straightening member (101) into a cochlea of a subject. As the electrode array (100) is inserted into the cochlea by the device, the straightening member (101) is held by the device such that the electrode array (100) advances off the straightening member (101) such that it is free to take on its pre-curved configuration in the cochlea of the subject.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices and instruments (tools) including one or more implantable sensors. In certain embodiments, a hearing prosthesis comprises an implantable stimulating assembly configured to be implanted in a recipient's cochlea. At least one implantable sensor is disposed in the implantable stimulating assembly and is configured to monitor an insertion attribute.

Abstract: An electrode lead for insertion into a patient's cochlea includes a substantially solid elongate carrier member having lateral and medial sides and opposing transverse surfaces extending between outer surfaces of the lateral and medial sides, wherein the carrier member has a thickness between outer surfaces of the lateral and medial sides, and a plurality of electrodes disposed on or in the medial side. A height of the lateral side between the transverse surfaces is generally greater than a height of the medial side between the transverse surfaces, wherein each of the heights is approximately perpendicular to the thickness.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array includes an elongated carrier (20) and a plurality of electrodes mounted within the carrier. A actuator adjusts the curvature of the carrier and can be controlled by varying an electric potential applied to the actuator. The actuator is based on an electrochemical cells and may be a conducting polymer based actuator.

Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating prosthesis such as a cochlear implant system comprising an elongate carrier member having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode positioned thereon; at least one electrical conductor extending from one or more of the at least one electrode; a lead extending from the carrier member and enclosing the at least one electrical conductor; and a holding member constructed and arranged to radially extend outwardly from the surface of the carrier member to facilitate grasping of the holding member during implantation of the carrier member in a patient.

Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating prosthesis such as a cochlear implant system comprising an elongate carrier member having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode positioned thereon; at least one electrical conductor extending from one or more of the at least one electrode; a lead extending from the carrier member and enclosing the at least one electrical conductor; and a holding member constructed and arranged to radially extend outwardly from the surface of the carrier member to facilitate grasping of the holding member during implantation of the carrier member in a patient.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array (30) that can adopt a first configuration selected to allow the array (30) to be inserted into a cochlea (12) of an implantee and at least a second configuration in which the array can apply tissue stimulation. The array (30) comprises an elongate carrier (31) having a proximal end (37), a distal end (34), and an inner surface (35) conformable with the inner wall of the implantee's cochlea (12). A plurality of electrodes (36) are supported within the carrier (31) at respective spaced locations thereon in a region between the proximal end (37) and the distal end (34) with at least one of the electrodes having a surface that is at least adjacent the inner surface (35) of the carrier (31). The carrier (31) is formed in the second configuration from a first layer (32) and at least a second layer (32) of resiliently flexible material. Manufacturing methods include molding the first and second layers into an array such as that described above.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode having a conducting wire and an electrode contact for a medical implant, the electrode being at least partially formed by Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs). Also disclosed are medical implants using the electrodes disclosed, as well as methods of manufacture of the electrode and medical implants. In one particular example, the electrode is formed with a CNT strand forming the conducting wire and a CNT sheet forming the electrode contact.

Abstract: A device used for inserting an electrode array into a cochlea of a subject. Particularly, the device is adapted for the insertion of electrode arrays having an elongate carrier member and a removable means extending through the carrier member. The device includes a handle, an elongate positioning member mounted to the handle, an actuator member movable relative to the elongate positioning member, and at least one anchor member connected to the actuator member and engageable with the removable means. On insertion of the electrode array into a subject's cochlea, the actuator member can be moved relative to the elongate positioning member to withdraw the removable means from the carrier member.

Abstract: A non-communicative lumen for electrode assemblies of medical implants, in particular prosthetic hearing implants, is provided by the present invention. The non-communicative lumen prevents the lumen within the cochlea from being able to transport fluids, cells, bacteria, tissue, etc., with the lumen outside the cochlea, and vis versa through the incision or cochleostomy. The lumen may have a cavity or slit that receives a stylet during insertion of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode assembly device comprising an elongate electrode carrier member, a stiffening element, and a stiffening sheath that at least partially envelops the elongate member. The member is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a plurality of electrodes mounted thereon. The member has a first configuration that allows it to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea. The member also has a second configuration wherein the member is curved to match an inside surface of the cochlea, and at least one intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. Both the stiffening element and sheath are made of a material that is relatively stiffer than the member. The stiffening element and the stiffening sheath in combination bias the elongate member into the first configuration. If either the stiffening element or the stiffening sheath is removed or deactivated, the elongate member adopts an intermediate configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode lead for a medical implant, and in one example, a cochlear implant. The electrode lead includes a lumen for receiving a stylet for assisting in implanting the device. The lumen of the electrode lead is removable from the electrode lead upon or after implantation.