Abstract: An electrode system includes (1) an electrode array, made in a straight or curved shape, but made on a flexible carrier so that it can easily bend within a curved body cavity, such as the cochlea; and (2) a flexible positioner, typically molded in a curved shape from a silicone polymer so as to make it easy to slide into the body cavity. Some embodiments may further include an electrode guiding insert. Yet other embodiments include only a flexible positioner adapted to fill space within a human cochlea so as to force an electrode array against a modiolar wall of the cochlea. Insertion of the electrode array is performed using one of two methods.

Abstract: An implantable cochlear electrode assembly includes a flexible rod-like electrode carrier and a flexible rod-like positioning member which are initially parallel to and closely alongside each other and, when the assembly is inserted endwise into the cochlea, adopt the spiral curvature of the cochlea. The electrode carrier and the positioning member are connected to each other at their respective leading end regions by a latchless rod-and-socket joint and at their respective trailing end regions by a ring-shaped member having a generally D-shaped cross-sectional configuration, with the flat wall of the "D" defining the circumferential boundary surface of the passageway in the ring member through which the electrode carrier and the positioning member jointly pass with a close fit.

Abstract: An electrode array (12) for cochlear (30) implant is formed by two layers, wherein the first layer (10, 20) is formed from a bio-compatible material and contains electrode contacts and connecting leads and the second layer (11, 21) is formed from a bio-compatible material having a property of a controlled rate of expansion when exposed to the water contained in body fluids. This material expands in use and curves the implanted array and enables more effective stimulation.

Abstract: A package for use in implanted devices, particularly where power and/or data are supplied by an inductive link, is disclosed. A ceramic envelope is bonded to a platinum or similar flange, so that the package may be sealed by simply welding the flange to a metal closure. No braze is required in the bonding of the flange to the envelope.

Abstract: An implantable cochlear electrode assembly includes an initially straight flexible rod-like electrode carrier and an initially straight flexible rod-like positioning member which extend in substantially parallel relation to and closely alongside each other. The assembly is inserted endwise into the scala tympani of the cochlea so as to adopt the spiral curvature of the cochlea, with the positioning member being disposed at that side region of the electrode carrier which faces the outer wall of the cochlea and is opposite to the side region of the electrode carrier at which the contact faces of the array of electrodes are exposed.

Abstract: A connector set for percutaneous connection of an implanted device, such as an intracochlear implant, to an external system is disclosed. The connector set preferably has a base portion (30) which is adapted to be affixed to the bone structure beneath the skin and includes a male connector (1C), and a female connection (31) which is mated with and affixed externally to the male connector and is retained in contact therewith magnetically. A bias arrangement (9, 10) operates between the connector components (30, 31) so that while contact therebetween is normally firm, accidental disconnection carries a reduced risk of injury to a user.

Abstract: A cochlear prosthetic package having a cup-shaped titanium case with a ceramic plate; a plurality of hermetically-sealed feedthroughs are formed in the plate by sintering the plate with hollow metallic tubes located in plate holes and then sealing at least one end of each tube. An electrode cable connector is provided which allows removal and replacement of a case even in the presence of body fluids. A telemetry coil is contained in a metallic tube which extends out of the case; the coil-containing tube has its two ends hermetically-sealed to the case by ceramic insulating bushings.

Abstract: A cochlear prosthetic package having a cup-shaped titanium case with a ceramic plate; a plurality of hermetically-sealed feedthroughs are formed in the plate by sintering the plate with hollow metallic tubes located in plate holes and then sealing at least one end of each tube. An electrode cable connector is provided which allows removal and replacement of a case even in the presence of body fluids. A telemetry coil is contained in a metallic tube which extends out of the case; the coil-containing tube has its two ends hermetically-sealed to the case by ceramic insulating bushings.

Abstract: A cochlear prosthetic package having a cup-shaped titanium case with a ceramic plate; a plurality of hermetically-sealed feedthroughs are formed in the plate by sintering the plate with hollow metallic tubes located in plate holes and then sealing at least one end of each tube. An electrode cable connector is provided which allows removal and replacement of a case even in the presence of body fluids. A telemetry coil is contained in a metallic tube which extends out of the case; the coil-containing tube has its two ends hermetically-sealed to the case by ceramic insulating bushings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insertion of a cochlear implant. The method includes sliding a collar on to the rear end of a cochlear electrode lead, applying glue to the forward end of the collar, and putting a gripping tool configured for squeeze-fit placement in the free rear end of the collar.

Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode assembly and a method for affixing it to a bone in the ear. An electrode ball of unfixed turns is made from one end of each wire leading to the electronics part of the implant, a corresponding attachment hole is drilled in the bone, and the ball is affixed to the hole without the use of fixation devices by tapping the turns into the hole.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes an electrode array (1) comprising multiple platinum ring electrodes in a silastic carrier to be implanted in the cochlea of the ear. A receiver-stimulator (3) containing a semiconductor integrated circuit and other components is implanted in the patient adjacent the ear to receive data information and power through tuned coil (5) using an inductive link (6) from a patient-wearable external speech processor (7) including an integrated circuit and various components which is configured or mapped to emit data signals from an EPROM programmed to suit each patient electrical stimulation perceptions through testing of the patient and his implanted stimulator/electrode using a diagnostic and programming unit (12) connected to the processor by an interface unit (10).

Abstract: A test system for a sealed, sterile package containing a cochlear prosthesis electrode. A light-emitting diode has its two leads in contact with at least two different conducting bands on the electrode. The prosthesis, which is externally-powered, is operated so as to supply a stimulus current between the two bands. If the light-emitting diode is illuminated, proper operation of the prosthesis can be verified without unsealing the package.

Abstract: A cochlear prosthetic package having an electronics part and an electrode part. The two parts have ceramic plates with aligned, hermetically-sealed hollow-pin feedthroughs therein. The parts are connected by a Silastic sheet having individual metal foil pieces extending therethrough, each piece of metal foil having its two ends bent over to lie flush against respective faces of the Silastic sheet. The metal foil ends contact the feedthroughs to establish the electrical connections.