Abstract: Electrode arrays for biological implants are disclosed. Electrodes are arranged in such a way so that electrical traces overlap other electrical traces in a separate layer without X shaped crossing, while overlapping to a degree sufficient to prevent dielectric breakdown of the insulating, separating layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible circuit electrode array adapted for neural stimulation, comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on the polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on the polymer base layer and the metal traces at least one tack opening. The present invention provides further a method of making a flexible circuit electrode array comprising depositing a polymer base layer; depositing metal on the polymer base layer; patterning the metal to form metal traces; depositing a polymer top layer on the polymer base layer and the metal traces; and preparing at least one tack opening.

Abstract: Electrode arrays for biological implants are disclosed. Electrodes are arranged in such a way so that electrical traces overlap other electrical traces in a separate layer without X shaped crossing, while overlapping to a degree sufficient to prevent dielectric breakdown of the insulating, separating layer.

Abstract: Electrode arrays for biological implants are disclosed. Electrodes are arranged in such a way so that electrical traces overlap other electrical traces in a separate layer without X shaped crossing, while overlapping to a degree sufficient to prevent dielectric breakdown of the insulating, separating layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible circuit electrode array adapted for neural stimulation, comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on the polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on the polymer base layer and the metal traces at least one tack opening. The present invention provides further a method of making a flexible circuit electrode array comprising depositing a polymer base layer; depositing metal on the polymer base layer; patterning the metal to form metal traces; depositing a polymer top layer on the polymer base layer and the metal traces; and preparing at least one tack opening.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package, that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: It is critical in an inductively link medical implant, such as a visual prosthesis or other neural stimulator, to adjust the external coil to a location to maximize communication between the external coil and internal coil. Converting the signal strength between the coils to a signal easily discernible by a clinician, preferably an audible tone, facilitates the adjustment of the external coil to a preferred location.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making an implantable insulated electrical circuit that utilizes polyparaxylylene, preferably as Parylene, a known polymer that has excellent living tissue implant characteristics, to provide for chronic implantation of conductive electrical devices, such as stimulators and sensors. The device is thin, flexible, electrically insulated, and stable after long exposure to living tissue. Layers of Parylene may be combined with layers of a polymer, such as polyimide, to yield greater design flexibility in the circuit. Multiple electrical conduction layers may be stacked in the circuit to increase packing density.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package, that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: It is critical in an inductively link medical implant, such as a visual prosthesis or other neural stimulator, to adjust the external coil to a location to maximize communication between the external coil and internal coil. Converting the signal strength between the coils to a signal easily discernible by a clinician, preferably an audible tone, facilitates the adjustment of the external coil to a preferred location.

Abstract: Electrode arrays for biological implants are disclosed. Electrodes are arranged in such a way so that electrical traces overlap other electrical traces in a separate layer without X shaped crossing, while overlapping to a degree sufficient to prevent dielectric breakdown of the insulating, separating layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making an implantable insulated electrical circuit that utilizes polyparaxylylene, preferably as Parylene, a known polymer that has excellent living tissue implant characteristics, to provide for chronic implantation of conductive electrical devices, such as stimulators and sensors. The device is thin, flexible, electrically insulated, and stable after long exposure to living tissue. Layers of Parylene may be combined with layers of a polymer, such as polyimide, to yield greater design flexibility in the circuit. Multiple electrical conduction layers may be stacked in the circuit to increase packing density.

Abstract: It is critical in an inductively link medical implant, such as a visual prosthesis or other neural stimulator, to adjust the external coil to a location to maximize communication between the external coil and internal coil. Converting the signal strength between the coils to a signal easily discernible by a clinician, preferably an audible tone, facilitates the adjustment of the external coil to a preferred location.

Abstract: It is critical in an inductively link medical implant, such as a visual prosthesis or other neural stimulator, to adjust the external coil to a location to maximize communication between the external coil and internal coil. Converting the signal strength between the coils to a signal easily discernible by a clinician, preferably an audible tone, facilitates the adjustment of the external coil to a preferred location.

Abstract: Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, and cortical stimulation, and many related purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques generally require that a flexible circuit electrode array be made flat. Since neural tissue is almost never flat, a flat array will necessarily apply uneven pressure. Further, the edges of a flexible circuit polymer array may be sharp and cut the delicate neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced.

Abstract: Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, and cortical stimulation, and many related purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques generally require that a flexible circuit electrode array be made flat. Since neural tissue is almost never flat, a flat array will necessarily apply uneven pressure. Further, the edges of a flexible circuit polymer array may be sharp and cut the delicate neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced.

Abstract: Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, and cortical stimulation, and many related purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques generally require that a flexible circuit electrode array be made flat. Since neural tissue is almost never flat, a flat array will necessarily apply uneven pressure. Further, the edges of a flexible circuit polymer array may be sharp and cut the delicate neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced.