Abstract: The invention is directed to 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: 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, or cortical stimulation many 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: An implantable device, including a first electrically non-conductive substrate; a plurality of electrically conductive vias through the first electrically non-conductive substrate; a flip-chip multiplexer circuit attached to the electrically non-conductive substrate using conductive bumps and electrically connected to at least a subset of the plurality of electrically conductive vias; a flip-chip driver circuit attached to the flip-chip multiplexer circuit using conductive bumps; a second electrically non-conductive substrate attached to the flip-chip driver circuit using conductive bumps; discrete passives attached to the second electrically non-conductive substrate; and a cover bonded to the first electrically non-conductive substrate, the cover, the first electrically non-conductive substrate and the electrically conductive vias forming a hermetic package.

Abstract: Polymer materials make useful materials as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision. Regardless of which polymer is used, the basic construction method is the same. A layer of polymer is laid down. A layer of metal is applied to the polymer and patterned to create electrodes and leads for those electrodes. A second layer of polymer is applied over the metal layer and patterned to leave openings for the electrodes, or openings are created later by means such as laser ablation. Hence the array and its supply cable are formed of a single body.

Abstract: An implantable device, including a first electrically non-conductive substrate with a plurality of electrically conductive vias. The device also includes a flip-chip multiplexer circuit attached to the electrically non-conductive substrate using conductive bumps, the circuit being electrically connected to at a subset of the plurality of electrically conductive vias. Another a flip-chip driver circuit is attached to the flip-chip multiplexer circuit using conductive bumps while a second electrically non-conductive substrate attached to the flip-chip driver circuit using conductive bumps. Discrete passives are attached to the second electrically non-conductive substrate and a cover is bonded to the first electrically non-conductive substrate. The cover, the first electrically non-conductive substrate and the electrically conductive vias form a hermetic package.

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. It is advantageous that the array edges not contact tissue.

Abstract: A cochlear stimulation device comprising an electrode array designed to provide enhanced charge injection capacity necessary for neural stimulation. The electrode array comprises electrodes with high surface area or a fractal geometry and correspondingly high electrode capacitance and low electrical impedance. The resultant electrodes have a robust surface and sufficient mechanical strength to withstand physical stress vital for long term stability. The device further comprises wire traces having a multilayer structure which provides a reduced width for the conducting part of the electrode array. The cochlear prosthesis is attached by a grommet to the cochleostomy that is made from a single piece of biocompatible polymer. The device, designed to achieve optimum neural stimulation by appropriate electrode design, is a significant improvement over commercially available hand-built devices.

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. It is advantageous that the array edges not contact tissue.

Abstract: A cochlear stimulation device comprising an electrode array designed to provide enhanced charge injection capacity necessary for neural stimulation. The electrode array comprises electrodes with high surface area or a fractal geometry and correspondingly high electrode capacitance and low electrical impedance. The resultant electrodes have a robust surface and sufficient mechanical strength to withstand physical stress vital for long term stability. The device further comprises wire traces having a multilayer structure which provides a reduced width for the conducting part of the electrode array. The cochlear prosthesis is attached by a grommet to the cochleostomy that is made from a single piece of biocompatible polymer. The device, designed to achieve optimum neural stimulation by appropriate electrode design, is a significant improvement over commercially available hand-built devices.

Abstract: The invention involves a flexible circuit electrode array device comprising: a polymer layer; wherein the polymer layer includes one or more metal traces, an electrode array; one or more bond pads; and the electrode array is located on the opposite side of the polymer layer. The invention further involves a method for backside processing of a flexible circuit electrode device, comprising: applying polymer film on a substrate; processing the front side; releasing the polymer film from substrate; flipping over the polymer film and fixing it onto the substrate; processing the backside; and final releasing of the polymer film from the substrate. The invention further involves a method for backside processing of a flexible circuit electrode device, comprising: processing the front side without releasing the polymer; processing the backside by sacrificial substrate method, or by laser drilling method; and releasing the polymer film from the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a visual prosthesis adapted for implantation in the brain, and more particularly with an electrode array adapted for implantation in the Calcarine Sulcus of the visual cortex. The electrode array of the invention has electrodes on each side and spaced appropriately for the Calcarine Sulcus and driven by an electronic circuit within a hermetic package small enough to be implanted with a skull.

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, or cortical stimulation many 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: An implantable device, including a first electrically non-conductive substrate; a plurality of electrically conductive vias through the first electrically non-conductive substrate; a flip-chip multiplexer circuit attached to the electrically non-conductive substrate using conductive bumps and electrically connected to at least a subset of the plurality of electrically conductive vias; a flip-chip driver circuit attached to the flip-chip multiplexer circuit using conductive bumps; a second electrically non-conductive substrate attached to the flip-chip driver circuit using conductive bumps; discrete passives attached to the second electrically non-conductive substrate; and a cover bonded to the first electrically non-conductive substrate, the cover, the first electrically non-conductive substrate and the electrically conductive vias forming a hermetic package.

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, or cortical stimulation many 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 make useful materials as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision. Regardless of which polymer is used, the basic construction method is the same. A layer of polymer is laid down. A layer of metal is applied to the polymer and patterned to create electrodes and leads for those electrodes. A second layer of polymer is applied over the metal layer and patterned to leave openings for the electrodes, or openings are created later by means such as laser ablation. Hence the array and its supply cable are formed of a single body.

Abstract: An electrode array attached to neural tissue, such as the retina, necessarily has graded pressure exerted on the tissue, with higher pressure near the attachment point. Greater pressure improves contact between the electrodes and neural tissue while too much pressure may damage neural tissue. Hence it is advantageous to obtain equal pressure across the array field. In the present invention a central attachment point in the electrode field applies the most even pressure. Further, multiple and selective attachment points may be additionally provided on an electrode array allowing a surgeon to select the attachment points providing the best electrode tissue contact.

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. It is advantageous that the array edges not contact tissue.

Abstract: An implantable device including a first electrically non-conductive substrate with a plurality of electrically conductive vias. The device also includes a flip-chip multiplexer circuit attached to the first substrate using conductive bumps, the circuit being electrically connected to at least a subset of the of the electrically conductive vias. Another flip-chip driver circuit is attached to the flip-chip multiplexer circuit using conductive bumps while a second electrically non-conductive substrate is attached to the flip-chip driver circuit, also using conductive bumps. Discrete passives are attached to the second electrically non-conductive substrate and a cover is bonded to the first substrate. The cover, the first substrate, and the electrically conductive vias form a hermetic package.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved hermetic package for implantation in the human body. The implantable device of the present invention includes an eclectically non-conductive bass including electrically conductive vias through the substrate. A circuit is flip-chip bonded to a subset of the vias. A second circuit is wire bonded to another subset of the vias. Finally, a cover is bonded to the substrate such that the cover, substrate and vias form a hermetic package.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved package and configuration for an implantable retinal prosthesis. The retinal prosthesis of the present invention includes an electrode array suitable to be mounted in close proximity to a retina, an electronics package and inductive receiving coil mounted next to each other on a strap surrounding the sclera so that the height above the sclera of the prosthesis is minimized.