Abstract: A stabilizer is disclosed for use with a cochlear implant receiver stimulator having a body portion and an electrode portion implanted subcutaneously adjacent to a body tissue. The stabilizer is provided for stabilizing the position of the implant receiver relative to the body tissue. The stabilizer has a tissue engaging portion for grippingly engaging the body tissue to fixedly position the stabilizer with respect to the body tissue. The stabilizer also includes a coupler portion for fixedly positioning the stabilizer with respect to the receiver stimulator. The tissue engaging portion and coupler portion cooperatively interact with the receiver stimulator and the body tissue to fix the relative position of the body tissue and receiver stimulator.

Abstract: A bandage system is provided that is capable of being held by an upstanding snap member attached to a wound site. The bandage system has a snap engaging member for coupling to the snap member. A cushion member is provided that has a wound engaging surface for overlaying the wound site. A pressure exerting base member is coupled to the base member for urging the cushion member into engagement with the wound site.

Abstract: A stabilizer is disclosed for use with a cochlear implant receiver stimulator having a body portion and an electrode portion implanted subcutaneously adjacent to a body tissue. The stabilizer is provided for stabilizing the position of the implant receiver relative to the body tissue. The stabilizer has a tissue engaging portion for grippingly engaging the body tissue to fixedly position the stabilizer with respect to the body tissue. The stabilizer also includes a coupler portion for fixedly positioning the stabilizer with respect to the receiver stimulator. The tissue engaging portion and coupler portion cooperatively interact with the receiver stimulator and the body tissue to fix the relative position of the body tissue and receiver stimulator.

Abstract: An intra-cochlear implant is provided for aiding in the hearing of a patient. The implant includes a body portion implantable within an interior of a cochlea of a patient. The body portion has a proximal end, a distal end and a primary axis. A plurality of signal carrying electrodes extends along the body portion. The electrodes have proximal ends and distal ends, with the proximal ends being capable of receiving a signal from a signal generator, and the distal ends being capable of delivering the received signal to an anatomical receptor within a cochlea. At least several of the plurality of electrodes have a nanoelectrode-sized portion. The implant also may include a fluid delivery system of tubules, reservoirs, and pumps for the delivery of chemicals and cells to activate regeneration of neural elements lost during the hearing loss process.

Abstract: A contact lens is provided that is capable of being worn by a user. The lens includes a contact lens body having an eye-engaging surface placeable against a surface of an eye and an outer surface. Microphobic features are provided in the lens for eliminating microbes from the eye-engaging surface. Preferably, these microphobic features are chosen from a group consisting of electrical charge inducing agents, magnetic field inducing agents, chemical agents and textural features. In another embodiment of the present invention, a contact lens is provided that can include a reservoir portion capable of holding a performance enhancement agent for enhancing the performance of the lens. The performance enhancement agent can include such thins as sealant solutions, protective agents, therapeutic agents, anti-microbial agents, medications and reduced size transparent portions. In other embodiments, a wide variety of designs, materials and substances are disclosed for use with contact lenses.

Abstract: An intra-cochlear implant is provided for aiding in the hearing of a patient. The implant includes a body portion implantable within an interior of a cochlea of a patient. The body portion has a proximal end, a distal end and a primary axis. A plurality of signal carrying electrodes extends along the body portion. The electrodes have proximal ends and distal ends, with the proximal ends being capable of receiving a signal from a signal generator, and the distal ends being capable of delivering the received signal to an anatomical receptor within a cochlea. At least several of the plurality of electrodes have a nanoelectrode-sized portion. The implant also may include a fluid delivery system of tubules, reservoirs, and pumps for the delivery of chemicals and cells to activate regeneration of neural elements lost during the hearing loss process.