Abstract: An electrode guide device is described for inserting a cochlear implant electrode array into a scala tympany of a patient cochlea has an electrode guide tube and an end positioner at least partially contained within a cavity of the guide tube at the distal end and slidable within the cavity for adjustable extension beyond the distal end. The end positioner has a natural curvature that is constrained by the cavity of the guide tube for any portion contained within the cavity of the guide tube, and any portion of the end positioner extended beyond the distal end follows the natural curvature. The electrode array can be introduced through the groove of the guide tube along a first directional line towards an electrode opening in the patient cochlea, and then the distal end of electrode array emerging from the guide tube is redirected by the extension of the end positioner along a different second directional line through the electrode opening.

Abstract: An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system is described. A retraction limiter fits around and securely engages a portion of the distal end of an electrode lead. The retraction limiter includes flexible retraction limiting projections longitudinally distributed along its outer surface. An insertion tube fits around the electrode array and the retraction limiter and engages against the outer surface of the patient cochlea at a cochlear opening. An insertion plunger fits within the insertion tube and engages against the proximal end of the retraction limiter. The insertion plunger slides within the insertion tube to push against the proximal end of the retraction limiter to push the electrode array through the cochlear opening into the patient cochlea.

Abstract: An electrode guide device is described for inserting a cochlear implant electrode array into a scala tympany of a patient cochlea has an electrode guide tube and an end positioner at least partially contained within a cavity of the guide tube at the distal end and slidable within the cavity for adjustable extension beyond the distal end. The end positioner has a natural curvature that is constrained by the cavity of the guide tube for any portion contained within the cavity of the guide tube, and any portion of the end positioner extended beyond the distal end follows the natural curvature. The electrode array can be introduced through the groove of the guide tube along a first directional line towards an electrode opening in the patient cochlea, and then the distal end of electrode array emerging from the guide tube is redirected by the extension of the end positioner along a different second directional line through the electrode opening.

Abstract: An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system is described. An electrode lead contains a lead structure control element configured to control a lead shape of the electrode lead between an insertion state wherein the electrode lead within a mastoid tunnel has a longitudinal lead axis lying entirely along the tunnel axis, and a post-insertion state wherein a facial recess portion of the electrode lead fitting within a limited diameter portion of the mastoid tunnel associated with a facial recess portion of the mastoid bone has a longitudinal lead axis along the tunnel axis, and a storage portion of the electrode lead fitting within an enlarged diameter portion of the mastoid tunnel lateral to the facial recess portion has a longitudinal lead axis coiled in a helical shape radially around the tunnel axis.

Abstract: An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system is described. A retraction limiter fits around and securely engages a portion of the distal end of an electrode lead. The retraction limiter includes flexible retraction limiting projections longitudinally distributed along its outer surface. An insertion tube fits around the electrode array and the retraction limiter and engages against the outer surface of the patient cochlea at a cochlear opening. An insertion plunger fits within the insertion tube and engages against the proximal end of the retraction limiter. The insertion plunger slides within the insertion tube to push against the proximal end of the retraction limiter to push the electrode array through the cochlear opening into the patient cochlea.

Abstract: A coupling device for a middle ear implant includes a transducer end configured to engage an implantable electromechanical transducer, a bone engagement end configured to engage a temporal bone surface of a recipient patient, a planar loading spring located between the transducer end and the bone engagement end and configured for compression by displacement of the transducer end and the bone engagement end in towards each other, and compression indicators configured to provide visual indication of a pre-load force created on the temporal bone surface by the compression of the loading spring.

Abstract: A coupling device for a middle ear implant includes a transducer end configured to engage an implantable electromechanical transducer, a bone engagement end configured to engage a temporal bone surface of a recipient patient, a planar loading spring located between the transducer end and the bone engagement end and configured for compression by displacement of the transducer end and the bone engagement end in towards each other, and compression indicators configured to provide visual indication of a pre-load force created on the temporal bone surface by the compression of the loading spring.