Abstract: A flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a central opening in the area of the metal traces. A flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a soft polymer filling an attachment point. A flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a hump to avoid a touching of the flexible electrode array and the optic nerve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for embedding at least one layer of at least one metal trace in a silicone containing polymer, comprising: a) applying a non adhering on a substrate; b) applying a polymer layer on the non adhering agent; c) irradiation at least one surface area of said polymer with a light beam emitted by an excimer laser; d) immersing said irradiated polymer in at least one autocatalytic bath containing metal ions of at least one metal and metallizing the polymer; e) thermally treating said metallized polymer; f) applying a polymer layer on said thermally treated metallized polymer; and g) thermally treating said metallized polymer.