Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for mechanically decoupling (isolating) a stimulation assembly from an associated lead via pre-formed (e.g., pre-molded) discontinuity that connects a lead to an elongate stimulation assembly in a manner that substantially minimizes the transfer of torsional, linear, and/or angular forces from the lead to the stimulation assembly.

Abstract: Presented herein are integrated tube sheaths (tube sheaths) for implantable stimulation assemblies. An integrated tube sheath is configured to be disposed around, and is slideably engaged with, an outer surface of an associated stimulation assembly. The integrated tube sheath is configured to retain the stimulation assembly in a straight arrangement for implantation of the stimulation assembly into a recipient. Following implantation of the stimulation assembly, the integrated tube sheath is configured to remain implanted in the recipient.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a container and a medical device configured to be implanted on or within the recipient's body. The medical device is contained within a sealed region of the container prior to implantation of the medical device. The medical device includes at least one housing containing circuitry and a plurality of signal ports spaced from the at least one housing. The plurality of signal ports is configured to be in communication with a portion of the recipient's body. The medical device further includes an elongate assembly extending from the at least one housing and configured to transmit signals between the circuitry and the plurality of signal ports. The assembly has at least one portion having a shape while the medical device is within the sealed region, the shape including at least one loop and/or a plurality of serpentine turns.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an elongate comb structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrode contacts extending from and supported by a spine; electrically connecting each of a plurality of electrically conductive pathways to a respective one of the plurality of electrode contacts; placing the conductive pathways adjacent the contacts; placing silicone over the conductive pathways and contacts; curing the silicone so as to substantially retain the longitudinal spacing between neighboring contacts; and severing the spine from the plurality of electrode contacts.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an elongate comb structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrode contacts extending from and supported by a spine; electrically connecting each of a plurality of electrically conductive pathways to a respective one of the plurality of electrode contacts; placing the conductive pathways adjacent the contacts; placing silicone over the conductive pathways and contacts; curing the silicone so as to substantially retain the longitudinal spacing between neighboring contacts; and severing the spine from the plurality of electrode contacts.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an elongate comb structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrode contacts extending from and supported by a spine; electrically connecting each of a plurality of electrically conductive pathways to a respective one of the plurality of electrode contacts; placing the conductive pathways adjacent the contacts; placing silicone over the conductive pathways and contacts; curing the silicone so as to substantially retain the longitudinal spacing between neighboring contacts; and severing the spine from the plurality of electrode contacts.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an elongate comb structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrode contacts extending from and supported by a spine; electrically connecting each of a plurality of electrically conductive pathways to a respective one of the plurality of electrode contacts; placing the conductive pathways adjacent the contacts; placing silicone over the conductive pathways and contacts; curing the silicone so as to substantially retain the longitudinal spacing between neighboring contacts; and severing the spine from the plurality of electrode contacts.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an elongate comb structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrode contacts extending from and supported by a spine; electrically connecting each of a plurality of electrically conductive pathways to a respective one of the plurality of electrode contacts; placing the conductive pathways adjacent the contacts; placing silicone over the conductive pathways and contacts; curing the silicone so as to substantially retain the longitudinal spacing between neighboring contacts; and severing the spine from the plurality of electrode contacts.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an elongate comb structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrode contacts extending from and supported by a spine; electrically connecting each of a plurality of electrically conductive pathways to a respective one of the plurality of electrode contacts; placing the conductive pathways adjacent the contacts; placing silicone over the conductive pathways and contacts; curing the silicone so as to substantially retain the longitudinal spacing between neighboring contacts; and severing the spine from the plurality of electrode contacts.

Abstract: An implantable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly comprises an elongate carrier member, at least one electrode contact disposed in the carrier member, and at least one elongate conductive pathway disposed in the carrier member having a distal end attached to the at least one electrode contact and having a substantially planar strain relief formed therein that is located only in the distal region of the at least one pathway.

Abstract: An implantable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly comprises an elongate carrier member, at least one electrode contact disposed in the carrier member, and at least one elongate conductive pathway disposed in the carrier member having a distal end attached to the at least one electrode contact and having a substantially planar strain relief formed therein that is located only in the distal region of the at least one pathway.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an elongate comb structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrode contacts extending from and supported by a spine; electrically connecting each of a plurality of electrically conductive pathways to a respective one of the plurality of electrode contacts; placing the conductive pathways adjacent the contacts; placing silicone over the conductive pathways and contacts; curing the silicone so as to substantially retain the longitudinal spacing between neighboring contacts; and severing the spine from the plurality of electrode contacts.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array for insertion into an implantee's body. The array comprises an elongate carrier having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of electrodes are supported by the carrier at respective longitudinally spaced locations thereon between the proximal end and the distal end. The carrier is comprised of at least a first portion that preferentially adopts a first at least partially curved configuration and at least a second portion that preferentially adopts a second different configuration to that of the first portion. The second portion is closer to the distal end than the first portion and both the first and second portions each have at least one electrode supported thereon.