Abstract: An electrode array for implantation in a human cochlea. The array includes a spiral-shaped resilient carrier which generally conforms to the shape of the scala tympani of the cochlea. The carrier supports eight electrode pairs, with each electrode having an associated lead. The leads are arranged in the carrier to form a central rib structure which controls flexing of the array. The individual leads have an elongated cross-section and are individually vertically aligned in the rib structure, so that the array will readily flex in the plane defined by the array spiral. The structure limits flexing in the vertical direction. The restricted flexing serves to avoid injury to the basal membrane located at the upper surface of the scala tympani during implantation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an intracochlear multielectrode array having a spiral configuration, at least generally conforming to the scala tympani of a cochlea. The array is formed in a two-part mold and comprises an elastomeric carrier supporting a plurality of metallic electrodes in fixed positions thereon. Each electrode has an associated lead to provide a plurality of leads and composite rib structure extending from a basal portion of the array to an apical portion thereof. Each electrode and associated lead is formed from a flattened metallic wire. The wire leads are stacked in the mold to permit the wires to flex in the direction of their spiral curvatures, facilitating insertion of the array into a cochlear, but to prevent transverse flexing thereof.