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.

Abstract: An extra-cochlear hearing aid implant is characterized by a pad having a plurality of electrode prongs that extend therefrom and which are adapted to provide an electrical stimulus to hearing cells within the cochlea. The electrode pad is adapted to be placed onto endosteum overlying the cochlea in an “extended soft surgery” technique. The prongs are configured to pierce the endosteum and extend into the cochlea. In one form, the extra-cochlear hearing aid implant also includes hollow tubules that extend from the pad and which are adapted to supply and withdraw neurotrophic proteins and other materials in a fluid into and from the cochlea, and also to provide electrical stimulus to the hearing cells.

Abstract: A novel implantable electric lead arrangement is described for medical implant systems such as middle ear implants (MEI), cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). An electric lead contains parallel lead wires wound in an elongated helix about a central longitudinal axis. A lead core is fixed and enclosed within the wire helix for providing impact strain relief to the lead wires by resisting radial and/or axial deformation from external impact force.

Abstract: An electrode assembly including a carrier section, an electrode section(s), and joint section(s). Each electrode section including an electrode contact, and an electrode section body. Each joint section connecting the carrier section to at least one electrode section, and providing each connected electrode section with at least one of pitch, roll, and yaw about a point generally along an axis between the carrier section and the electrode section. The joint section made of material of durometer less the durometer of the carrier section. A fill section can substantially occupying the space between the carrier section and the electrode section that is not occupied by the joint section.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring and controlling stimulation current, for example in an implantable device, are disclosed. A series capacitor (Cb) is disposed along the conduction path, and the voltage (Uc) across the capacitor measured, so as to provide a direct measurement of the delivered stimulation current.

Abstract: An interconnect for connecting a sound processor to a headpiece and headpiece assemblies including the same. The interconnect comprises: a plug (236) including a center conductor (246), an outer conductor (242) and a crimp body (248); a coaxial cable (202) including a center conductor and an outer shield positioned over the crimp body (248); a ferrule (240) crimped to the crimp body with the outer shield there between; and a crimp pin (238) crimped to the cable center conductor and secured to the plug center conductor (246).

Abstract: Designs for an implantable lead are disclosed. In one embodiment, the lead includes at least one conductive pathway and a protective element surrounding at least a portion of the at least one conductive pathway. A stiffness of the protective element varies along a length of the protective element. The stiffness may be varied by varying a material composition of the protective element. Alternately, the protective element may be one or two helically-wound wires, and the stiffness may be varied by varying a pitch of one or both helically-wound wires. Alternately, the protective element may be a perforated tube and the stiffness may be varied by varying a ratio of openings to tube in the perforated tube. Alternately, the protective element may be a patterned mesh and the stiffness may be varied by varying a pattern of the patterned mesh. The implantable lead may be used in a cochlear implant.

Abstract: Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a slider assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into an electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled to the stiffening member and configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The slider assembly may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member and further configured to release the spring-loaded retractor member to move from the distal position to the proximal position in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly.

Abstract: A protective faceplate (37) for an implantable component of a tissue-stimulating prosthesis, such as a prosthetic hearing implant. The faceplate (37) comprising a first or outer surface and an opposed second or inner surface. The implantable component can be removably or non-removably mountable to the second surface and adapted to extend into a cavity formed in a bone of a recipient.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes at least one computing device that 1) detects a user input command for a sound processor included in a cochlear implant system to perform one or more cochlear implant fitting operations, wherein the sound processor is communicatively coupled to the at least one computing device by way of a communication path, 2) directs, in response to the user input command, the sound processor to perform the one or more cochlear implant fitting operations, and 3) transmits, in response to the user input command, a signal to the sound processor by way of the communication path, the signal configured to direct the sound processor to display a visual cue prior to or simultaneously with the performance of the one or more cochlear implant fitting operations. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a sound processor configured to divide an audio signal into a plurality of analysis channels, wherein each of the analysis channels contains information corresponding to a distinct frequency band of the audio signal, and wherein one of the analysis channels contains fine structure information corresponding to the audio signal, and 2) an implantable cochlear stimulator configured to generate electrical stimulation in accordance with the information contained within each of the analysis channels, apply the electrical stimulation to at least one stimulation site within a patient via a plurality of stimulation channels, each of the stimulation channels corresponding to one of the analysis channels and configured to convey the information contained within the analysis channels to the patient via at least one electrode, and at least partially isolate one of the stimulation channels from a rest of the stimulation channels.

Abstract: An implantable tissue stimulating electrode device comprising: a carrier member; one or more biocompatible electrodes positioned on the carrier member, said electrodes having a surface; and an ionically conductive layer disposed at least over a portion of the surface of one or more electrodes.

Abstract: A device for analyzing an audio signal to obtain an analysis representation of the audio signal includes a converter for converting the audio signal into a representation representing a neurotransmitter vesicle occurrence in clefts between a plurality of nerve fibers and inner auditory cells of an ear model, and a calculator for calculating a neural activity pattern over time on the plurality of nerve fibers, which results based on the neurotransmitter vesicle occurrence, wherein the neural activity pattern is an analysis representation of the audio signal. The inventive device thus generates an especially suitable analysis representation of an audio signal in which masking effects occurring in the generation of action potentials on nerve fibers are considered. The inventive analysis representation is also suitable for an examination of the audio content and also for controlling cochlea implants.

Abstract: Provided is a biological membrane including at least one ring-like polypeptide, where the at least one of the ring-like polypeptide is not a membrane protein, a surface being associated with at least one ring-like polypeptide capable of integration into a cell membrane, an electrode including said surface and electronically and biomedical devices including the electrodes for recording and stimulating cell activity.

Abstract: A method for forming a cochlear electrode array with a plurality of electrodes which are spaced so as to stimulate sites within a cochlea includes shaping a sheet of electrically conductive material to form a support structure and a plurality of electrodes, in which the electrodes are tethered to the support structure at the spacing of the cochlear electrode array. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body that has frictional characteristics that vary about its circumference. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body with a first region and a second region with different surface textures. This generates differential sliding forces during insertion of the cochlear lead which influence a motion of the cochlear lead during insertion. The cochlear lead having an electrode array with varying stiffness along its length is also provided.

Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating prosthesis such as a cochlear implant system comprising an elongate carrier member having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode positioned thereon; at least one electrical conductor extending from one or more of the at least one electrode; a lead extending from the carrier member and enclosing the at least one electrical conductor; and a holding member constructed and arranged to radially extend outwardly from the surface of the carrier member to facilitate grasping of the holding member during implantation of the carrier member in a patient.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having a hermetically-sealed biocompatible housing configured to be implanted in a recipient. The implantable medical device includes at least one trans-housing transformer configured to transfer electrical signals through the housing.

Abstract: Presented herein are coil retention systems for use in implantable medical devices. In certain embodiments, a coil retention system comprises an implantable non-magnetized member having a central aperture and an external magnet also having a central aperture. The external magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the implantable non-magnetized member. In certain embodiments, the external magnet and the implantable non-magnetized member have corresponding annular shapes so as to self-align with one another.

Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating prosthesis such as a cochlear implant system comprising an elongate carrier member having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode positioned thereon; at least one electrical conductor extending from one or more of the at least one electrode; a lead extending from the carrier member and enclosing the at least one electrical conductor; and a holding member constructed and arranged to radially extend outwardly from the surface of the carrier member to facilitate grasping of the holding member during implantation of the carrier member in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implanting and securing an implanted medical device in a recipient. The implantable medical device of the generally includes a stimulating lead assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating element positioned thereon. The stimulating lead assembly further has an expandable portion thereon configured to be inserted into said reference structure in a first dimension, expand to a second dimension, and interact with a portion of the reference structure to help longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement is described for sensing electrical activity in target tissue. An inner electrode has an elongate electrode body formed as a cylindrical section with an inner penetrating end for insertion into the stapedius muscle target tissue. An outer electrode fits over the inner electrode and an outer penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. The two electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating ends of the electrodes penetrate in the same direction into the target tissue to sense electrical activity in the target tissue.

Abstract: An auditory implant system for treating a hearing disorder is disclosed. Methods are also disclosed for the use thereof. The system comprises an implantable array of electrodes and a pulse generator (PG), wherein at least one electrode is a cochlear effecting electrode adapted for disposition in the associated Eustachian tube in the proximity of the associated fenestra rotunda.

Abstract: Housing constructions as disclosed herein can be an implantable component of a medical device and are designed to provide an enhanced degree of protection to electrical and/or mechanical components disposed therein to impact forces onto the housing from an external object to thereby increase the effective service life of devices making use of such housing constructions.

Abstract: A cochlear lead includes a plurality electrodes forming an electrode array configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea; a lead body connected to the electrode array; a plurality of wires passing through the lead body and connecting to the plurality of electrodes; an integrated wire carrier extending between an exit of the wires from the lead body and a first electrode in the electrode array, the integrated wire carrier comprising a cavity along its longitudinal axis configured to contain the plurality of wires and shape the plurality of wires into a wire bundle in which the plurality of wires passing through the integrated wire carrier are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the integrated wire carrier; and a flexible body encapsulating the integrated wire carrier and the wires.

Abstract: An implantable device for mounting to a patient's bone includes a housing and at least one osseointegrating protuberance. The housing includes a surface having an abutting portion configured to abut the bone when the housing is implanted in the patient, the abutting portion defining a housing axis orthogonal to the surface. The at least one osseointegrating protuberance: extends from the surface of the housing; is adapted to abut the patient's bone; and has a substantially smooth shaft.

Abstract: A method is described for surgical implantation of a cochlear implant system. An intraoperative baseline value stapedial reflex response is determined for a cochlear implant patient. Then while performing a given step in a multi-step surgical process to implant a cochlear implant system in the patient, the stapedial reflex response is monitored, and if the stapedial reflex response changes from the baseline value response more than a safe change threshold value, the given step is stopped.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a cochlear implant fitting subsystem maintaining patient data associated with a cochlear implant patient, maintaining registration data for a cochlear implant emulation device registered with the fitting subsystem and configured to emulate an implanted cochlear device, detecting a coupling of a cochlear implant device to the fitting subsystem, automatically determining, based on the registration data, that the coupled cochlear implant device is the cochlear implant emulation device registered with the fitting subsystem, performing one or more operations while the cochlear implant emulation device is coupled to the fitting subsystem, and preventing data acquired by the fitting subsystem during the performance of the one or more operations while the cochlear implant emulation device is coupled to the fitting subsystem from being included in the patient data. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: In one example, a cochlear lead includes a flexible body, an array of electrodes in the flexible body, and a plurality of wires passing along the array of electrodes. The plurality of wires includes a flexural geometry between each pair of adjacent electrodes and a substantially straight geometry over the electrodes. A method for forming an electrode array with a reduced apical cross section is also provided.

Abstract: Electrode constructions comprise an inner wall structure with an electrode assembly disposed therein that includes a number of stimulation sites disposed at different locations along its length thereby forming an electrode array. An outer insulating layer is disposed over the electrode assembly and comprises a number of openings disposed therethrough at locations corresponding to the stimulation sites to thereby permit direct contact between the stimulation sites and an adjacent external object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode arrangement for applying of a transcutaneous electrical stimulation stimulus onto the surface of the human ear. A holding element is attached to the ear. At least one electrode is arranged on an electrode carrier and the electrode carrier is arranged on a supporting rod. The holding element has a linear guide in which the supporting rod is arranged linear movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L) of the holding element. A latching mean is arranged between the linear guide and the supporting rod, so that the supporting rod can be latched relatively to the linear guide along the longitudinal axis (L) in predetermined relative positions. The latching means has a rack shaped contour on the supporting rod which extends into the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the holding element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting one type of speech processor unit into another type of speech processor unit.

Abstract: A molded polyethylene component that comprises polyethylene having a melt flow index of about 3.5 g/10 min or greater as measured by ASTM D1238 at 190° C./21.5 kg weight and having an ash content of about 500 ppm or less may be useful biomedical devices, including kits and methods relating thereto.

Abstract: A system and method of generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted multi-channel electrode array of a cochlear implant includes processing an acoustic audio signal with a bank of filters. Each filter in the bank of filters is associated with at least one channel having an electrode. The bank of filters includes a first band pass filter that produces a broadband signal b(t) with frequencies that substantially cover at least one of a pitch frequency range of 100 Hz to 400 Hz and a first format range of 400 Hz-1000 Hz. At least one electrode associated with the first band pass filter is activated with electrode stimulation signals based, at least in part, on the broadband signal b(t). The filter bank may include at least one electrode associated with one or more filters other than the first band pass filter, the one or more filters producing signals having only higher frequencies than broadband signal b(t).

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining one or more parameters of a tuned circuit forming part of a wireless energy transmission system in an implanted (or implantable) medical device are described. The method involves energising the tuned circuit then receiving a signal back from it. This signal is then analysed to determine a property of the circuit such as its quality factor (Q) or resonant frequency. Also described herein is a method and system for determining the implantation depth of a component of an implanted medical device. The method involves determining the position of a magnetic element which is mounted in a fixed physical relationship with the component of the medical device. The methods can be performed on an implanted medical device without the need to explant the device.

Abstract: A medical implant, such as a cochlear implant, comprising a fixating point which is located remotely from the medical implant. This arrangement can reduce the risk of post operative infection in a patient in which the medical implant is implanted.

Abstract: A system and method for a Micro Electro-Mechanical System acoustic sensor, or MEMS acoustic sensor, to be used as an implanted microphone for totally implantable cochlear implants or middle ear implants is presented. The MEMS acoustic sensor comprises a coupler that attaches the sensor to an inner part of the ear, a MEMS acoustic sensor that converts acoustic vibrations into a change in capacitance, and a low-noise interface electronics circuit chip that detects the change in capacitance in the MEMS acoustic sensor, creates an signal representing a portion of the acoustic vibrations, and transmits the signal to one or more other devices, such as a cochlear implant. A method of fabrication enables the MEMS acoustic sensor to be fabricated as a small, less than 1 mm3, light weight, less than 30 mg, device suitable for implantation on a structure of the middle ear.

Abstract: A medical implant, comprising: a hermetically sealed housing; and a hermeticity failure sensor configured to detect a failure in the hermeticity of the housing, and, following a failure detection, trigger one or more additional operations.

Abstract: An electrode array which is able to be inserted to a desired depth within the cochlea to provide useful percepts for the recipient which will also preferably not cause damage to the sensitive structures of the cochlea. The electrode array is insertable through an opening in the cochlea and into at least the basal region of the cochlea and comprises an elongate carrier having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of electrodes supported by the carrier at respective spaced locations thereon in a region between the proximal end and the distal end. A stabilising collar extends outwardly from the elongate carrier at or adjacent a proximal end thereof and has an abutment surface adapted to abut a portion of the cochlea surface around the cochleostomy and at least substantially prevent movement of the carrier following completion of insertion of the array into the cochlea.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array (30) that can adopt a first configuration selected to allow the array (30) to be inserted into a cochlea (12) of an implantee and at least a second configuration in which the array can apply tissue stimulation. The array (30) comprises an elongate carrier (31) having a proximal end (37), a distal end (34), and an inner surface (35) conformable with the inner wall of the implantee's cochlea (12). A plurality of electrodes (36) are supported within the carrier (31) at respective spaced locations thereon in a region between the proximal end (37) and the distal end (34) with at least one of the electrodes having a surface that is at least adjacent the inner surface (35) of the carrier (31). The carrier (31) is formed in the second configuration from a first layer (32) and at least a second layer (32) of resiliently flexible material. Manufacturing methods include molding the first and second layers into an array such as that described above.

Abstract: A method for fitting to a recipient a cochlear prosthesis having a sound processor that processes received sound in accordance with a MAP, the method comprises providing, by the hearing prosthesis, combinations of voice prompts and test stimuli for testing values of an element of the MAP; receiving from the recipient an indication of which of said values are desirable; and revising the MAP with the desired value for the tested element. A neural-stimulating device for stimulating nerve cells of a recipient is provided.

Abstract: A feedthrough includes a ceramic body mechanically joined about a perimeter to a hermetic case. The ceramic body includes a ceramic matrix and a ductile phase distributed through at least a portion of the ceramic matrix. The ductile phase increases the resistance of the ceramic matrix to crack propagation. A plurality of electrical conductors passes through the ceramic body.

Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode includes an electrode carrier having an electrode array with a groove disposed in a longitudinal direction along the electrode carrier, and a stopper positioned around the electrode carrier. The stopper has a protrusion on its inner surface that is configured to be positioned within the groove such that the stopper is movable with respect to the electrode carrier.

Abstract: Nanoscale photovoltaic devices fabricated from nanoscale waveguides that receive, propagate, and convert incident light into electrical neural signals, and methods of using these photovoltaic devices for visual perception are disclosed herein. A visual neuroprosthetic device includes an array of nanoscale waveguides each nanoscale waveguide in the array having a photovoltaic material located between an internal conductor and an external conductor, wherein each nanoscale waveguide receives, propagates, and converts incident light into electrical neural signals.

Abstract: A cochlear implant device includes a deformable and stretchable flexible strip composed of a biological compatible material and positioned about a longitudinal axis so as to form a spiral. The implant device has a plurality of conductive strips with electrode windows formed so as to expose a segment of each conductive strip. A density of the electrode windows is sufficient to monitor a distance of the flexible strip from a non-conductive tissue of a patient in a 360 degree field of view about the longitudinal axis. A method of inserting a cochlear implant includes providing a multi-joint robot comprised of a series of actuator units, guiding the multi-joint robot into an inner ear of a patient, monitoring the position of the multi-joint robot relative to a non-conductive portion of the patient; and applying current to the multi-joint robot so as to adjust the position of the actuator units.

Abstract: An exemplary method of initializing a sound processor includes detecting a condition prompting an initialization of a sound processor for a cochlear implant patient, verifying, in response to the detecting, an integrity of program data stored by the sound processor, and performing, in response to the verifying, a quick initialization of the sound processor by selectively rewriting header information stored by the sound processor to associate the sound processor with the patient without rewriting the program data stored by the sound processor. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary method of fitting a cochlear implant patient includes a fitting station detecting a user input associated with a sound processor of a cochlear implant system, wherein the sound processor is communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant fitting station by way of a communication path, and transmitting a signal to the sound processor by way of the communication path in response to the detecting of the user input, the signal configured to direct the sound processor to display a visual cue. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a fitting subsystem maintaining a plurality of patient data instances associated with a fitting of a cochlear implant system to a patient, displaying one or more of the patient data instances within one or more main views of a graphical user interface used to fit the cochlear implant system to the patient, receiving data representative of a request by a user to archive a patient data instance included in the plurality of patient data instances, and archiving, in response to the request, the patient data instance by preventing the patient data instance from being displayed within the one or more main views of the graphical user interface. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: Cochlear implant headpieces with improved moisture resistance. The headpiece comprises a housing (102) including a housing microphone aperture (124), a microphone (108) within the housing, a membrane (148) between the housing microphone aperture and the microphone, a cap (104) including a sound port (158) and a shield (168), the cap being removably connectable to the housing and the headpiece being protected from particulate and moisture ingress.

Abstract: A system and method for activating stimulation electrodes in cochlear implant electrode is described. A preprocessor filter bank processes an input acoustic audio signal to generate band pass signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies. An information extractor extracts stimulation signal information from the band pass signals based on assigning the band pass signals to corresponding electrode stimulation groups that each contain one or more stimulation electrodes, and generates a set of stimulation event signals for each electrode stimulation group that define electrode stimulation timings and amplitudes. A pulse selector selects a set of electrode stimulation signals from the stimulation event signals based on a pulse weighting function that uses channel-specific weighting factors favoring lower frequencies for activating the stimulation electrodes to stimulate neighboring audio nerve tissue.

Abstract: A signal processing arrangement for a cochlear implant system is described. A sensing microphone senses an acoustic signal to generate a corresponding electrical sound signal. An information detection circuit performs spectral analysis on the sound signal to identify the presence of speech information. A sound signal processing circuit generates an implant communications signal for the cochlear implant system based on the sound signal, and has an energy saving operational mode wherein the implant communications signal is generated only when the information detection circuit identifies that speech information is present in the sound signal.