Inner Ear (e.g., Cochlea) Patents (Class 607/137)
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Publication number: 20120035615Abstract: A composite stylet for facilitating insertion of an implantable electrode array into either a left or right cochlea comprises a composite having a glass transition temperature between room temperature and body temperature. While relatively stiff and straight at room temperature, the composite stylet is slidably inserted into a longitudinal lumen of the electrode array. The electrode array is then inserted into the cochlea. As the composite stylet within the electrode array warms to body temperature, it becomes compliant, allowing the electrode array to assume a spiral shape. The proximal end of the composite stylet, which is not inserted into the body, retains its stiffness to aid the implanter in inserting the electrode array.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS, LLCInventors: Kurt J. Koester, Chuladatta Thenuwara, Timothy Beerling
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Patent number: 8112161Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode is described. A basal electrode lead carries electrical stimulation signals from an implant housing to a cochleostomy opening, and a portion of the electrode lead has a periodically recurring lead shape. An apical electrode array at the cochleostomy end of the electrode lead passes into a cochlea scala and includes electrode contacts for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue. A portion of the electrode array has a periodically recurring array shape different from the lead shape.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbHInventors: Claude Jolly, Stefan Nielsen, Fabrice Béal
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Patent number: 8103362Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Fysh Dadd, Peter Gibson, Claudiu Treaba
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Publication number: 20120004715Abstract: A novel electrode array is described for ear implant systems such as cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). The electrode array includes electrode wires for carrying electrical stimulation signals. At a terminal end of each electrode wire is an electrode stimulation contact for applying the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An electrode carrier of resilient material encases the electrode wires and has an outer surface with a plurality of contact openings exposing the stimulation contacts. Multiple bend control elements are distributed along the length of the electrode array to control bending flexibility of the electrode array as a function of a bend radius threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbHInventors: Anup Ramachandran, Stefan B. Nielsen, Claude Jolly, Martin Zimmerling
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Publication number: 20110319908Abstract: Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting a pre-curved electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, an insertion assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and configured to selectively couple to a straightening member inserted into the pre-curved electrode array portion and at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly. The retractor assembly may comprise a spring-loaded retractor member configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position in response to actuation by the user of the slider assembly to at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion. Corresponding insertion tools, systems, and methods are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: Advanced Bionics AG, c/o Froriep RenggliInventors: Chuladatta Thenuwara, Timothy Beerling, Mark Downing, Paul Hoffman, William Orinski
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Publication number: 20110319907Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes a cochlear electrode array which has a flexible body with a distal end, a plurality of electrodes supported along a length of the flexible body, and a lumen formed in the flexible body. The cochlear implant system also includes a stiffening stylet which is fully inserted into the lumen prior to insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The stiffening stylet is configured such the stylet does not extend to the distal end of the flexible body and remains stationary within the lumen to prevent buckling of the electrode array during insertion of the electrode array through a cochleostomy and into the cochlea. The stiffening stylet is configured to be withdrawn from the lumen after the electrode array is positioned within the cochlea. A method for implanting an electrode array into a cochlea is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS LLCInventors: Rosa Gallegos, Chuladatta Thenuwara
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TOOLS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INSERTING AN ELECTRODE ARRAY PORTION OF A LEAD INTO A BODILY ORIFICE
Publication number: 20110319974Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: Advanced Bionics AG, c/o Froriep RenggliInventors: Chuladatta Thenuwara, Rosa Gallegos, Timothy Beerling -
Patent number: 8086319Abstract: A method for fitting a cochlear prosthesis to a cochlea having residual acoustic hearing capability, in order to exploit the residual acoustic hearing capability to the extent possible. A portion of the cochlea having residual acoustic hearing capability is determined by measuring the neural response to acoustic and/or electrical stimulations. Electrical stimulations are applied only to the portions of the cochlea lacking acoustic hearing capability, or possessing only partial acoustic hearing capability. Surgical implantation depth may be optimised by the method, and/or a patient map may be suitably defined to implement the method.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Bas van Dijk
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Patent number: 8082040Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating device comprising a carrier member having a plurality of electrodes mounted thereon, and at least one signal transmitting wire extending through at least a portion of the carrier member and adapted to transmit signals through the carrier member to and/or from the electrodes. The number of wires within the carrier member is less than the number of electrodes mounted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Ibrahim Hanna Ibrahim, John L. Parker
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Publication number: 20110301681Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventor: Frank Risi
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Publication number: 20110295352Abstract: A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body and positioned such that the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS LLCInventors: Chuladatta Thenuwara, Timothy Beerling
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Patent number: 8068914Abstract: A case for use with a speech processor unit including a housing configured to receive the speech processor unit and a connector configured to be connected to a connector on the speech processor unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: Thomas Patrick Walsh, Carla Mann Woods, Richard C. Ross, Rankiri Tissa Karunasiri, Anthony K. Arnold
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Patent number: 8065016Abstract: A method generating electrical stimuli by an auditory prosthesis (1;1?;1?) including an array of stimulation devices in response to an incoming acoustic signal, the method including determining stimulation devices to be activated within the array and activation times for those electrodes; and applying a temporal adjustment (12) to the activation times such that activation of electrodes representing lower-amplitude components of the signal is delayed relative to activation of a proximate device representing a higher-amplitude component of the signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: The Bionic Ear InstituteInventors: Antonio Giacomo Paolini, David Bruce Grayden
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Publication number: 20110276118Abstract: A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making a curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond its originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Janusz A. Kuzma, Lani A. Smith, Chuladatta Thenawara
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Publication number: 20110270370Abstract: An implantable device includes an implantable housing having an outer surface and providing a hermetically sealed interior volume. A flexible electric lead is mechanically connected to the housing and electrically connected to circuitry within the interior volume. An impact protector overlies at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing and shields the underlying housing surface from the force of a mechanical impact. At least a portion of the impact protector may include an electrode electrically connected to the circuitry within the interior volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: MED-EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBHInventors: Martin Zimmerling, Gerhard Mark, Dominik Hammerer
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Publication number: 20110264168Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: Fysh Dadd, Peter Gibson, Claudiu Treaba
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Publication number: 20110264183Abstract: 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. A method of forming an array (30) is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: Peter GIBSON, Fysh DADD, Claudiu TREABA, John PARKER
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Patent number: 8024046Abstract: Systems for fitting an implantable cochlear stimulator to a patient include an interface unit configured to display a graphical representation of an implant fitting line as part of a graphical user interface. The implant fitting line has a slope and a horizontal position and represents a mapping relationship between a plurality of audio frequencies and a plurality of stimulation sites within a cochlea of the patient. The interface unit is further configured to facilitate adjustment of the slope and/or horizontal position of the fitting line.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: Leonid M. Litvak, Lakshmi N. Mishra
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Patent number: 8019429Abstract: Generation of electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array is described. An acoustic audio signal is processed to generate band pass signals which include a fine structure carrier signal and a modulator envelope signal. For each band pass signal, fine time structure information is extracted from the carrier signal to determine a sequence of stimulation event signals. For one or more low frequency band pass signals, the modulator envelope signal is sampled synchronously with the carrier signal to create envelope weighted stimulation event signals. For one or more higher frequency band pass signals, if and only if the modulator envelope signal exceeds a sampling threshold value, then the modulator envelope signal is sampled synchronously with the carrier signal to create envelope weighted stimulation event signals. The envelope weighted stimulation event signals are then processed to produce electrode stimulation signals for the implanted electrode array.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbHInventors: Ernst Aschbacher, Peter Schleich
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Publication number: 20110218605Abstract: An implantable device including an implantable first module having an elongate carrier member connected to a first housing; a stimulation unit disposed in the first housing and configured to utilize electrical signals received from a second module, and an electrically conductive first lead including at least one electrical conductor extending from the first housing at a proximal end of the first lead to a distal end of the first lead and an electrical insulator covering the at least one conductor at the proximal and distal ends of the first lead, wherein the first lead is configured to provide the signals from the second module to the stimulation unit when the first lead is electrically connected to the second module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2009Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Adrian Cryer
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Patent number: 8010210Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for insertion of a flexible implant into a body section of an implant recipient, the apparatus comprising an elongate guiding section having a longitudinal axis and an inner volume for removably receiving the implant, an elongate first receiving member connected at its first end to a first actuator arranged for moving the first receiving member within the guiding section in parallel to the axis of the guiding section, a first control device for controlling the actuation of the first actuator, wherein first receiving member at its second end opposite its first end carries a gripping unit for releasably gripping a proximal end of the implant, a second actuator for controlling the configuration of the implant, and a second control device for controlling the actuation of the second actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignees: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Leibniz Universitat HannoverInventors: Thomas Stephan Rau, Andreas Hussong, Omid Majdani, Martin Leinung, Thomas Lenarz, Hubertus Eilers, Stephan Baron
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Patent number: 8005526Abstract: Bioelectrodes having enhanced biocompatible and biomimetic features are provided. Methods of making and using the bioelectrodes are further provided. A biologically integrated bioelectrode device and method for detecting electronic signals using a bioelectrode comprising a first electrically conductive substrate and a biological component. The bioelectrode also comprises a conductive polymer electrically coupling the first electrically conductive substrate and the biological component to define a bioelectrode. The bioelectrode can transmit or receive an electrical signal between the electrically conductive substrate and the biological component and conductive polymer.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: David C. Martin, Sarah Richardson-Burns, Donghwan Kim, Jeffrey L. Hendricks, Laura Povlich, Mohamad Reza Abidian, Matthew Meier
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Publication number: 20110201997Abstract: An electrode lead for a cochlear implant, the electrode lead having a lateral side and a medial side supporting an electrode array, wherein a height of a cross section of the electrode lead is greater in the lateral side than a height of the cross section in the medial side.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: COCHLEAR LIMITEDInventors: Fysh Dadd, Claudiu Treaba, Peter Schuller
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Publication number: 20110202120Abstract: An implantable electrode for a cochlear implant system is described. A basal electrode lead goes from an implant housing to a cochleostomy opening and contains electrode wires for carrying one or more electrical stimulation signals. An apical electrode array fits through the cochleostomy opening into a patient cochlea and has multiple electrode contacts for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue in the cochlea. Resilient array projections extend radially outward from an outer surface of the electrode array.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: MED-EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBHInventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Martin Zimmerling
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Publication number: 20110196465Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Fysh Dadd, Peter Schuller, Nicholas Charles Kendall Pawsey, Shahram Manouchehri
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Publication number: 20110178587Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventor: John Chambers
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Patent number: 7983768Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Fysh Dadd, Peter Gibson, Claudiu Treaba
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Patent number: 7983767Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode assembly (10) comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11), a bioresorbable stiffening element (15) and an outer layer (16) surrounding the stiffening element (15). The carrier member (11) is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a plurality of electrodes (12) mounted thereon and has a first configuration selected to allow it to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea, and at least a second configuration wherein it is curved to match a surface of the cochlea. The bioresorbable stiffening element (15) has a configuration selected for biasing the elongate member (11) into the first configuration and is made of a second material relatively stiffer than the first material and which dissolves or softens on exposure to cochlear fluids to permit the elongate member (11) to at least approach or adopt the second configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Fysh Dadd, Derek Ian Darley, Peter Gibson, John Parker, Claudiu Treaba
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Patent number: 7974700Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Peter Gibson
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Patent number: 7974712Abstract: 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. A method of forming an array (30) is also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Peter Gibson, Fysh Dadd, Claudiu Treaba, John Parker
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Patent number: 7974711Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode assembly device (10) comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11), a first stiffening element (15a), and a second stiffening element (15b). The carrier member (11) is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a plurality of electrodes (12) mounted thereon. The carrier member (11) has a first configuration selected to allow it to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea (30), a second configuration wherein it is curved in shape to match a surface of the cochlea (30), and at least one intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. Both the first and second stiffening elements (15a,15b) are made of a material relatively stiffer than said the material and in combination bias the elongate member into the first configuration. If either the first stiffening element (15a) or the second stiffening element (15b) are removed, the elongate member (11) adopts the at least one intermediate configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Fysh Dadd, Derek I. Darley, Peter Gibson, John Parker, Claudiu Treaba
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Publication number: 20110152991Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Fysh Dadd, Peter Schuller, Nicholas C.K. Pawsey, Shahram Manouchehri
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Patent number: 7966077Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Frank Risi
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Publication number: 20110144734Abstract: Medical lead systems utilizing electromagnetic bandstop filters are provide which can be utilized in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment for patients who have implanted medical devices. The medical lead system includes an implanted lead having at least one bandstop filter associated therewith, for attenuating current flow through the lead over a range of frequencies. The bandstop filter has an overall circuit Q wherein the resultant 3 dB bandwidth is at least 10 kHz. The values of capacitance and inductance of the bandstop filter are selected such that the bandstop filter is resonant at a selected center frequency. Preferably, the bandstop filter has an overall circuit Q wherein the resultant 10 dB bandwidth is at least 10 kHz. Such bandstop filters are backwards compatible with known implantable deployment systems and extraction systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: GREATBATCH LTD.Inventors: Randy Westlund, Robert A. Stevenson, Christine A. Frysz, Warren S. Dabney
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Publication number: 20110144733Abstract: An electrode for a cochlear implant for implantation in a cochlea of a patient, the electrode having a first side that is curved in a lateral dimension so as to substantially conform to a side wall of a scala upon implantation of the electrode into a cochlea and a second side that is shaped so as to preserve a natural acoustic pathway within the scala upon implantation of the electrode into the cochlea. In one example, opposing ends of the electrode taper off in cross section. In another example, the fluid contact side is concave. In a further example, the electrode is one of crescent-shaped, oval shaped, and semi-circular in cross section. By using such an electrode, a more natural fluid-flow in the cochlea can be maintained after implantation relative to an original fluid-flow prior to implantation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Fysh Dadd, Claudiu Treaba
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Patent number: 7962226Abstract: An elongate electrode carrier member including a longitudinally-extending central region, two side regions laterally extending from opposing sides of the central region, a lateral surface defined by the central and side regions together forming a convex circumferential surface, a medial surface defined by a convex surface of the central region and a concave surface for each of the side regions, a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrodes disposed on or in the convex surface of the central region of the medial surface, and a support structure including a plurality of longitudinally extending wires each connected to one or more of the electrodes, wherein a subset of the plurality of wires is disposed in the central region and at least one of the plurality of wires is disposed in one of the side regions.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Ernst Lehnhardt, Horst Hessel, Peter Gibson, John Parker, Ernst von Wallenberg
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Publication number: 20110137393Abstract: A cochlear implant comprising an elongate implantable stimulating assembly configured to be implanted in a recipient's cochlea, the stimulating assembly having a carrier member with a lumen longitudinally extending therethrough; and an elongate stylet configured to be removably inserted into the lumen, the stylet having an elongate body region and a distal end region comprising a bombous tip having a cross-sectional diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Nicholas C. Pawsey, Peter R. Sibary
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Patent number: 7949412Abstract: Implantable electrode leads, e.g. cochlear, spinal cord stimulation, or any type of neurostimulation leads, used in a patient's body to stimulate muscle or nerve tissue, provide enhanced stimulation for treating, e.g., hearing loss or chronic pain. One such lead includes, an implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, which lead provides improved stability of electrode contact direction. In-line electrodes are spaced-apart along one side of a flexible carrier having non-conductive bumps coated with a bioresorbable material spaced apart between each electrode contact. Over time the bioresorbable material is absorbed thereby reducing chronic placement pressure caused during the insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The bioresorbable material may also serve as a carrier for drugs or other materials that would improve performance of the electrode for any type of lead.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: William Vanbrooks Harrison, Michael S Colvin, Janusz A Kuzma, Thomas J Balkany
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Patent number: 7941228Abstract: A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making a curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond its originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: Janusz A. Kuzma, Chuladatta Thenawara, Lani A. Smith
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Patent number: 7941223Abstract: A system and method for activating electrodes in an implanted electrode array with a stimulation signal is described. A stimulation definition stage, for each of a plurality of defined sound signal characteristics (C), assigns each electrode to one of a plurality of stimulation groups (G) each having an associated group stimulation amplitude function (A), where (G) varies with (C). An electrode stimulator activates each electrode as the stimulation signal varies based on spectral components of the stimulation signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbHInventors: Clemens M. Zierhofer, Peter Nopp, Peter Schleich, Andrea Nobbe, Ernst Aschbacher
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Patent number: 7937156Abstract: A housing for an implantable device to be secured to a patient's bone is disclosed. The housing comprises at least one osseointegrating protuberance extending from one or more surfaces of the housing adapted to abut the patient's bone. The at least one osseointegrating protuberance is configured to be extricated from the bone subsequent to osseointegration. The housing can be used, for example, for an implantable stimulator unit of a cochlear prosthetic device.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Peter Gibson
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Publication number: 20110098719Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: New York UniversityInventors: Rodolfo R. Llinas, Hirobumi Watanabe, Mutsuyuki Sugimori, Masayuki Nakao
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Publication number: 20110077579Abstract: An apparatus for providing fluid communication with a cochlear lumen, the apparatus includes a delivery-tube configured for insertion into the cochlear lumen. Delivery-tube orifices on the delivery-tube provide fluid communication between a lumen defined by the delivery-tube and the cochlear lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2006Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: William V. Harrison, Thomas J. Lobl, Stephen J. McCormack
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Publication number: 20110071596Abstract: A electrode array for a medical and in particular cochlear implant and a method of manufacturing such an array is described in which carbon nanotubes are deposited onto electrode contacts at temperatures below the service temperature of a carrier material supporting the electrode contacts. This allows the carrier material, which may be a polymer like silicone, to be molded about the electrode contacts before they are coated with carbon nanotubes to allow for the provision of smaller and more highly concentrated electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventors: Sule Kara, Martin Svehla, James G.E. Smith, Edmond D. Capcelea
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Patent number: 7912542Abstract: Methods and systems, including computer readable mediums, are provided for transforming a measurement made relative to a first reference frame into a corresponding measurement relative to a second reference frame. Sensor signals that are produced by sensors in response to the sensors' motion relative to the first reference frame are transformed using a transformation matrix. The transformation generates corrected sensor signals that are relative to the axes of the second reference frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Massachusetts Eye & Ear InfirmaryInventor: Daniel Michael Merfeld
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Publication number: 20110060396Abstract: Coating an elongate, uncoated conductive element with a barrier layer to form an insulated conductive element. The insulated conductive element comprises substantially continuously coated elongate sections separated by uncoated gaps which are substantially small relative to the lengths of the coated sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: IP Department, Cochlear LimitedInventors: Peter Schuller, Grant Hill, Jane L. Rapsey, Edmond Capcelea
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Patent number: 7894916Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode assembly device (10) comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11), and a shape element (15) formed of a memory material, such as Nitinol. The elongate member (11) is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a length and a plurality of electrodes (12) mounted thereon adapted to apply a preselected tissue stimulation. The elongate member (11) has a pre-formed curved orientation that at least substantially matches an inside surface of a cochlea, an implantable orientation different to said pre-formed orientation that allows said member to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea, and an at least one intermediate orientation between said implantable orientation and said pre-formed orientation. The shape element (15) is removably positioned within the elongate member (11) and extends along at least a portion of the length thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Peter Gibson, Ian Darley, Claudiu Treaba, John Parker, Fysh Dadd
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Publication number: 20110040364Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode assembly device comprising an elongate electrode carrier member, a stiffening element, and a stiffening sheath that at least partially envelops the elongate member. The member is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a plurality of electrodes mounted thereon. The member has a first configuration that allows it to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea. The member also has a second configuration wherein the member is curved to match an inside surface of the cochlea, and at least one intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. Both the stiffening element and sheath are made of a material that is relatively stiffer than the member. The stiffening element and the stiffening sheath in combination bias the elongate member into the first configuration. If either the stiffening element or the stiffening sheath is removed or deactivated, the elongate member adopts an intermediate configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Fysh Dadd, Ian Darley, Peter Gibson, John Parker, Claudiu Treaba
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Publication number: 20110034857Abstract: An electrode for an implantable prosthesis includes a flexible front end including one or more metal contacts and a back end including one or more metal contacts. The electrode has a cross-sectional shape along the electrode, and the cross-sectional shape has a discontinuity between the flexible front end and the back end. The cross-sectional shape does not have a substantially constant diameter and does not have a continuously growing diameter. The cross-sectional shape of the flexible front end is substantially smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the back end such that forces required to bend the flexible front end are less than forces required to bend the back end.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbHInventors: Claude Jolly, Ingeborg Hochmair
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Patent number: 7881811Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in a prosthetic hearing implant, the electrode assembly comprising: an elongate carrier member for implantation into the cochlea, the carrier member having a proximal end adapted to be positioned in a basal region of the cochlea, and a distal end adapted to be positioned in an apical region of the cochlea; and a plurality of electrodes disposed along a longitudinal surface of the carrier member, wherein the plurality of electrodes have a predetermined spacing to attain a desired flexibility along the length of the carrier member.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Frank Risi