Cochlear electrode array employing dielectric members

Details Cochlear electrode array employing dielectric members Cochlear electrode array employing dielectric members

1998-08-20

2000-08-29

Evanisko, George R.

Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application

Light, thermal, and electrical application

Electrical energy applicator

607116, A61N 105

Patent

active

06112124&

ABSTRACT:
An electrode array (10, 10') for stimulation of the cochlea includes an elongated tapered carrier (15) on which a multiplicity of separately controlled electrode contacts (20) are carried. A set of flexible fins (100, 110, 120) or bumps (120') or other dielectric members extend from the carrier in particular axes so as to cause the outside dimension of the array plus the dielectric members to readily fit within the cavity wherein the array is to be inserted. The dielectric members are made from compliant, dielectric material. When formed as fins, the dielectric members can be folded against the body of the carrier as it is inserted into the cochlea so that they readily slide past obstructions and accommodate variations in the cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity, e.g., the scala tympani (5) with only modest insertion forces. When in place, the dielectric members preferably touch the walls of the cavity into which they are inserted, thereby forming a series of separate longitudinal compartments (35), at least most of which contain at least one separate stimulating electrode. The dielectric members confine electrical currents injected through most of the contacts to flow preferentially through different portions of the wall of the cavity in which the electrode array is inserted, thereby selectively stimulating/activating cells encompassed by the compartments.

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