Surgery – Surgically implanted vibratory hearing aid
Reexamination Certificate
1996-08-07
2001-01-09
Gilbert, Samuel G. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Surgically implanted vibratory hearing aid
Reexamination Certificate
active
06171229
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for mounting transducers within a middle ear for use with an implantable hearing system.
BACKGROUND
In an implantable hearing aid system, transducers within the middle ear engage an auditory element and transduce from electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, and vice versa. Middle ear hearing aid systems are not as susceptible to mechanical feedback as other types of systems. Such implantable hearing aid systems are more comfortable for the patient than other types of hearing aids, such as those placed directly in the external auditory canal.
Transducers which contact an auditory element, such as one of the elements of the ossicular chain, require reliable disposition within the middle ear. Some disposition methods mechanically affix transducers to elements of the ossicular chain, e.g. mechanical fasteners, such as screws; metal hooks or bands; a constant force alone; or adhesives mount the transducer to an auditory element. Once implanted using such methods, transducers are not easily removed for adjustments and repairs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An implantable hearing system transducer is easily mounted within a middle ear region with permanent magnets. In one embodiment, two half-ring magnets encompass the ossicular chain (e.g., preferably the long arm of the incus) to secure the transducer within the middle ear. The transducer can be mounted to one of the magnets prior to implantation. During surgery, the other magnet is permanently or temporarily tacked to the ossicular chain. Then, the magnet with the transducer is placed on the opposite side of the bone, such that it is magnetically attracted to the tacked magnet. If the transducer is not already mated to one magnet prior to surgery, it is attached to the magnet. The attraction between the magnets affixes the transducer to the bone. This invention is advantageous because permanent magnets are easy to use and can be easily removed for adjustments and repair. In further embodiments, the two permanent magnets are shaped, such that they lock around the ossicular chain.
In another embodiment, a “U”-shaped magnet and a transducer case encompass the ossicular chain (preferably the long arm of the incus) to secure a transducer within the middle ear. The transducer and a second magnet (any shape) are mounted within the transducer case. The magnet within the transducer case is magnetically attracted to the free magnet, locking the two magnets around the auditory element. Adhesives, or other fasteners suitable for the biological environment, are not required to affix the transducer to the magnet in this embodiment.
In yet another embodiment, an output transducer is magnetically-attached to the stapes within the middle ear region. The output transducer is encased in a transducer case, which lies in the same plane as the stirrup-shaped stapes. A multiple-prong magnet affixes the stapes to the transducer case. A magnet within the transducer case magnetically attracts the multiple-prong magnet, holding the transducer case against the stapes.
In yet another embodiment, a notch in a permanent magnet or a transducer binds the two together, affixing the transducer to the ossicular chain. In a further embodiment, the magnet, which attaches to the transducer, is wrapped around the transducer to keep it in place. In these embodiments, adhesives or magnets attaching the transducer case to the second permanent magnet are not required.
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Bushek Donald J.
Kroll Kai
Fredrikson & Byron PA
Gilbert Samuel G.
St. Croix Medical, Inc.
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