Surgery – Truss – Pad
Patent
1995-06-13
1998-06-02
Nasser, Robert L.
Surgery
Truss
Pad
128746, 607 55, 607 57, 607133, A61N 104
Patent
active
057586519
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a telemetry system and apparatus for recovering data from an auditory prosthesis.
BACKGROUND ART
After an auditory prosthesis, such as a cochlear prosthesis, is surgically implanted, it is advantageous if data can be obtained about the actual performance of the electrode array, and the response of the auditory nerve to stimulation. This enables detection or confirmation of normal operation of the device, and optimisation of stimulus parameters in an objective fashion. Similar requirements apply to other implanted auditory prostheses.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a telemetry system for an auditory prosthesis such that the required data may be effectively, and with minimal inconvenience to a patient, monitored externally.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect the present invention comprises a system for measuring the response of a neural system to stimulation by an auditory prosthesis, wherein selected stimulus electrodes provide an electrical stimulus, and after a predetermined period a potential is detected across a selected sense pair of electrodes, said potential being indicative of at least one parameter of response by said neural system.
Preferably after said electrical stimulus, all electrodes are open circuited for a predetermined period prior to said potential being detected. Preferably the system includes an amplifier and means for nulling said amplifier. Preferably said means for nulling nulls said amplifier during said predetermined period. Preferably said means for nulling comprises a plurality of cascaded gain stages, adapted at the end of said period to release said stages sequentially such that any offset voltage is substantially cancelled.
Preferably the stimulus electrodes are different to the sensing electrodes.
Preferably the auditory prosthesis is a cochlear prosthesis. Preferably the response measured is the evoked action potential of the auditory nerve.
Preferably said cochlear prosthesis includes an array of electrodes including both intra-cochlear and extra-cochlear electrodes.
According to a further aspect the invention comprises a telemetry system for measuring the response of a neural system to stimulus by an auditory prosthesis, wherein said auditory prosthesis includes a electrode array, said array being used for stimulation and to sense said response.
Preferably said measurement occurs a predetermined time after stimulation has occurred.
Preferably after electrical stimulation, all electrodes are open circuited for a predetermined period prior to said response being detected.
Preferably the auditory prosthesis is a cochlear prosthesis. Preferably the response measured is the evoked action potential of the auditory nerve.
Preferably said cochlear prosthesis includes an array of electrodes including both intra-cochlear and extra-cochlear electrodes.
Preferably the stimulus electrodes are different to the sensing electrodes.
According to another aspect the present invention comprises an implantable auditory prosthesis, comprising an intra-cochlear electrode array, and at least one extra-cochlear electrode.
According to the present invention, it has been discovered that a most effective way of measuring response to neural stimulation, particularly for measuring evoked auditory potential but also applicable to other stimulation regimes, is to use the stimulus array itself to receive the response. To enable this to operate effectively, the electrodes of the stimulus array are preferably open circuited for a period, after which the induced response may be measured. This removes any requirement for additional separate measurement sensors to be implanted. In a multi-electrode array such as is generally utilised in a cochlear implant, different electrode pairs are preferably used for stimulus and measurement .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates the general arrangement of the inventive system
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patent: 4570640 (1986-02-01), Barsa
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patent: 5123422 (1992-06-01), Charvin
patent: 5569307 (1996-10-01), Schulman et al.
Proceedings of the Ninth Annual Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, F.A. Spellman et al. 11/16/7, Boston (US), vol. 4 of 4, p. 1911-1912.
Daly Chris Newton
Money David Kerry
Nygard Tony Mikeal
Patrick Jim Finlay
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