Modified Electrode Lead for Cochlear Implants

摘要

An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system is described. The arrangement includes a flexible intracochlear electrode array having an outer surface with electrode contacts for applying cochlear stimulation signals to target neural tissue within the implanted cochlea. A flexible extracochlear electrode lead is coupled at a lead proximal end to an implanted signal processor that provides the cochlear stimulation signals, and connected at a lead distal end to a proximal end of the electrode array. A lead holder is connected to the lead distal end and has an initial shape. The lead holder is malleable and adapted to be intra-surgically deformed into and retain a new desired shape so as to secure the lead distal end at the electrode opening into the implanted cochlea and decouple post-surgical mechanical strain at the lead distal end from the electrode array.

主权项

1. An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system, the arrangement comprising:
a flexible intracochlear electrode array configured for insertion into the implanted cochlea, the electrode array having:
i. an array proximal end configured for passing through an electrode opening in the outer surface of an implanted cochlea,ii. an array distal end terminating within the implanted cochlea, andiii. an outer surface with a plurality of electrode contacts configured for applying cochlear stimulation signals to target neural tissue within the implanted cochlea; a flexible extracochlear electrode lead configured for carrying the cochlear stimulation signals, the electrode lead having:
i. a lead proximal end coupled to an implanted signal processor that provides the cochlear stimulation signals, andii. a lead distal end connected to the array proximal end at the electrode opening; and a lead holder connected to the lead distal end and having an initial shape, wherein the lead holder is malleable and adapted to be intra-surgically deformed into and retain a new desired shape so as to secure the lead distal end at the electrode opening and decouple post-surgical mechanical strain at the lead distal end from the electrode array.