IMPLANTABLE VESTIBULAR PROSTHESIS

摘要

An implantable nerve stimulation device has a sensor system, a data processor in communication with the sensor system, and a nerve stimulation system in communication with the data processor and constructed to provide electrical stimulation to at least one branch of at least one vestibulocochlear nerve. The nerve stimulation system includes an electrode array that has a first plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a superior branch of the vestibular nerve, a second plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a horizontal branch of the vestibular nerve, a third plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a posterior branch of the vestibular nerve, and a common crus reference electrode structured to be surgically implanted into a common crus of the vestibular labyrinth.

主权项

1. An ionic tissue stimulator comprising:
an ionic current circuit comprising first and second electrode tubes configured to be ionically coupled to tissue; and an AC power supply electrically coupled to and adapted to apply AC electrical voltage or current to said ionic current circuit, wherein said ionic current circuit has a first configuration while said AC power supply is in a first polarity that provides a closed-circuit path for a flow of ions between said first and second electrode tubes such that anions that flow into said first electrode tube are replaced by anions that flow out of said second electrode tube, and wherein said ionic current circuit has a second configuration while said AC power supply is in a second polarity that provides a closed-circuit path for said flow of ions between said first and second electrode tubes such that anions that flow into said first electrode tube are replaced by anions that flow out of said second electrode tube such that a DC ionic current is provided to said tissue in response to said AC electrical voltage.