| 摘要 |
An elongate electrode carrier member for implantation in a location external to the cochlear canals to position at least one, and likely many, electrodes sufficiently proximate to the organ of Corti to effectively deliver stimulation signals to the auditory nerve fibers of the cochlear. Generally, the carrier member is dimensioned to be implanted in a crevice, channel or pocket formed between the spiral ligament and bony capsule of the cochlear. Embodiments of the carrier member preferably have a minimized volume to accommodate insertion into such a crevice. In addition, embodiments of the carrier member comprise an elongate bulbous central region having electrodes disposed on the medial surface thereof, and elongate tapered side regions laterally extending from the central region. The side regions have rounded edges and are preferably flexible, while the carrier is configured to coil or turn toward the medial surface. This construction facilitates implantation of the carrier member: the carrier member has sufficient longitudinal strength to maintain its form and direction while being pushed into the surgically-formed crevice, and coils in a longitudinal plane to follow the contour of the cochlear, while the side regions serve to guide the direction of travel, flexing out of the lateral plane as necessary to avoid damaging anatomical structures. Once implanted, embodiments of the carrier member are urged to remain in its implanted position due to one or more of either the side regions extending into the corners of the crevice, and/or due to the curved lateral surface of the carrier member which approximates the curvature of the endosteum along the basal turn of the cochlea.
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