| 摘要 |
An implantable cochlear electrode assembly includes a flexible rod-like electrode carrier and a flexible rod-like positioning member which are initially parallel to and closely alongside each other and, when the assembly is inserted endwise into the cochlea, adopt the spiral curvature of the cochlea. The electrode carrier and the positioning member are connected to each other at their respective leading end regions by a latchless rod-and-socket joint and at their respective trailing end regions by a ring-shaped member having a generally D-shaped cross-sectional configuration, with the flat wall of the "D" defining the circumferential boundary surface of the passageway in the ring member through which the electrode carrier and the positioning member jointly pass with a close fit. The medial regions of the electrode carrier and the positioning member are separate from and unconnected to each other, so that within the cochlea the positioning member can assume an outwardly arched configuration relative to the electrode carrier for forcing the latter into a close hugging engagement with the modiolus and for disposing the contact faces of the electrodes in as close a juxtaposition to the cells of the spiral ganglion as possible. The latchless rod-and-socket joint enables the positioning member to be withdrawn from the assembly without disturbing the electrode carrier.
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