62results about "Ear implants" patented technology

Systems and methods can be employed for facilitating access and procedures in the outer, middle, and inner ear in order to diagnose or treat ear disorders including, but not limited to hearing loss and excessive ear wax. In some examples, the systems and methods include instruments and techniques that facilitate trans-tympanic membrane or trans-fibrous ring access to the middle ear. The systems and methods can also be used to improve accessibility for various otological surgical procedures, such as, but not limited to, cholesteatoma removal, tympanic membrane repair and ossicular chain repair.

The systems and methods can be employed for transtympanic access to the middle ear for delivery of therapeutic formulations or implant devices to target locations under direct visualization. The systems and methods can also be used to improve access and visualization for various otologic surgical procedures, such as, but not limited to, cholesteatoma removal, tympanic membrane repair, and ossicular chain repair.

The present application relates to the technical field of ossicle prosthesis. An adaptive base plate ossicle prosthesis comprises a base plate structure for connecting with a tympanic membrane and a stem, the base plate structure is fixedly connected with the stem, the base plate structure comprises a connecting part for connecting with the stem and at least six adaptive adjusting branches; all the adaptive adjusting branches are distributed at equal interval angles in a circumferential direction, and the inner sides of all the adaptive adjusting branches are fixedly connected with the outer side of the connecting part; gaps exist between all the adaptive adjusting branches. The present application is convenient for meeting the structure of the tympanic membrane and improving the fitting stability with the tympanic membrane through the adaptive adjusting branches. The independent adaptive adjusting branches will deform according to different regions of the tympanic membrane, so as to adapt to the structure of the tympanic membrane.

The invention proposes to construct a one-piece, pincer-like ossicular prosthesis (1) from sheet metal, with two congruent clamps (3) that can be opened and closed by means of a two-part head element (2), the head parts (4) of which function as pincer handles. The ossicular prosthesis (1) can be clamped onto an ossicle without exerting any force on the ossicle.

The present invention relates to a device with a structured coating for adhesion to rough surfaces, particularly biological surfaces, comprising a carrier layer (101) on which a plurality of protrusions are arranged, each of the protrusions comprising at least one stem having an end face facing away from the surface, and a further layer (104) arranged on at least the end faces, said layer having a lower modulus of elasticity and in the form of a film interconnecting the protrusions. The film may be in the form of a removable film.

The subject of the invention is a middle ear prosthesis (1), in particular of the middle ear conductive chain, comprising a first spring element (2) constituting a spring of at least one coil, having a length Lm in the range from 0.2 mm to 10 mm, and possibly a second spring element (3) constituting a spring of at least one coil, having a length Lk in the range from 0.1 mm to 4 mm, wherein the first spring element (2) and the second spring element (3) are made of wire of a material having a Young's modulus E in the range from 7 · 1010 N / m2 to 11.4.1010 N / m2, a density p in the range from 4.103 kg / m3 to 20. 103 kg / m3, a Poisson's ratio v in the range from 0.34 to 0.44, wherein the first spring element (2) is connected to the second spring element (3) in such a way that the rotational symmetry axis of the first spring element (2) is placed at an angle α-ι with respect to the rotational symmetry axis of the second spring element (3), included in the range from 5° to 160°.

The invention belongs to the field of medical instruments, and discloses a hollow microporous prosthesis which is hollow, and the weight of the prosthesis is reduced by controlling the shape and size of an internal cavity; the surface is full of microporous structures, and the aperture range is controlled to be 200-500 microns; the appearance is designed according to the requirements of patients, and auricle shapes or nose bridge shapes can be customized. Through lightweight design and microporous structure improvement, the biocompatibility and the natural effect of the prosthesis are remarkably improved.

The present invention relates to the preparation of a membrane for use in the repair of the middle ear including perforations and damage to the tympanic membrane. More particularly, the invention provides for compositions and methods for preparing silk fibroin biocompatible polyurethane membranes using a solvent, which have improved biodegradation, mechanical and vibroacoustic properties.

The present invention relates to the preparation of a membrane for use in the repair of the middle ear including perforations and damage to the tympanic membrane. More particularly, the invention provides for compositions and methods for preparing silk fibroin biocompatible polyurethane membranes using a solvent, which have improved biodegradation, mechanical and vibroacoustic properties.

An electrode array, such as a cochlear implant electrode array, or a retinal prosthesis array, or a vestibular array, comprising a plurality of electrodes and an electrode carrier carrying the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes can be made of platinum, for example, and the carrier can be made of silicone, for example. The electrode carrier includes an artificial muscle component.

An improved total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORR) for the reconstruction of the ossicular chain provides, in combination: a head (C) which is formed by a single cartilaginous block: a synthetic stem (A) of cylindrical shape which is provided, on both sides, with a respective blunt tip (Al, A4); a cartilaginous base (B) having the same thickness as the head (C) but with a smaller surface. Said improved TORR is configured in such a way as to be able to position, respectively, said head (C) under the tympanic membrane (D) and said base (B) above the plate (E) of the stapes (s); thus obtaining that during the healing process, the perichondrium of the head (C) is welded to the tympanic membrane (D) and the perichondrium of the base (B) is welded to the mucosa of the plate (E)

An improved total ossicular prosthesis (TORP) for the reconstruction of an ossicular chain, the combination comprising: a head (C) consisting of a single cartilage block; a cylindrical synthetic handle (A), both ends of which are respectively provided with a blunt tip (A1, A2); and a cartilage base (B) having the same thickness as the head (C) but a smaller surface area. An improved total ossicular prosthesis configured to be able to position the head (C) below the tympanic membrane (D) and the base (B) above the floor (E) of the stapes (S), respectively; therefore, in the healing process, the cartilage membrane of the head (C) and the tympanic membrane (D) form biological fixation, and the cartilage membrane of the base (B) and the mucous membrane of the bottom plate (E) form biological fixation.

A signal processing arrangement generates optical stimulation signals to optical stimulation contacts in an implanted cochlear implant array. An input sound signal is transformed into band pass signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies, with each band pass signal includes an envelope component characterizing loudness of the band pass signal, and a fine structure component characterizing temporal details of the band pass signal. One or more of the signal components of each band pass signal is half wave rectified to remove negative phase signals. Signal slope is determined that corresponds to rate of change of the rectified one or more signal components. Then constant-rate optical stimulation pulses are generated for one or more given band signals only when the rectified one or more signal components has a positive signal slope.

A vestibular electrode fixation methodology and device for implantation in a subject is provided. The methodology includes making an opening through both a stapedial footplate and the oval window of the subject, through which the electrode is inserted. The electrode may pass through a flange which contacts the posterior and anterior crus, securely fixing the electrode in a predetermined position so as to stimulate the sensory epithelia in the vestibule. The flange may sit on the stapedial footplate.

The present invention relates to an eardrum regeneration patch. The eardrum regeneration patch of the present invention is thin but has high uniformity and appropriate elongation and tensile strength as an eardrum regeneration patch, and thus has an excellent effect of eardrum regeneration, has excellent adhesion with respect to an affected part, and prevents a patient from feeling discomfort such as that from post-procedure fluttering.

An ear implant selection kit is described including a set of semi-transparent or transparent contour templates, a separate set of gradation templates, and a set of three-dimensional ear implant models, all of which may be used to select an ear implant out of a set of implants that best matches the appearance of a contralateral ear of an individual. Related ear implant systems and methods are also described.

Methods for producing a custom-made stapes prosthesis for a patient and stapes prostheses so produced. The methods may include obtaining a three-dimensional image of a natural stapes bone of the patient; and forming a stapes prosthesis that closely approximates a three-dimensional shape of the natural stapes bone via an additive manufacturing technique based on the three-dimensional image. The stapes prosthesis comprises a suitable material that is not osteogenic and is not cytotoxic. The stapes prosthesis may include a plurality of pores having an average size of from about 5 to about 100 micrometers and may exhibit a frequency of sound transmission in a range of from about 2 to about 30 kilohertz.

Implants with fillable reservoirs have been developed that are suitable for rhinoplasty, breast reconstruction, ear reconstruction, and replacement, reconstruction or repair of other soft tissues. The implants can be filled with graft material prior to implantation. The implants are preferably made from resorbable polymers, can be tailored to provide different geometries, mechanical properties and resorption rates in order to provide more consistent surgical outcomes. The implants preferably have an interconnected network of unit cells with microporous outer layers and optionally some or all of the unit cells having at least one macropore in their outer layers. The implants can be loaded by injection with microfat, collagen, DCF, cells, bioactive agents, and other augmentation materials, prior to implantation.

The disclosure relates to winged graft devices, methods of manufacture, and methods of use to repair, e.g., repair perforations, in tympanic membranes, or to augment defective tympanic membranes.

Devices, systems, and methods can be employed to facilitate indirect viewing of a cavity, such as, but not limited to, a middle ear space. Some embodiments have uses such as, but not limited to, facilitating visualization and surgery in the outer ear, middle ear, and / or inner ear, in order to diagnose and / or treat conditions, including but not limited to hearing loss and other ear conditions. In particular implementations, a surgical microscope is used in conjunction with a reversing lens and a distal lens. In some cases, the distal lens traverses a membrane or septum, such as, but not limited to, the tympanic membrane. In some embodiments, the distal lens can be an assembly that combines two or more lenses. For example, in some cases, wide angle lenses, zoom lenses, other variously shaped lenses, and / or prisms can be used in the distal lens.

The invention proposes providing a partially annular fastening element (2) of an ossicular prosthesis (1) (so-called "stapes prosthesis") for a human middle ear with a window (6) in one piece, which window extends in a circumferential direction of the fastening element (2) and in which a curved spring tab (8) is arranged, which is one piece with the fastening element (2) and projects in an arcuate manner with an inward incline beyond an inner circumference of the fastening element (2). The spring tab (8), which bears against the ossicle with prestress, ensures a play-free fit of the ossicular prosthesis (1) on an ossicle.

The present invention discloses an artificial auricle material with a dual framework of vascularization and chondrogenicity, and a preparation method thereof. The method comprises: 1) performing 3D modeling as needed to obtain an artificial auricle scaffold model with a large pore, and pre-setting a vascularization differentiation framework on the scaffold; 2) using multi-material multi-nozzle light-curing 3D printing technology, simultaneously printing the artificial auricle scaffold with a GelMA solution and printing a vascularization framework within the scaffold using a GelMA solution containing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); and culturing the vascularization differentiation to obtain an intermediate-form artificial auricle with the vascularization framework; 3) combining a multiple-immersion light-curing method, introducing a ColMA solution containing MSCs into the pores of the intermediate-form artificial auricle; and culturing the chondrogenic differentiation to obtain an artificial auricle material with both a vascularization and chondrogenicity framework. The simultaneous provision of vascularization and chondrogenicity frameworks within the scaffold provides a design paradigm for an artificial auricle with complete physiological functions.

Devices, systems, and methods can be used to facilitate performing procedures in the outer, middle, and / or inner ear in order to diagnose and / or treat diseases, including but not limited to hearing loss and other ear diseases. For example, devices, systems, and methods are described herein that include instruments and techniques to minimize invasiveness and / or enhance the efficacy of procedures performed in the outer, middle, and / or inner ear space, such as, for example, mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty, cholesteatoma treatment, otosclerosis treatment, and Eustachian tube treatment.

The present invention provides a medical full-type artificial auditory ossicle, comprising a first top plate attached to the eardrum, a height adjustment device, a clamping assembly for grasping the stapes, and a vertical screw. The first top plate is fixed to the top of the vertical screw, the vertical screw is arranged in the height adjustment device, and the lower part of the height adjustment device is connected to the clamping assembly. A clamping plate is provided at the middle position of the clamping seat, and the position of the clamping plate enables the clamping seat to be installed on the stapes according to the conditions of the stapes of different patients. The clamping plate can be attached to the upper or lower part of the stapes to be connected to the stapes, and effectively cope with different stapes conditions through two installation methods. In addition, the clamping seat and the stapes do not need to be filled with objects such as gelatin sponge as in the traditional method, and the two connecting arms can be fixed only by the engagement of two corresponding connecting plates. The operation is simple and the stability is strong, and the situation of the device being separated from the stapes during long-term use is effectively avoided.

A surgical cutting device (10) for otology for producing a thin tissue or cartilage disc (18') from the patient's own tissue (18) for otological applications, comprising an elongated device body (11) aligned along a longitudinal axis (z), which includes at a first end a handle-like grip (12) and at the opposite second end a cutting head (13) with a cutting blade (14) having a blade body (14') with a sharp cutting edge (14"), is characterized in that the cutting blade is arranged within a cutting window (15) which is open throughout in a direction (x') transverse to the direction of the longitudinal axis z; that the cutting blade is positioned in the cutting window such that its sharp cutting edge is aligned parallel to a transverse axis (y) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and oblique to the direction x';that the sharp cutting edge is positioned axially away from the blade body in the direction of the longitudinal axis towards the handle-like grip; and that the cutting blade is either rigidly or movably connected to the device body around the transverse axis. This allows the cutting process to be carried out simply and safely, resulting in particularly uniform cutting results with high-quality cutting products, especially corticomedium or tissue plates with a defined, predeterminable layer thickness.

The invention relates to a device having a structured coating for adhesion to rough, in particular biological surfaces, comprising a carrier layer (101), wherein a plurality of elevations are provided on the carrier layer (101), which in each case comprise at least one stem having an end face facing away from the surface, and wherein at least on the end face a further layer (104) is arranged, which has a lower modulus of elasticity and is designed as a film connecting the elevations. The film can also be detachable.

An auditory ossicular prosthesis (20) with a first fastening element (21) designed as a head plate for contact with the eardrum, a second fastening element (22) for mechanical connection to a link of the auditory ossicular chain or to the inner ear, and a shaft-shaped connecting element (24) connecting the two fastening elements to one another in a sound-conducting manner along a longitudinal axis, wherein the first fastening element has in its center a through-bore (25) that can be narrowed for fixation and for receiving the connecting element, is characterized in that the connecting element projects through the through-bore onto the side of the first fastening element opposite the second fastening element and carries, at its free end opposite the second fastening element, a third fastening element (23) that is designed for connection to a link of the auditory ossicular chain or to the inner ear,and that the connecting element is designed in its two areas adjacent to the through-hole so that it can be easily separated above or below the first fastening element. This package offers the middle ear surgeon a simple and quick option to select from a range of different prosthesis types immediately before inserting a selected prosthesis into the patient's middle ear.

An apparatus includes an enclosure containing a hermetically sealed region, the enclosure configured to be implanted on or within a recipient. The apparatus further includes circuitry within the hermetically sealed region and configured to generate signals. The apparatus further includes at least one heating element configured to receive the signals and to generate heat in response to the signals. The apparatus further includes at least one flow control element outside the hermetically sealed region and configured to respond to the heat by controlling a flow of liquid through at least one cannula to controllably administer the liquid internally to the recipient.

The application discloses a prosthesis for ossicular chain reconstruction, which is used for replacing or bridging at least one element of an ossicular chain of a human being and comprises a first coupling unit arranged at a proximal end and used for matching with a tympanic membrane and receiving vibration brought by sound, a second coupling unit arranged at a distal end and mechanically connected with a stapes, and a connecting piece connected between the first coupling unit and the second coupling unit and used for transmitting vibration energy; the connecting piece is made of a material with deformation ability, so that the connecting piece can be reciprocally bent to adjust an angle; and the first coupling unit is a spiral coil disc. The application has the advantages that the spiral coil disc is used as the first coupling unit, the spiral structure of the spiral coil disc is easy to adjust in shape according to requirements during an operation, and the application is reduced in displacement and out of position; in addition, the connecting piece is made of a material with deformation ability, so that the connecting piece is easy to adjust during the operation, the prosthesis does not need to be additionally replaced or cut, the operation time is reduced, and the prosthesis can keep a continuous tension, so that the risk of displacement and out of position of the prosthesis is reduced.