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Cochlear fenestration burrs

a technology of cochlear fenestration and burrs, which is applied in the field of fully implantable hearing aid systems, can solve the problems of biological sealing of the attachment, and achieve the effects of safe fenestration of the otic capsule bone, safe fenestration, and avoiding damage to the membranous labyrinth

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-11-08
LESINSKI S GEORGE
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] An object of the present invention is to facilitate attachment of a microactuator of an implantable hearing aid system or other therapeutic appliance, such as a microactuator, plug or micropump for drug or therapeutic agent delivery, electrodes etc., to a fenestration formed through a subject's promontory, and to facilitate the therapeutic appliance's subsequent removal.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an easily implanted casing for attaching a microactuator of an implantable hearing aid system to a fenestration formed through a subject's promontory.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide surgical burrs that permit safely fenestrating the otic capsule bone adjacent to the scala tympani of the cochlea without damage to the membranous labyrinth or organ of cordi and thus, without damage to hearing.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention includes specialized surgical burrs that enable the otologic surgeon to safely fenestrate the otic capsule bone adjacent to the scala tympani of the cochlea without damage to the basilar membrane or organ of cordi. Utilizing the principles of the invention described herein, other areas of the inner ear may be safely fenestrated provided damage to the membranous labyrinth is avoided, e.g., fenestration of the scala vestibuli of cochlea, bony labyrinth of semicircular canals, or walls of the vestibule. The invention disclosed herein might also be adopted for fenestration of oval or round windows of the inner ear.

Problems solved by technology

One difficulty in a process for securing a therapeutic appliance into the wall of the cochlea is that the attachment be biologically sealed.
Another difficulty in a process for securing a biologically sealed therapeutic appliance into the wall of the cochlea is safely fenestrating the otic capsule bone without damage to the membranous labyrinth or organ of cordi and thus, without damage to hearing.

Method used

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  • Cochlear fenestration burrs
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  • Cochlear fenestration burrs

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0033]FIG. 1 depicts a promontory wall 32 of a cochlea 34 that, in accordance with the present invention, is pierced by a fenestration 36. An upper portion of a bony labyrinth within the cochlea 34 is called the scala vestibuli 42, while a lower portion of the bony labyrinth is called the scala tympani 44. A membranous labyrinth within the cochlea 34, called the scala media 46, lies between the scala vertibuli 42 and scala tympani 44. A “vestibular membrane,” called Reissner's membrane 48, separates the scala media 46 from the scala vestibuli 42, while a basilar membrane 52 separates the scala media 46 from the scala tympani 44. A stria vascularis 54 and spiral ligament 56 are juxtaposed with an inner surface of the promontory wall 32.

[0034]FIG. 1 also illustrates how precise location of the fenestration 36 may advantageously position a microactuator with great precision in the cochlea 34. Preferably, the cylindrically-shaped fenestration 36 includes two precision sections, an oute...

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Abstract

Specialized surgical burrs (122, 124, 162, 164) permit safely fenestrating the otic capsule bone adjacent to the scala tympani (44) of the cochlea (34) without damaging the basilar membrane (52) or organ of cordi. The invention disclosed herein may also be adopted for safely fenestrating other areas of the inner ear such as the scala vestibuli (42), bony labyrinth of semicircular canals, or walls of the vestibule, or perhaps even the oval or round windows thereof.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a fully implantable hearing aid system, and more particularly to devices and methods for mounting a microactuator, or other therapeutic device, into a fenestration that pierces the wall of the cochlea. BACKGROUND ART [0002] A biologically sealed attachment into the wall of the cochlea that is stable and watertight is often desired, not only for an acoustic actuator, but also for various other medical devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,601 (“the '601 patent”) by both of the inventors hereof describes several methods for attaching a microactuator to a fenestration through the wall of the cochlea. [0003] The invention disclosed in the '601 patent has several advantages. A casing locates the hearing device very securely, without vibration. In addition, the invention makes the removal of the hearing device easy, should this be required. Thirdly, together with an precise atraumatic fenestration procedure it provides for a very precise micr...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61B17/16A61N1/05A61N1/36
CPCA61B17/1679A61N1/36032A61N1/0541
Inventor LESINSKI, S. GEORGE
Owner LESINSKI S GEORGE
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