Implantable device migration control

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed for a stimulator unit in a medical device, such as an implantable component of a cochlear implant. In embodiments, the stimulator unit comprises a bottom wall configured to be substantially contacting a temporal bone of a recipient, and a top wall positioned opposite the bottom wall, wherein a cross section of the stimulator unit has an outer profile substantially parallel to the bottom wall and the top wall.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present technology relates generally to implantable components of medical devices, and more particularly, to controlling the migration of such implantable components.[0003]2. Related Art[0004]The use of medical devices to provide therapy to individuals for various medical conditions has become more widespread as the therapeutic benefits of such devices become more widely appreciated and accepted throughout the population. For example, hearing aids, implantable pacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, prosthetic hearing devices, organ assist and replacement devices, drug delivery devices and other medical devices, have successfully performed lifesaving, lifestyle enhancement or other therapeutic functions for many individuals.[0005]The type of implantable medical devices and the range of functions performed thereby have increased over the years. For example, many such implantable medical devices often in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a method for implanting a component into a person's skull. The method involves creating a cavity in the skull bone and inserting a housing into that cavity. The housing is designed to prevent migration, meaning it is meant to stay in place and not move around. This helps to secure the implant and ensures it stays in the correct position.

Problems solved by technology

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the normal mechanical pathways for sound to reach the cochlea are impeded, for example, by damage to the ossicles.

In many people who are profoundly deaf, however, the reason for their deafness is sensorineural hearing loss.

As such, many individuals suffering from sensorineural hearing loss are unable to derive suitable benefit from prosthetic hearing devices that provide acoustical or mechanical stimulation.

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