Navigation type electrode and implant with navigation function

Abstract

The invention discloses a navigation type electrode and an implant with a navigation function, the navigation type electrode comprises an electrode connecting piece and a navigation electrode lead, the electrode connecting piece comprises an electrode clamp and an elastic piece, the electrode clamp is electrically connected with the navigation electrode lead, and the elastic piece can directly or indirectly act on the electrode clamp. The electrode clamp can clamp the loop electrode and is electrically connected with the loop electrode; the implant comprises an implant main body, a stimulating electrode array and a loop electrode, and further comprises a navigation type electrode, and the distance between the end part, far away from an electrode connecting piece, of a navigation electrode lead and the stimulating electrode array is smaller than the distance between the stimulating electrode array and the loop electrode; the navigation electrode lead is electrically connected with the stimulating electrode array through tissue fluid; the electrode clamp is connected with the loop electrode; the navigation type electrode can guide the stimulating electrode array to be accurately implanted into the cochlea position and feed back parameters such as implantation depth in real time, a doctor can adjust operation in time according to feedback, electrode deviation and curling are avoided, and the navigation type electrode has the effects of accurate positioning and real-time monitoring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology, and specifically relates to navigation electrodes and implants with navigation functions. Background Technology

[0002] Implantable medical devices are precise intervention solutions for severe functional impairments. Their core function is to bypass damaged tissue and directly stimulate nerves or organs to restore key functions. Major implantable medical devices include cochlear implants, pacemakers, and neuromodulation implants. Among these, cochlear implants are crucial for helping patients with severe and profound hearing loss regain their hearing. A traditional cochlear implant system consists of an external sound processor (external unit) and an implant within the body. The microphone of the external sound processor receives sound signals, which are then digitized and encoded by the processor. The encoded sound signal is then transmitted wirelessly via a percutaneous link to the receiving coil of the implant. The stimulator in the implant decodes the signal and converts it into a corresponding electrical signal. This electrical stimulation pulse is then sent to the auditory nerve via stimulation electrodes, stimulating the nerve to generate nerve impulses that are transmitted step-by-step to the auditory center of the brain, allowing the patient to experience hearing.

[0003] Cochlear implants also include a circuit electrode, which is fundamental for enabling electrical stimulation to occur and act on nerves. Current flows from the stimulating electrode contacts within the cochlea, passes through tissue fluid, lymph, and other bodily fluids, and reaches the distal circuit (reference) electrode to form a circuit. In existing technologies, the circuit electrode is typically positioned close to the stimulator within the implant, reducing power consumption while ensuring safety and stability.

[0004] Currently, due to the long distance between the traditional cochlear implant circuit electrode and the stimulating electrode array, there may be a problem that the circuit electrode cannot be fully immersed in the body to form a circuit during the surgical implantation process. This makes it impossible to complete the real-time image navigation and parameter monitoring of the electrode, and it is easy for the stimulating electrode to be misplaced, curled, or even damaged to key tissues such as the cochlear basilar membrane. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a navigation electrode that combines precise positioning and real-time monitoring. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a navigation electrode, including an electrode connector and a navigation electrode lead, wherein the electrode connector includes an electrode clamp and an elastic member, the electrode clamp is electrically connected to the navigation electrode lead, and the elastic member can directly or indirectly act on the electrode clamp so that the electrode clamp can clamp onto the loop electrode and be electrically connected to the loop electrode.

[0006] Preferably, the electrode connector further includes a movable sleeve and a fixed sleeve, the elastic element acts on the movable sleeve and the fixed sleeve, the movable sleeve has a first direction and a second direction opposite to the direction of the fixed sleeve, and the elastic element has a tendency to drive the movable sleeve to move in the second direction; The electrode clamp is located inside the fixed sleeve. The electrode clamp includes two clamping segments and an elastic connecting portion connecting the two clamping segments. Parts of the clamping segments extend outside the fixed sleeve. The elastic connecting portion tends to drive the two clamping segments to move in opposite directions and both abut against the opening or wall of the fixed sleeve. When the movable sleeve moves along the first direction, the electrode clamp gradually extends out of the fixed sleeve, and the distance between the two clamping segments gradually increases. When the movable sleeve moves along the second direction, the movable sleeve can drive the electrode clamp to gradually retract into the fixed sleeve, and the distance between the two clamping segments gradually decreases.

[0007] Preferably, the movable sleeve is fitted over the fixed sleeve and is slidable relative to the fixed sleeve. The sliding direction of the movable sleeve is parallel to the first direction and the second direction. The electrode connector further includes a conductive pin and a spring stop pin. The conductive pin is fixed inside the movable sleeve, and the spring stop pin is fixed outside the fixed sleeve. Along the sliding direction of the movable sleeve, the elastic element abuts between the conductive pin and the spring stop pin.

[0008] Preferably, the conductive pin is electrically connected to the navigation electrode lead; the conductive pin passes through the fixing sleeve and is connected to the electrode clamp; the conductive pin can reciprocate along the first direction and the second direction.

[0009] Preferably, a strip-shaped hole is provided on the peripheral wall of the fixed sleeve, and the conductive pin passes through the strip-shaped hole through the fixed sleeve, with both ends of the conductive pin fixed to the movable sleeve.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic connection is substantially inverted V-shaped and has an inverted V-groove and two connecting segments. The inverted V-groove is located between the two connecting segments, and the distance between the two connecting segments gradually increases along the first direction. The conductive pin passes through the inverted V-groove and is fixedly connected to the inverted V-groove. The clamping petals are connected to the connecting segments one by one. The clamping petals protrude in an arc shape along the middle of the first direction away from the other clamping petal. The average distance between the two clamping petals is greater than the distance between the ends of the two connecting segments that are close to the clamping petals.

[0011] Preferably, a buffer block is fixed inside the fixed sleeve, and the buffer block is located on the path along which the elastic connection part moves in the second direction.

[0012] Preferably, the spring stop pin passes through the fixed sleeve, and both ends of the spring stop pin are located outside the fixed sleeve.

[0013] An implant with navigation function includes an implant body, a stimulating electrode array, and a loop electrode. The stimulating electrode array is electrically connected to the implant body, and the loop electrode is electrically connected to the implant body. The implant also includes the aforementioned navigation electrode. The distance between the end of the navigation electrode lead away from the electrode connector and the stimulating electrode array is smaller than the distance between the stimulating electrode array and the loop electrode. The navigation electrode lead and the stimulating electrode array can be electrically connected through tissue fluid. The electrode clip is detachably connected to the loop electrode. When the electrode clip is clamped to the loop electrode, the electrode clip is electrically connected to the loop electrode.

[0014] Preferably, the implant further includes an electrode spiral portion, and the implant body, the electrode spiral portion, and the stimulation electrode array are sequentially electrically connected; the electrode clip is clamped to the outer periphery of the circuit electrode.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The navigation electrode of this invention, through the structural design of the electrode connector and navigation electrode lead, can guide the stimulation electrode array to be precisely implanted into the target position in the cochlea, and provide real-time feedback on parameters such as implantation depth and angle. Doctors or robots can adjust their operations in a timely manner based on the feedback to avoid electrode deviation or curling, thus achieving both precise positioning and real-time monitoring. In addition, the navigation electrode can transmit the implantation status to the robot control system in real time. If an insertion abnormality occurs (such as jamming or deviation), the robot can automatically pause or the doctor can manually intervene to achieve minimally invasive implantation.

[0016] 2. The navigation electrode of the present invention, through the structural design of a movable sleeve, a fixed sleeve, an electrode clamp, and elastic elements, allows the movable sleeve to move along a first direction / second direction, enabling the electrode clamp to clamp / release the circuit electrode, facilitating doctor operation; by setting the clamp flap to an arc shape to fit the shape of the extracochlear tubular circuit electrode, precise adaptation is achieved, further improving the positioning and monitoring effect; at the same time, a buffer block is fixedly set inside the fixed sleeve to limit the movement while reducing the force damage to the electrode clamp, improving positioning accuracy and reliability.

[0017] 3. The implant with navigation function of the present invention, during the implantation of the stimulation electrode, through the action of the navigation electrode, the distance between the end of the navigation electrode lead away from the electrode connector and the stimulation electrode array is less than the distance between the stimulation electrode array and the loop electrode. This avoids the problem that the traditional cochlear implant's external annular loop electrode is far from the stimulation electrode array, and the loop electrode may not be able to be fully immersed in the body to form a loop during the surgical implantation process. It has both precise positioning and real-time monitoring effects. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an implant with navigation function according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a navigation electrode according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a navigation electrode according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a navigation electrode according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode clip in a navigation electrode according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Receiving coil; 2. Inner magnet; 3. Stimulator; 4. External cochlear plate circuit electrode; 5. External cochlear ring circuit electrode; 6. Electrode spiral section; 7. Stimulating electrode array; 8. Electrode connector; 9. Navigation electrode lead; 10. Navigation electrode head; 81. Movable sleeve; 86. Fixed sleeve; 811. Top of movable sleeve; 812. Conductive pin through hole; 82. Conductive pin; 821. Center hole; 83. Elastic element; 84. 841. Spring stop pin; 85. Spring positioning groove; 86. Electrode clamp; 87. Inverted V-shaped groove; 88. Connecting section; 89. Clamping flap; 80. Clamping flap tail end; 81. Process hole; 82. Strip hole; 83. Spring stop pin hole; 84. Buffer block; 95. Electrode insulating sleeve; 96. Navigation lead body; 97. First fold; 98. Second fold; 99. Corner; 90. Electrode end hole. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0021] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] The following will be combined with the appendix Figure 1-5 The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0026] See Figures 1-4 The navigation electrode includes an electrode connector 8 and a navigation electrode lead 9. The electrode connector 8 includes an electrode clamp 85 and an elastic member 83. The electrode clamp 85 is electrically connected to the navigation electrode lead 9. The elastic member 83 can act directly or indirectly on the electrode clamp 85 so that the electrode clamp 85 can clamp onto the circuit electrode and be electrically connected to the circuit electrode.

[0027] It should be noted that cochlear implants generally include an external cochlear plate circuit electrode 4 and an external cochlear annular circuit electrode 5. In this invention, the circuit electrode clamped by the electrode clip 85 is the external cochlear annular circuit electrode 5.

[0028] Furthermore, the electrode connector 8 also includes a movable sleeve 81 and a fixed sleeve 86. An elastic element 83 acts on the movable sleeve 81 and the fixed sleeve 86. The movable sleeve 81 has a first direction and a second direction opposite to the direction of the fixed sleeve 86. The elastic element 83 has a tendency to drive the movable sleeve 81 to move in the second direction. The elastic element 83 can be a spring or other components with elastic functions, which will not be described in detail here.

[0029] See Figures 2-4 In one specific embodiment, the movable sleeve 81 is fitted over the fixed sleeve 86 and can slide relative to the fixed sleeve 86. The sliding direction of the movable sleeve 81 is parallel to the first direction and the second direction. The electrode clamp 85 is located inside the fixed sleeve 86. The electrode clamp 85 includes two clamping flaps 853 and an elastic connecting portion connecting the two clamping flaps 853. Parts of the clamping flaps 853 extend out of the fixed sleeve 86. The elastic connecting portion has a tendency to drive the two clamping flaps 853 to move in opposite directions and both abut against the opening or wall of the fixed sleeve 86.

[0030] When the movable sleeve 81 moves along the first direction, the movable sleeve 81 drives the electrode clamp 85 to gradually extend out of the fixed sleeve 86, and the distance between the two clamping petals 853 gradually increases, and the elastic element 83 is in the compression process; when the movable sleeve 81 moves along the second direction, the movable sleeve 81 drives the electrode clamp 85 to gradually retract into the fixed sleeve 86, and the distance between the two clamping petals 853 gradually decreases.

[0031] The first direction is downwards towards the external annular circuit electrode 5, and the second direction is the opposite of the first direction, i.e., away from the external annular circuit electrode 5. Preferably, the movable sleeve 81 can be made of medical polymer material, such as PEEK stainless steel, which has biocompatibility and excellent mechanical strength.

[0032] Furthermore, the electrode connector 8 also includes a conductive pin 82 and a spring stop pin 84. The conductive pin 82 is fixed inside the movable sleeve 81, and the spring stop pin 84 is fixed outside the fixed sleeve 86. Along the sliding direction of the movable sleeve 81, the elastic element 83 abuts against the conductive pin 82 and the spring stop pin 84.

[0033] The conductive pin 82 is electrically connected to the navigation electrode lead 9. The conductive pin 82 passes through the fixed sleeve 86 and is connected to the electrode clamp 85. The conductive pin 82 can reciprocate along a first direction and a second direction. In one specific embodiment, a strip-shaped hole 861 is provided through the peripheral wall of the fixed sleeve 86. The conductive pin 82 passes through the fixed sleeve 866 via the strip-shaped hole 861 and reciprocates along the first and second directions within the strip-shaped hole 861. A conductive pin through-hole 812 is provided on the movable sleeve 81. Both ends of the conductive pin 82 are fixedly installed on the conductive pin through-hole 812 of the movable sleeve 81. The conductive pin through-hole 812 provides an assembly channel for the conductive pin 82, ensuring the movement accuracy of the conductive pin 82. The conductive pin 82 is made of conductive metal (such as platinum-iridium alloy or silver-plated brass), thereby effectively forming an electrical stimulation circuit.

[0034] In one specific embodiment, a spring stop pin hole is provided on the fixed sleeve 86, and a spring stop pin 84 is provided through the spring stop pin hole. To limit the radial displacement of the elastic element 83 and prevent the spring from falling off or tilting, preferably, a spring positioning groove 841 is provided at the position where the spring stop pin 84 contacts the fixed sleeve 86, and the bottom end of the elastic element 83 is located within the spring positioning groove 841. Furthermore, to facilitate operation by the doctor, the spring stop pin 84 passes through the fixed sleeve 86, and both ends of the spring stop pin 84 are located outside the fixed sleeve 86. During use, the doctor can place their hand on the bottom of the spring stop pin 84 away from the movable sleeve 81 for convenient application of force.

[0035] See Figures 3-5 The elastic connection portion of the electrode clamp 85 is basically inverted V-shaped, and has an inverted V-groove 851 and two connecting segments 852. The inverted V-groove 851 is located between the two connecting segments 852, and the distance between the two connecting segments 852 gradually increases along the first direction. The conductive pin 82 passes through the inverted V-groove 851 and is fixedly connected to the inverted V-groove 851. Preferably, the angle of the inverted V-groove 851 between the two connecting segments 852 is 5-15 degrees. Furthermore, a process hole 855 can also be provided on the elastic connection portion for feeding and welding, so that the elastic connection portion is better fixedly connected to the conductive pin 82, improving stability.

[0036] Furthermore, the clamping lobes 853 and connecting segments 852 are connected one-to-one. Each clamping lobe 853 protrudes in an arc shape from its center in the first direction away from the other clamping lobe 853. The average distance between the two clamping lobes 853 is greater than the distance between the ends of the two connecting segments 852 closest to the clamping lobes 853. This allows the clamping lobes 853 to better conform to the outer circumference of the cochlear tubular circuit electrode. Specifically, the electrode clamp 85 is made of an elastic conductive material, thus effectively forming an electrical stimulation circuit while allowing for elastic adjustment according to the angle to adapt to the outer diameter of annular circuit electrodes of different diameters. The clamping lobes 853 also include a clamping tail end 854, which further clamps the circuit electrode, improving stability and reliability.

[0037] See Figure 4 In one specific embodiment, a buffer stop 87 is fixed inside the fixed sleeve 86, and the buffer stop 87 is located on the path of the elastic connection portion moving along the second direction. When the electrode clamp 85 moves along the second direction, the buffer stop 87 can limit its movement, effectively improving positioning accuracy and reliability.

[0038] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The navigation electrode lead 9 includes a navigation electrode head 10, an electrode insulating sleeve 91, and a navigation lead body 92 located within the electrode insulating sleeve 91. The electrode insulating sleeve 91 is positioned between the conductive pin 82 and the navigation electrode head 10. The navigation lead body 92 is wound into a spiral platinum-iridium alloy wire, possessing both excellent conductivity and flexibility, allowing it to bend and deform during electrode implantation to prevent breakage. The end of the navigation electrode head 10 furthest from the navigation lead body 92 is a corner portion 101, adapted to the cochlear cavity.

[0039] Furthermore, a central hole 821 is provided at one end of the conductive pin 82 connected to the electrode insulating sleeve 91, and the end of the navigation lead body 92 near the conductive pin 82 is folded to form a second fold 922 and inserted into the central hole 821 of the conductive pin 82; an electrode end hole 102 is provided at one end of the navigation electrode head 10 near the electrode connector 8, and the other end of the navigation lead body 92 is folded to form a first fold 921 and inserted into the electrode end hole 102, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the navigation electrode body and the stimulation electrode array 7.

[0040] Furthermore, mechanical fixation and electrical conductivity are achieved through a crimping process, ensuring the continuity of signal transmission. The electrode insulating sleeve 91 is made of medical insulating polymer materials (such as medical silicone, TPU, etc.) to prevent short circuits between the leads and other metal components; optionally, the navigation electrode head 10 is made of platinum-iridium alloy, which has high biocompatibility and conductivity stability, reduces human rejection reactions, and ensures accurate acquisition of different electrical stimulation signals from the distal to proximal end of the electrode.

[0041] During the implantation of the cochlear implant, the stimulating electrode array 7 is inserted into the cochlea. The electrode clip 85 clamps the external cochlear annular circuit electrode 5, and the navigation electrode lead 9 is positioned close to the stimulating electrode array 7. Current flows out from the stimulating electrode contacts inside the cochlea, passes through tissue fluid, lymph, and other bodily fluids, and reaches the distant external cochlear annular circuit electrode 5 through the navigation electrode lead 9 and the electrode clip 85 to form a circuit. This allows the stimulating electrode to influence navigation and parameter monitoring in real time, reducing electrode implantation deviation and effectively improving the cochlear implantation surgery outcome.

[0042] Specifically, when the electrode clip 85 clamps the cochlear annular circuit electrode 5, the electrical stimulation circuit path is: stimulation electrode array 7 → navigation electrode lead 9 → conductive pin 82 → electrode clip 85 → cochlear annular circuit electrode 5, thereby effectively forming an electrical stimulation circuit.

[0043] The present invention provides an implant with navigation function, comprising an implant body, a stimulating electrode array 7 and a loop electrode, wherein the stimulating electrode array 7 is electrically connected to the implant body and the loop electrode is electrically connected to the implant body.

[0044] The implant consists of a stimulator 3, a receiving coil 1, and an internal magnet 2. The stimulator 3 is the core control unit, converting external audio signals into electrical stimulation signals recognizable by the cochlear nerve to drive auditory perception. The receiving coil 1 is responsible for wireless signal transmission and energy reception between the implant and external devices, providing power support and a data exchange channel for the entire system. The internal magnet 2 is located within the receiving coil 1 and is used to magnetically engage with the external magnet of the external device, ensuring the stability of signal transmission.

[0045] The implant with navigation function also includes an electrode spiral section 6. The stimulator 3 of the implant body is electrically connected in sequence to the electrode spiral section 6 and the stimulation electrode array 7. The electrode spiral section 6 is made of platinum-iridium alloy wire to improve tensile performance and increase reliability. The stimulator 3 decodes the received signal and converts it into a corresponding electrical signal, which is transmitted to the stimulation electrode array 7 through the electrode spiral section 6. The stimulation electrode array 7 directly contacts the core stimulation component of the cochlear nerve and is arranged in an array to cover different auditory nerve regions.

[0046] The stimulator 3 of the implant body is also connected to the loop electrode, which includes the external cochlear plate loop electrode 4 and the external cochlear ring loop electrode 5. The external cochlear plate loop electrode 4 and the external cochlear ring loop electrode 5 form a dual electrical signal loop (overlap design) to improve the transmission efficiency and coverage of the electrical stimulation signal.

[0047] The implant also includes the aforementioned navigation electrode. The distance between the end of the navigation electrode lead 9 furthest from the electrode connector 8 and the stimulating electrode array 7 is less than the distance between the stimulating electrode array 7 and the loop electrode. The navigation electrode lead 9 and the stimulating electrode array 7 can be electrically connected through tissue fluid. The electrode clip 85 is detachably connected to the loop electrode. When the electrode clip 85 is clamped to the loop electrode, the electrode clip 85 is electrically connected to the loop electrode. Specifically, the loop electrode clamped by the electrode clip 85 is the extracochlear annular loop electrode 5. The extracochlear flat loop electrode 4 is generally disposed on the stimulator 3, and the extracochlear annular loop electrode 5 is generally disposed near the stimulator 3.

[0048] The specific usage procedure is as follows: Before the surgery, three-dimensional images of the patient's cochlea were obtained through CT and MRI scans to plan the path, depth, and angle of implantation of the stimulation electrode array 7.

[0049] Doctors or other medical personnel can press the top 811 of the movable sleeve to move the movable sleeve 81 in the first direction. Since the conductive pin 82 is fixedly connected to the movable sleeve 81 and the electrode clamp 85 respectively, the conductive pin 82 moves along the first direction with the movable sleeve 81, thereby driving the electrode clamp 85 to move downward. At the same time, due to the action of the spring stop pin 84 of the conductive pin 82, the elastic element 83 is in a compressed state.

[0050] Once the electrode clamp 85 extends to the appropriate position, the doctor can release it. The electrode elastic element 83 has the tendency to drive the movable sleeve 81 to move in the second direction, thereby clamping the outer annular circuit electrode 5 of the cochlea with the electrode clamp 85, thus realizing the navigation work.

[0051] During the implantation of the cochlear implant's stimulating electrode array 7, the doctor monitors the implantation depth, angle, and position parameters of the stimulating electrodes in real time using a navigation system. Furthermore, if the robot or navigation system detects any abnormalities in the implantation of the stimulating electrodes (such as displacement or jamming), the implantation operation is immediately paused, and the doctor adjusts the position of the stimulating electrodes based on feedback before continuing the implantation.

[0052] Once the stimulation electrode array 7 is implanted, the doctor or other medical personnel can remove the electrode clip 85 from the extracochlear annular circuit electrode 5 by pressing or other means.

[0053] In summary, this invention, through its navigation electrode structural design, can guide the stimulation electrode array 7 to be precisely implanted into the target location in the cochlea, providing real-time feedback on parameters such as implantation depth and angle. Doctors or robots can adjust their operations promptly based on this feedback, preventing electrode misalignment and curling, thus achieving both precise positioning and real-time monitoring. Finally, it should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solution of this invention and not intended to limit it. Although the invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A navigable electrode, characterized in that, The electrode connector comprises an electrode clamp and an elastic member, the electrode clamp is electrically connected with the navigation electrode lead, and the elastic member can directly or indirectly act on the electrode clamp to enable the electrode clamp to clamp and electrically connect with a loop electrode.

2. The navigable electrode of claim 1, wherein, The electrode connector further comprises a movable sleeve and a fixed sleeve, the elastic member acts on the movable sleeve and the fixed sleeve, the movable sleeve has a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the fixed sleeve, and the elastic member has a tendency to drive the movable sleeve to move towards the second direction; The electrode clamp is located in the fixed sleeve, the electrode clamp comprises two clamp petals and an elastic connecting portion connected between the two clamp petals, parts of the clamp petals extend out of the fixed sleeve, and the elastic connecting portion has a tendency to drive the two clamp petals to move away from each other and abut against the opening or wall of the fixed sleeve; when the movable sleeve moves in the first direction, the electrode clamp gradually extends out of the fixed sleeve, and the distance between the two clamp petals gradually increases; when the movable sleeve moves in the second direction, the movable sleeve can drive the electrode clamp to gradually move into the fixed sleeve, and the distance between the two clamp petals gradually decreases.

3. The navigable electrode of claim 2, wherein, The movable sleeve is sleeved outside the fixed sleeve and can slide relative to the fixed sleeve, the sliding direction of the movable sleeve is parallel to the first direction and the second direction; the electrode connector further comprises a conductive pin and a spring stop pin, the conductive pin is fixed in the movable sleeve, and the spring stop pin is fixed outside the fixed sleeve; along the sliding direction of the movable sleeve, the elastic member abuts between the conductive pin and the spring stop pin.

4. The navigable electrode of claim 3, wherein, The conductive pin is electrically connected with the navigation electrode lead; the conductive pin penetrates into the fixed sleeve and is connected with the electrode clamp; the conductive pin can reciprocate in the first direction and the second direction.

5. The navigable electrode of claim 4, wherein, A strip-shaped hole is formed through the peripheral wall of the fixed sleeve, the conductive pin penetrates through the fixed sleeve through the strip-shaped hole, and both ends of the conductive pin are fixed in the movable sleeve.

6. The navigable electrode of claim 5, wherein, The elastic connecting portion is substantially inverted V-shaped and has an inverted V-shaped groove and two connecting segments, the inverted V-shaped groove is located between the two connecting segments, and the distance between the two connecting segments gradually increases along the first direction; the conductive pin penetrates through the inverted V-shaped groove and is fixedly connected with the inverted V-shaped groove; The clamp petals are connected with the connecting segments one by one, the middle part of the clamp petals along the first direction is convexly arc-shaped away from the other clamp petal, and the average distance between the two clamp petals is greater than the distance between the end parts of the two connecting segments close to the clamp petals.

7. The navigable electrode of claim 5, wherein, A buffer stopper is fixed in the fixed sleeve, and the buffer stopper is located on the path of the elastic connecting portion moving in the second direction.

8. The navigable electrode of claim 3, wherein, The spring stop pin penetrates through the fixed sleeve, and both ends of the spring stop pin are located outside the fixed sleeve.

9. Implant with navigation function, characterized in that The implant comprises an implant body, an array of stimulating electrodes electrically connected to the implant body, and a return electrode electrically connected to the implant body; the implant further comprises the navigation electrode according to any one of claims 1-8, the navigation electrode lead is distanced from the end of the electrode connector, and the distance between the navigation electrode lead and the array of stimulating electrodes is less than the distance between the array of stimulating electrodes and the return electrode, and the navigation electrode lead and the array of stimulating electrodes can be electrically connected through tissue fluid; the electrode clamp is detachably connected to the return electrode, and the electrode clamp and the return electrode are electrically connected when the electrode clamp is clamped to the return electrode.

10. The navigational implant of claim 9, wherein, The implant further comprises an electrode spiral, and the implant body, the electrode spiral and the array of stimulating electrodes are electrically connected in sequence; the electrode clamp is clamped to the outer periphery of the return electrode.

Images