Cochlear Implant Apical Electrode Stimulation for Low Pitch Perception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cochlear implant systems cannot present a full spectrum of audible sound, particularly failing to generate pitches lower than those conventionally possible due to anatomical anomalies or malformations within the cochlea, which limits the perception of sound for patients.

Innovation Solution

The system applies anode-cathode biphasic stimulation pulses to the most apical electrode and cathode-anode biphasic stimulation pulses to other electrodes, expanding the range of perceivable pitches by directly stimulating the auditory nerve fibers, thereby allowing patients to perceive lower pitches than conventional strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional cochlear implant systems use standard electrode stimulation, then the system can provide basic hearing restoration, but the pitch spectrum is limited and cannot present lower pitches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch spectrum rangeVSAvoidstimulation strategy complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies reverse polarity stimulation (anode-cathode instead of conventional cathode-anode) to the most apical electrode to invert the conventional pitch perception relationship, enabling perception of lower pitches than traditionally possible with standard stimulation approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical stimulation parameters by using anode-cathode biphasic pulses with specific polarity configurations and adjusting pulse durations, which modifies the perceived pitch characteristics and expands the audible pitch spectrum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrode insertion is limited by anatomical anomalies, then the cochlear implant can be safely implanted, but the range of perceivable pitches is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperceivable pitch rangeVSAvoidelectrode insertion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By applying anode-cathode stimulation to the most apical electrode, the system compensates for limited electrode insertion depth caused by anatomical anomalies, allowing patients to perceive lower pitches even when the electrode array cannot be fully inserted into the cochlea

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different stimulation polarities to different electrode locations (anode-cathode to apical electrode, cathode-anode to other electrodes), optimizing pitch perception locally at each electrode site based on its anatomical position and insertion depth

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the quality of sound perception for cochlear implant patients by expanding the range of perceivable pitches, particularly benefiting those with anatomical anomalies that restrict electrode insertion and function, allowing for a more comprehensive listening experience.

Implementation Method 1

Cochlear implant systems bypass the hair cells in the cochlea by presenting electrical stimulation directly to the auditory nerve fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirect electrical stimulation of auditory nerve:

Implementation Method 2

the sound processor may direct the cochlear implant to apply one or more anode-cathode biphasic stimulation pulses to the most apical electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiphasic electrical stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS9227063B2Methods and systems for lowering a pitch sensation as perceived by a cochlear implant patient

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

AI summary

An exemplary method of lowering a pitch sensation as perceived by a cochlear implant patient includes 1) identifying a most apical electrode included in a plurality of electrodes disposed within a cochlea of the patient, 2) directing a cochlear implant communicatively coupled to the plurality of electrodes to apply one or more anodecathode biphasic stimulation pulses to the most apical electrode during a stimulation period, and 3) directing the cochlear implant to apply one or more cathode-anode biphasic stimulation pulses to one or more other electrodes included in the plurality of electrodes during the stimulation period. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.