Implantable Auditory Prosthesis with Temporary Sensor Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ear implant systems, such as cochlear and auditory brainstem implants, face challenges during electrode insertion due to trauma caused by rigidity and friction, limiting precise real-time measurement of insertion forces and tissue response, which hinders the assessment of insertion trauma and tissue preservation.
Innovation Solution
An implantable electrode arrangement with intra-operative sensors, including optical, inductive, and chemical sensors, that generate dynamic real-time sensing signals during surgical insertion, allowing for the measurement of forces, tissue changes, and chemical alterations, and a connector cap for post-insertion isolation, enabling better evaluation of insertion quality and trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional electrode arrays are used for insertion into the cochlea, then the insertion process is simple, but tissue trauma occurs due to rigidity and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple sections with varying flexibility characteristics. The proximal section has higher flexibility to reduce insertion trauma, while the distal section maintains structural integrity. This segmentation allows different parts of the electrode to have optimized properties for their specific functions during insertion and implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are pre-integrated into the electrode array structure before insertion. These sensors are positioned to detect insertion forces and tissue responses in advance, allowing real-time monitoring and adjustment during the insertion process to minimize trauma while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the electrode array for real-time monitoring, then insertion trauma can be assessed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor integration is combined with the existing electrode array structure and lead architecture. Sensors are embedded within the electrode construction rather than being added as separate external components, which reduces overall device complexity while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array serves multiple functions: it provides electrical stimulation through electrode contacts and simultaneously monitors insertion forces and tissue responses through integrated sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring devices, thereby managing device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrode array is made more flexible to reduce insertion trauma, then tissue damage is minimized, but structural integrity and positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into proximal and distal sections with different flexibility characteristics. The proximal section is more flexible to minimize insertion trauma, while the distal section maintains sufficient rigidity for precise positioning and stable electrical contact within the cochlea.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the electrode array have locally optimized properties. The proximal portion has enhanced flexibility foratraumatic insertion, while the distal portion maintains structural integrity for precise electrode contact positioning. Sensors are strategically placed at specific locations to monitor critical parameters without compromising local structural requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable electrode arrangement for an ear implant system is described. A proximal electrode lead has electrode wires for carrying one or more electrical stimulation signals. A distal electrode array has electrode contacts each forming a terminal end of an electrode wire for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue, and one or more intra-operative sensors for generating insertion sensing signals during surgical insertion of the electrode array into the target tissue. An intra-operative electrode section has a sensor connector for providing a temporary connection of one or more external measurement arrangements to the one or more intra-operative sensors during the surgical insertion of the electrode array without being functional after the surgical insertion.