Cochlear Implant Electrode Mapping Using Evoked Responses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cochlear implant systems face challenges in accurately determining electrode positioning within the cochlea post-insertion, which affects the mapping of sound frequencies to appropriate electrodes for effective sound perception.

Innovation Solution

An evoked response-based system and method that utilizes a diagnostic system to apply acoustic stimulation, record evoked responses, and generate a tuning curve to identify the electrode with the highest response amplitude, thereby mapping the correct frequency to the appropriate electrode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrode positioning is determined using conventional methods, then the cochlear implant system can be programmed, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient leading to incorrect frequency mapping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode positioning accuracyVSAvoidfrequency-electrode mapping accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies acoustic stimulation at specific frequencies and records the evoked response from each electrode to determine which electrode corresponds to each frequency. This feedback loop of stimulation-response-measurement enables accurate frequency-electrode mapping by identifying the electrode that produces the strongest response at each test frequency, thereby resolving the mapping accuracy problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or visual inspection methods for electrode positioning with an electrical measurement system that uses evoked response measurements. By substituting direct observation with electrical signal analysis, the system achieves superior measurement precision in determining electrode-frequency correspondence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If electrode positioning is not accurately determined, then programming can proceed, but sound frequency mapping becomes incorrect affecting sound perception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidsound perception accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs evoked response measurements and frequency-electrode mapping determination before final programming of the cochlear implant. By completing the frequency-electrode mapping assessment in advance, the system ensures accurate sound perception from the outset, preventing incorrect programming while maintaining ease of operation through automated measurement procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables precise determination of electrode positioning within the cochlea, allowing for accurate programming of the cochlear implant system and improved sound perception by the recipient.

Implementation Method 1

the cochlear implant to use each electrode included in the plurality of electrodes to record an evoked response measurement in response to the acoustic stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvoked response:

Data Source

PatentUS20260021302A1Evoked response-based systems and methods for determining electrode positioning within a cochlea

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

AI summary

An illustrative system directs a display screen to display a graphical user interface that includes a selectable option to perform an electrode sweep with respect to a plurality of electrodes disposed on an electrode lead implanted at least partially within a cochlea of a recipient of a cochlear implant, directs, in response to a selection by a user of the option, an acoustic stimulation generator to apply acoustic stimulation having a frequency to the recipient, and directs the cochlear implant to use each electrode included in the plurality of electrodes to record an evoked response measurement in response to the acoustic stimulation.