Cochlear Implant Electrode Fixation Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss do not benefit from conventional hearing aids, and traditional cochlear implantation can cause trauma, leading to inadequate restoration of hearing, especially in the high frequency range.

Innovation Solution

An electrode assembly with a fixation structure is implanted into the cochlea, featuring a carrier member with electrodes and a fixation structure that interacts with the surrounding bone to prevent migration and ensure secure positioning, allowing for effective electrical stimulation and minimizing trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrode assembly is implanted into the cochlea, then electrical stimulation can be provided to restore hearing, but the implantation causes trauma to the cochlear structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing restoration effectivenessVSAvoidtrauma to cochlear structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly is divided into multiple separate components: a stylet for insertion, an electrode array with electrodes, and a fixation structure. These components are assembled in situ within the cochlea, allowing the stylet to create a minimal opening while the electrode array is positioned and secured separately, thereby reducing trauma to the cochlear structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation structure is designed to be inserted first through the stylet, positioned within the cochlea, and secured to the cochlear wall before the electrode array is attached. This preliminary positioning and securing action ensures stable placement and prevents migration, while the stylet can be removed minimally invasively after insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional electrode assembly is implanted without fixation structure, then implantation procedure is simpler, but the device migrates and fails to provide stable stimulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation procedure simplicityVSAvoiddevice position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation structure acts as an intermediary component between the stylet and the electrode array. It is inserted through the stylet, positioned within the cochlea to engage with the cochlear wall, and then the electrode array is attached to it. This intermediary fixation structure provides stable anchoring while maintaining a relatively simple assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If electrode assembly uses integrated fixation structure, then device stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice position stabilityVSAvoidassembly structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation structure and electrode array are designed as integrally connected components, where the electrode array is attached to the fixation structure形成 a unified assembly. This merging provides stable positioning through the fixation structure while maintaining a compact, coordinated design that does not significantly increase overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11426576B2Securing an implanted medical device in a patient

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

An apparatus and method for implanting and securing an implanted medical device in a recipient. The implantable medical device of the generally includes an electrode assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating electrode positioned thereon. The carrier member further has a fixation structure positioned thereon configured to interact with a portion of the rigid structure to longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient.