Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion Tool With Spring-Loaded Retractor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insertion tools for electrode array portions in cochlear implants are cumbersome and difficult to use, particularly in releasing the electrode array from the insertion tool and retracting a stiffening member without dislodging it from position.

Innovation Solution

An insertion tool with a handle assembly, retractor assembly, and slider assembly, featuring a spring-loaded retractor member that moves from a distal to a proximal position to retract the stiffening member, facilitating single-handed insertion and minimizing obstruction for the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a stiffening member is used to facilitate insertion of the electrode array portion, then insertion stability is improved, but difficulty in retracting the stiffening member increases and may dislodge the electrode array portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion stabilityVSAvoiddifficulty in retracting stiffening member

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion tool is divided into separate functional components: a handle assembly, a retractor assembly with spring-loaded retractor member, and a slider assembly. The stiffening member is segmented from the electrode array portion, allowing independent retraction of the stiffening member while maintaining electrode array stability through the carrier structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor member is designed to be movable between distal and proximal positions through spring-loaded mechanism. The slider assembly enables dynamic control of the retractor member position, allowing easy retraction of the stiffening member without dislodging the electrode array portion when the retractor member moves to the proximal position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional insertion tools are used, then electrode array insertion can be achieved, but the tools are cumbersome and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion capabilityVSAvoidcumbersome and difficult to use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion tool is divided into separate functional components: a handle assembly, a retractor assembly with spring-loaded retractor member, and a slider assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall tool less cumbersome and easier to operate while maintaining reliable insertion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded retractor member automatically retracts the stiffening member from the electrode array portion without requiring manual manipulation. The slider assembly is designed to be easily actuated by the user, enabling self-service operation that reduces the complexity and difficulty of using the insertion tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the electrode array portion is inserted into the cochlea, then hearing restoration can be achieved, but trauma to the cochlea occurs during the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing restorationVSAvoidtrauma to the cochlea

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 easier and more precise insertion of the electrode array portion into the cochlea, allowing for single-handed operation and reducing trauma to the cochlea during the procedure, while allowing for easy retraction of the stiffening member without dislodging the electrode array.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded retractor member coupled to the stiffening member, which spring-loaded retractor member is configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2585016B1Tools and systems for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice

Publication Date: 2015.07.22 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

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AI summary

Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a slider assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into an electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled to the stiffening member and configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The slider assembly may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member and further configured to release the spring-loaded retractor member to move from the distal position to the proximal position in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly.