Cochlear Implant Electrode Array with Integrated Lubricant Reservoir

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cochlear implant electrode arrays face challenges in achieving optimal insertion depth without causing trauma due to the need for a balance between stiffness and flexibility, as they must adapt to varying cochlear geometries and inclinations, and existing designs often result in resistance during insertion, leading to potential damage and trauma to neural structures.

Innovation Solution

An implantable electrode array with a fluid delivery channel and ports that release lubricant fluid to create a lubrication region during insertion, reducing resistance and minimizing contact with delicate structures, using a non-reversible fluid reservoir to ensure consistent lubrication and avoid suction, and a tapered apical end to navigate the scala tympani while avoiding trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the electrode array is made stiffer to reach desired insertion depth, then insertion depth is improved, but mechanical trauma to cochlear structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion depthVSAvoidmechanical trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A lubricant delivery system is introduced as an intermediary between the electrode array and cochlear structures. The system includes a lubricant reservoir, delivery channel, and port that releases lubricant at the apical end during insertion, reducing friction and allowing deeper insertion with less trauma

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubricant is delivered preliminarily at the insertion site before the main body of the electrode array contacts the cochlear structures. This preliminary lubrication reduces resistance during subsequent insertion, enabling the array to reach desired depth without excessive force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electrode array is made more flexible to reduce trauma, then mechanical trauma is reduced, but insertion depth is compromised due to buckling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical traumaVSAvoidinsertion depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricant acts as a mediator that reduces friction between the flexible electrode array and cochlear structures, preventing buckling during insertion while maintaining flexibility to adapt to cochlear geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A fluid-based lubricant delivery system is used to reduce mechanical resistance during insertion, allowing the flexible array to be pushed deeper without buckling by minimizing friction through hydraulic lubrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If a fluid delivery system is added to reduce insertion resistance, then ease of insertion is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricant delivery system is nested within the electrode array structure itself. The reservoir, channel, and port are integrated into the array's body, adding functionality without significantly increasing external complexity or size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the stimulation device and as the carrier for the lubricant delivery system. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The electrode array effectively reduces insertion resistance and minimizes mechanical trauma by creating a lubrication region, allowing for deeper insertion while maintaining flexibility and adapting to individual cochlear anatomies, thereby preserving neural tissue and improving the efficacy of cochlear implantation.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid delivery port and the lubricant fluid are configured to produce a lubrication region close to the outer surface of the electrode array proximal to the fluid delivery port during insertion of the electrode array into the patient cochlea so as to reduce insertion resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11524154B2Navigatable implantable electrode and collapsing lubricant reservoir

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 MED EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH

AI summary

An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system includes an elongated electrode array for insertion into a patient cochlea. A fluid delivery channel is located within the electrode array parallel to a central longitudinal axis with at least one fluid delivery port for delivering lubricant fluid from the fluid delivery channel to the outer surface of the electrode array. The fluid delivery port and the lubricant fluid are configured to produce a lubrication region close to the outer surface of the electrode array proximal to the fluid delivery port during insertion of the electrode array into the patient cochlea so as to reduce insertion resistance at an adjacent section of lateral wall of the patient cochlea.