Cochlear Lead Stiffening Element for Revision Surgery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implant revision surgeries face challenges due to tissue occlusions and the need for precise insertion of new electrode arrays without kinking or damaging delicate wires and electrodes, especially in cases with scar tissue or ossification.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear lead design featuring a stiffening element that provides additional rigidity, conforms to the cochlea's shape, and redirects insertion force to facilitate deeper insertion while minimizing damage, using a combination of biocompatible materials and a plastically deformable tip to overcome obstructive tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new cochlear lead is inserted into a cochlea with occluding tissue, then hearing restoration can be achieved, but the insertion process becomes difficult and may cause damage to the lead
Solution Approach 1:
The cochlear lead is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible proximal portion for navigation and a stiff distal portion for electrode insertion. This segmentation allows the lead to adapt to the cochlear anatomy while maintaining the ability to overcome tissue occlusions at the insertion point.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cochlear lead have different mechanical properties. The proximal portion is flexible to conform to the cochlear shape, while the distal portion is stiff to penetrate and navigate through occluding tissue. This local differentiation of properties enables the lead to handle the varying mechanical requirements along its length.
2Length of stationary object
If insertion force is applied to overcome occluding tissue, then deeper insertion is achieved, but kinking and damage to wires and electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead is segmented into flexible and stiff portions, allowing the flexible proximal section to absorb insertion forces through deformation while the stiff distal section maintains its shape and prevents kinking during deep insertion through occluding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible proximal portion acts as a cushioning element that deforms beforehand to absorb insertion forces, protecting the delicate wires and electrodes from kinking and damage during the high-force insertion process required to overcome occluding tissue.
3Ease of operation
If the cochlear lead is made flexible to conform to the cochlea, then insertion is easier, but the lead lacks the rigidity needed to overcome occluding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The cochlear lead exhibits local quality differentiation where the proximal portion is flexible to facilitate easy insertion and conform to the cochlear anatomy, while the distal portion is stiff to provide the necessary strength for overcoming occluding tissue and maintaining electrode position.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the lead into distinct flexible and stiff portions, the design allows each segment to optimize its mechanical properties for its specific function: the flexible proximal segment for easy insertion and the stiff distal segment for overcoming tissue occlusions.
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 design enhances surgeon control, reduces kinking, and ensures full insertion of the electrode array, even in partially ossified or fibrous cochleae, by distributing insertion forces tangentially and conforming to the cochlear shape, thereby improving the success rate of revision surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
A stiffening element may be disposed within the flexible body and extend from the distal end of the electrode array to a proximal location within the flexible body. The stiffening element provides additional rigidity to the cochlear lead.
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of biocompatible materials and a plastically deformable tip to overcome obstructive tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body, the stiffening element extending past a most distal electrode at the tip of the cochlear lead, wherein a distal portion of the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea.