Cochlear Implant Tip Elements for Real-Time Insertion Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cochlear implant electrode leads lack the ability to monitor and evaluate electrophysiologic parameters during insertion, which is crucial for preserving residual hearing and ensuring safe and effective implantation, particularly in automated insertion methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating tip elements with conductive electrodes, such as split or ball electrodes, and optical fibers into the cochlear electrode array to stimulate and sense nerve activity during insertion, allowing for real-time feedback and mapping of cochlear function, thereby guiding the insertion process and minimizing trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated insertion methods are used for cochlear implant electrode leads, then insertion efficiency and productivity are improved, but the ability to monitor and evaluate electrophysiologic parameters during insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines automated insertion capabilities with electrophysiologic monitoring by integrating tip elements (electrodes and optical fibers) directly into the electrode array. This merging allows the automated insertion system to simultaneously perform placement and real-time monitoring of cochlear function, preserving electrophysiologic information while maintaining high insertion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where tip elements detect electrophysiologic parameters (such as auditory potentials and hair cell function) during insertion, and this information is fed back to guide the insertion process. The system can adjust insertion depth and positioning based on real-time electrophysiologic feedback, ensuring optimal electrode placement while preserving residual hearing.
2Measurement precision
If tip elements with conductive electrodes and optical fibers are incorporated into the electrode array, then the ability to detect and map cochlear function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function into separate tip elements (conductive electrodes and optical fibers) that are distributed along the electrode array. Each tip element can independently measure specific electrophysiologic parameters, allowing for localized, precise measurements of cochlear function at multiple positions simultaneously, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex monitoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as part of the electrode array for electrical stimulation and as sensors for optically-based electrophysiologic monitoring. This universal design allows the same structural components to perform multiple functions, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing measurement capabilities.
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 use of tip elements enables the detection of normal auditory potentials and extent of hair cell damage, facilitating novel stimulation paradigms and optimizing electrode placement, thus preserving residual hearing and improving the accuracy and safety of cochlear implant insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The tip of the stylet is provided with a pressure sensor which may be implemented as a fiber optic sensor, such as a Fabry-Perrot sensor
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating tip elements with conductive electrodes, such as split or ball electrodes, and optical fibers into the cochlear electrode array to stimulate and sense nerve activity
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A cochlear implant system includes an electrode array comprising a tip element and a sensing module in communication with the tip element. The sensing module detects conditions surrounding the electrode array using the tip element during insertion of the electrode array into a cochlea. Various methods for implanting a cochlear electrode array with a tip element are also presented.