Expandable Cochlear Implant Fixation for Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids are ineffective for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, as they cannot bypass damaged hair cells, leading to a need for implantable devices that directly stimulate auditory nerve cells.
Innovation Solution
An expandable stimulating lead assembly for cochlear implants, featuring a carrier member with an expandable portion that secures the device within the cochlea by expanding to interact with the surrounding bone structure, minimizing trauma and ensuring stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cochlear implant is secured using conventional fixation methods, then the device can be implanted, but the device may migrate or become dislodged causing trauma and requiring additional surgical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member transitions from a compressed, low-profile state during insertion to an expanded state after implantation. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to the cochlear anatomy and achieve secure fixation without causing trauma during the implantation process
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation member is pre-compressed to a small size before implantation, allowing easy insertion through the cochleostomy. After insertion, it automatically expands to counteract any forces that might cause migration or dislodgement, preventing harmful movements before they can occur
2Reliability
If the cochlear implant uses a larger fixation structure, then device stability improves, but the insertion process becomes more complex and may cause increased trauma to the cochlea
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member's size is dynamically adjusted: small during insertion to simplify the procedure and minimize trauma, then expanded to a larger size to provide stable fixation. This resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and fixation strength
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation member is inserted in a compressed state within the cochleostomy opening, then expanded outward to engage with the surrounding bone. This nesting approach allows a large fixation structure to be inserted through a small opening without increasing procedural complexity
3Reliability
If the cochlear implant uses an expandable fixation member, then device stability and sealing improve, but the implantation procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member is designed to self-expand automatically after insertion, utilizing elastic recovery or shape memory properties. This eliminates the need for separate expansion steps or additional tools, maintaining procedural efficiency while achieving secure fixation and sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation member is pre-compressed to a small size for easy insertion, then automatically expands to its functional size after placement. This preliminary compression prepares the device for quick insertion, while the subsequent automatic expansion achieves the sealing function without requiring additional surgical time
Data Source
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 a stimulating lead assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating element positioned thereon. The stimulating lead assembly further has an expandable portion thereon configured to be inserted into said reference structure in a first dimension, expand to a second dimension, and interact with a portion of the reference structure to help longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient.