Flexible Insertion Guide for Cochlear Electrode Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear electrode arrays tend to twist during insertion due to their pre-curved configuration, which can disrupt the intended orientation and positioning within the cochlea, affecting the efficacy of electrical stimulation in cochlear implants.
Innovation Solution
An insertion tool with a flexible insertion guide that maintains the electrode array in a substantially straight configuration, utilizing a slit or gap design to prevent twisting by offsetting the neutral bending axis from the longitudinal axis, ensuring precise alignment and orientation during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode array is pre-curved to match the cochlear shape, then it can be inserted into the cochlea, but it tends to twist during insertion due to the bias forces urging it to return to its pre-curved configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion guide applies counteracting forces through its slit/gap design to prevent the electrode array from twisting as it returns to its pre-curved configuration, maintaining stable orientation throughout the insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion guide acts as an intermediary device between the pre-curved electrode array and the cochlea, controlling the array's configuration and preventing twisting during the transition from pre-curved to inserted state
2Ease of operation
If the insertion guide is made flexible to navigate the insertion path, then it can be inserted into the cochlea, but it may allow the electrode array to twist due to bending stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The slit or gap in the insertion guide creates an asymmetric cross-sectional structure that shifts the neutral bending axis away from the longitudinal axis, which prevents twisting of the electrode array while maintaining guide flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric geometry changes the neutral axis position parameter, creating a bending behavior that prevents twisting while maintaining the flexibility needed for easy insertion
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 solution effectively prevents twisting of the electrode array during insertion, maintaining its intended configuration and improving the accuracy and effectiveness of electrical stimulation within the cochlea.
Implementation Method 1
the insertion guide is flexible in a direction lying in at least a plane lying on a longitudinal axis thereof... configured to maintain a pre-curved electrode assembly in a substantially straight configuration while preventing the electrode assembly from twisting in response to stresses induced by bias forces
Data Source
AI summary
A device, including an insertion tool including an insertion guide that is flexible in a direction lying in at least a plane lying on a longitudinal axis thereof, the insertion guide having a slit and/or a gap extending in the longitudinal direction, the plane extending through the slit and/or gap, wherein the guide configured to maintain a pre-curved electrode assembly in a substantially straight configuration while preventing the electrode assembly from twisting in response to stresses induced by bias forces which urge the assembly to return to its pre-curved configuration, when the insertion guide is flexed in the plane.