Low-Profile Electrode Carrier for Atraumatic Cochlear Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implants often damage the delicate structures of the cochlea and disrupt natural hydrodynamic behavior, forcing individuals to choose between preserving residual low-frequency hearing or achieving high-frequency sound perception, as they require breaching the scala tympani for effective implantation.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier with a corresponding guide tube is designed for atraumatic intra- and extra-cochlea implantation, allowing precise placement of electrodes in the tonotopically-mapped cochlea without damaging existing structures, and is pre-curved to attain a perimodiolar position for minimal stimulation current and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional electrode carrier is implanted into the scala tympani to provide high-frequency hearing sensation, then high-frequency hearing is improved, but residual low-frequency hearing is damaged or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the hearing frequency spectrum into two segments: high-frequency sounds are delivered via the implanted electrode carrier stimulating basal nerve cells, while low-to-mid-frequency sounds are preserved through the recipient's natural hearing. This segmentation allows simultaneous benefit from both implantation and residual hearing without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode carrier acts as an intermediary device that selectively targets basal nerve cells responsible for high-frequency perception without interfering with the hydrodynamic mechanisms that enable low-frequency natural hearing. The carrier is designed to deliver stimulation only to the specific neural population needed for high-frequency sensation.
2Reliability
If the electrode carrier breaches the scala tympani for implantation, then effective electrical stimulation is achieved, but natural hydrodynamic behavior of the cochlea is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode carrier is designed with localized stimulation capability, concentrating electrical delivery to the specific region of basal nerve cells within the scala tympani. This localized approach achieves reliable high-frequency stimulation while minimizing disruption to the broader hydrodynamic environment of the cochlea.
3Area of stationary object
If a standard electrode carrier is used, then adequate coverage of cochlear structures is achieved, but the carrier volume interferes with natural auditory functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode carrier is designed to be flexible and adaptable, capable of conforming to the contours of the scala tympani and navigating the cochlear structure dynamically. This dynamic design allows the carrier to achieve adequate coverage of target structures while maintaining a low profile that minimizes interference with natural auditory hydrodynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode carrier employs a thin-film, flexible construction that allows it to conform to the delicate cochlear structures without creating significant hydrodynamic resistance or mechanical interference. The thin-profile design enables adequate structural coverage while preserving natural fluid flow patterns essential for low-frequency hearing.
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
This solution enables improved high-frequency hearing in individuals with residual low-frequency hearing by directly stimulating basal nerve cells while preserving natural low-to-mid-frequency sound perception, making it beneficial for electro-acoustic stimulation devices.
Implementation Method 1
directly delivering electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve fibers via an implanted electrode assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals. In one particular embodiment, the carrier is pre-curved to attain a perimodiolar position in the scala tympani to facilitate accurate delivery of electrical stimulation with a minimum stimulation current and power consumption.