Movable Insertion Stopper for Cochlear Implant Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implant electrode arrays often face challenges during insertion due to varying cochlear duct lengths, leading to incomplete insertion and difficulties in determining the exact entry point into the scala tympani, especially with fixed insertion stoppers that may not accommodate individual anatomical variations.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear implant electrode with a movable insertion stopper that can be positioned and secured along the electrode carrier, allowing for adjustable insertion depth and serving as a radiographic marker to ensure accurate placement and reduce bacterial infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed insertion stopper is used to indicate maximum insertion depth, then the electrode array insertion depth can be controlled, but the stopper cannot accommodate individual anatomical variations in cochlear duct length and cannot be repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the fixed stopper into a movable stopper that can slide along the electrode array and be repositioned to different locations. The stopper includes a movable body with radiopaque markers that can be adjusted along the length of the electrode carrier, allowing dynamic adaptation to different cochlear duct lengths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is designed as a separable component with a movable body that can be independently positioned along the electrode array. The radiopaque markers are segmented and distributed along the stopper body, allowing for flexible positioning and radiographic identification without requiring a complex integrated mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If the electrode array is not fully inserted due to anatomical resistance or length mismatch, then patient safety is protected, but the exact entry point into scala tympani cannot be determined on radiographs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radiopaque markers that appear as distinct radiographic shadows on X-ray images. These markers are strategically positioned on the movable stopper body to provide clear visual indication of the stopper's location and the electrode array's insertion depth, enabling precise measurement without complex imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable stopper acts as an intermediary marker between the electrode array and the radiographic imaging system. By placing radiopaque markers on the stopper body, the system creates a visible reference point that mediates the measurement of insertion depth and entry point location on radiographs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable stopper is used to allow adjustable insertion depth, then adaptability to individual cochlear anatomy is improved, but the mechanism for positioning and securing the stopper becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed with a movable body that can slide freely along the electrode array during insertion, then be secured at the desired position using a securing mechanism such as friction fit or mechanical engagement. This dynamic design allows easy adjustment to different positions while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper incorporates self-securing features such as friction-based retention or elastic elements that automatically hold the stopper at the selected position without requiring additional tools or complex fastening mechanisms, making the positioning process simple and intuitive for the surgeon.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cochlear implant electrode includes an electrode carrier having an electrode array with a groove disposed in a longitudinal direction along the electrode carrier, and a stopper positioned around the electrode carrier. The stopper has a protrusion on its inner surface that is configured to be positioned within the groove such that the stopper is movable with respect to the electrode carrier.