Passive Cochlear Implant with Percutaneous Lead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids relying on air conduction are inadequate for sensorineural hearing loss, and existing cochlear implants with internal active electronic components pose challenges in implantation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear implant system with a percutaneous lead assembly and passive electronic components, where the electrode array is implanted in the cochlea, and an external stimulator provides electrical stimulation through a wired connection, allowing for minimally invasive surgery and reduced risk of implant failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hearing aids relying on air conduction are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they are inadequate for sensorineural hearing loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active electronic components (stimulator, battery, processing electronics) from the implantable portion and places them in an external wearable device. The implantable portion retains only passive components (electrode array, connector, lead assembly), thereby achieving effective electrical stimulation for sensorineural hearing loss while minimizing surgical complexity and implant burden
2Reliability
If cochlear implants with internal active electronic components are used, then effective electrical stimulation is achieved, but implantation complexity and maintenance challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cochlear implant system is segmented into two distinct parts: an external portion containing all active electronic components (stimulator, battery, signal processor) and an implantable portion containing only passive components (electrode array, connector, lead assembly). This segmentation allows the implantable portion to be implanted through minimally invasive surgery while the external portion can be programmed and adjusted non-invasively
Solution Approach 2:
A percutaneous lead assembly serves as an intermediary component that extends from the electrode array through the skin to connect with the external stimulator. This intermediary structure enables wired communication and power transmission between the implantable and external portions without requiring complex internal electronics in the implant
3Ease of operation
If percutaneous lead assembly with wired connection is used, then implantation is simplified and maintenance is easier, but the lead assembly must extend through the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The percutaneous lead assembly serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the electrode array, transmits electrical signals between the implantable and external portions, conducts power from the external battery to the implantable components, and enables bidirectional communication for programming and data transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system
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
Enables effective electrical stimulation of the cochlea for hearing perception with reduced surgical complexity and lower risk of implant complications, improving hearing outcomes for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss.
Implementation Method 1
the lead assembly is a percutaneous lead assembly, and the connector is configured to place the lead assembly into wired communication with an external stimulator of the hearing prosthesis
Data Source
AI summary
An electric hearing prosthesis, wherein the electric hearing prosthesis includes an implantable portion configured to electrically stimulate a cochlea to evoke a hearing percept, and an external portion configured to be in wired communication with the implantable portion, wherein the electronic components of the implantable portion are all passive electronic components.