Peri-straight Cochlear Electrode Array Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cochlear implant electrode lead insertion procedures are challenging due to the delicate nature of the human cochlea's spiral structure, often resulting in damage to the electrode lead or cochlear tissue, and loss of visibility and tactile feedback for surgeons, especially when using pre-curved leads that require specialized tools and techniques.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a peri-straight electrode array with a straight distal portion and a pre-curved proximal portion, loaded onto an insertion tool such that the straight distal portion extends beyond the tool's end, allowing for insertion without the tool contacting the cochlea, facilitating deeper insertion with reduced trauma and maintaining visibility and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pre-curved cochlear electrode lead is used with a stylet or sheath, then the electrode lead can be inserted into the cochlea, but the stylet or sheath must abut against or enter the insertion opening, resulting in loss of visibility and tactile feedback for the surgeon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stylet from the insertion procedure entirely. Instead of using a stylet that enters the cochlea, the electrode lead is pre-configured with a straight distal portion that extends beyond the insertion tool, allowing the tool to be kept outside the cochlea while still facilitating insertion. This eliminates the problem of lost visibility and tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the electrode lead extend beyond the insertion tool rather than the tool extending beyond the lead. This reversal allows the insertion tool to remain external to the cochlea, maintaining surgical visibility and tactile feedback while still enabling proper electrode placement.
2Ease of operation
If a pre-curved cochlear electrode lead is used with specialized surgical tools, then the electrode lead can be inserted into the cochlea, but the procedure becomes complex and requires specialized training and experience
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode lead is designed to be self-configuring during insertion. The pre-curved proximal portion and straight distal portion automatically assume their proper spatial relationship as the lead is advanced, eliminating the need for specialized tools to manipulate or shape the lead during surgery. This simplifies the procedure and reduces the need for specialized training.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode lead is pre-configured with the proximal portion curved and the distal portion straight before insertion. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex intraoperative manipulation and specialized tools, allowing for a simpler, more standardized insertion procedure that can be performed with常规 surgical skills.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pre-curved cochlear electrode lead is used, then the electrode lead can conform to the helical shape of the cochlea, but improper insertion can result in damage to the electrode lead, cochlear tissue, and improper electrode placement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode lead has different structural properties in different regions: the proximal portion is pre-curved to conform to the helical shape of the cochlea, while the distal portion is straight to facilitate controlled insertion. This local differentiation allows the lead to adapt to the cochlear geometry without requiring complex manipulation that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode lead is pre-configured with the appropriate curvature and straight portions before insertion. This preliminary configuration ensures that the lead will naturally conform to the cochlear shape as it is advanced, reducing the risk of improper placement and tissue damage without requiring complex intraoperative manipulation.
4Ease of operation
If the insertion tool enters or contacts the cochlea during insertion, then the electrode lead can be advanced into the cochlea, but visibility and tactile feedback are lost and intra-cochlear trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the insertion tool from the cochlea entirely. The straight distal portion of the electrode lead extends beyond the insertion tool, allowing the tool to be kept outside the cochlea during insertion. This eliminates the source of intra-cochlear trauma while maintaining the ability to advance the electrode lead properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The straight distal portion of the electrode lead acts as an intermediary that extends beyond the insertion tool. This allows the tool to facilitate insertion without entering the cochlea, transferring the beneficial mechanical action while avoiding the harmful contact with sensitive cochlear structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method of inserting a peri-straight electrode array into a cochlea of a recipient includes positioning the peri-straight electrode array and an insertion tool within the recipient such that a distal end of the insertion tool is provided within the recipient at a location that is outside and not touching the cochlea of the recipient, and a straight distal portion of the peri-straight electrode array extends away from the distal end of the insertion tool and into the cochlea. The exemplary method further includes manually interacting with the insertion tool to advance the straight distal portion and at least some of a pre-curved proximal portion into the cochlea without allowing the insertion tool to enter or come in contact with the cochlea, and removing the insertion tool from the recipient such that the peri-straight electrode array remains within the cochlea after the insertion tool is removed from the recipient.