Progressive Insertion Middle Ear Protector Stimulation Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implants often fail to effectively stimulate nerve cells in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, and existing methods for progressive insertion of stimulation elements can lead to damage and bacterial contamination, posing risks of infection.
Innovation Solution
A stimulation assembly with a tube covering some stimulation elements, allowing initial partial insertion to preserve residual hearing and later full insertion, while the tube protects against fibrosis and bacterial contamination by forming a bacteria-resistant barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stimulation elements are fully inserted into the cochlea during initial surgery, then complete neural stimulation is achieved, but residual hearing is lost and bacterial contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation assembly is divided into multiple sets of stimulation elements (first set, second set, third set) arranged sequentially along the elongate body. This segmentation allows progressive insertion where elements are activated in stages, enabling the surgeon to insert the assembly partially initially and add more elements later without increasing bacterial contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is pre-positioned over the second and third sets of stimulation elements before insertion. This preliminary protective action prevents bacterial contamination and fibrosis formation on the elements that will be inserted later, allowing them to remain sterile until ready for use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If stimulation elements are partially inserted initially, then residual hearing is preserved, but complete neural stimulation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The stimulation assembly allows for progressive insertion where the degree of insertion can be adjusted over time. Initially, only the first set of elements is activated to preserve hearing, and later additional sets are activated as needed, making the stimulation effectiveness adaptable to the patient's evolving needs.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing stimulation elements into multiple sets that can be activated sequentially, the system enables progressive neural stimulation. This segmentation allows the surgeon to start with minimal insertion for hearing preservation and gradually increase stimulation coverage without requiring complete insertion from the beginning.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a tube covers all stimulation elements, then complete protection from fibrosis and contamination is achieved, but the tube cannot be removed for full insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented to cover only specific portions of the stimulation assembly. It covers the second and third sets of stimulation elements but leaves the first set exposed. This selective coverage allows the first set to be inserted and activated initially, while the protected second and third sets remain sterile for future insertion, enabling progressive insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube acts as an intermediary protective structure that can be selectively positioned and removed. It provides temporary protection to specific elements during the initial surgery, then can be removed to allow those elements to be inserted later, serving as a removable barrier that facilitates staged insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a stimulation assembly having an elongate body and a plurality of stimulation elements longitudinally spaced from one another along a portion of the elongate body. The stimulation assembly includes a first set of the stimulation elements and a second set of the stimulation elements. The apparatus further includes a tube over the second set of the stimulation elements. The tube is configured to be removed from the stimulation assembly.