Viscoelastic Electrode Carrier for Low-Trauma Cochlear Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hearing prostheses, such as cochlear implants, face challenges in efficiently and comfortably inserting electrode arrays into the cochlea due to the mechanical constraints and material properties of the existing designs, which can lead to discomfort and potential damage during the implantation process.

Innovation Solution

The use of a viscoelastic material for the electrode carrier, allowing the electrode array to transform from a first geometry to a second geometry without external force relief, pressure relief, mass transfer, or net energy transfer, enabling it to expand radially and adapt to the cochlear curvature, facilitating a smoother insertion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional rigid electrode arrays are used for cochlear implant insertion, then structural stability is maintained, but insertion trauma and discomfort increase due to inability to adapt to cochlear curvature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion traumaVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array carrier transitions from a rigid state during insertion to a compliant state after insertion by changing the viscoelastic properties of the material. The material exhibits time-dependent deformation characteristics, allowing it to be inserted in a compressed state and then slowly expand to its final shape, reducing insertion trauma while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array utilizes a composite structure combining rigid electrodes with a viscoelastic carrier material. This composite design allows the rigid electrodes to maintain electrical functionality while the viscoelastic carrier provides trauma-reducing compliance during insertion and subsequent expansion within the cochlea

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If electrode arrays are inserted in a deformed state to match cochlear curvature, then insertion ease is improved, but the array may not maintain proper geometry without external support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidgeometry maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array employs dynamic geometric transformation through viscoelastic material properties. The array is inserted in a compressed, space-efficient configuration and then dynamically transforms to its expanded operational geometry over time, achieving both easy insertion and proper shape maintenance without external support structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array is pre-formed with its final operational geometry but inserted in a compressed state. The viscoelastic material inherently drives the transformation from compressed to expanded geometry after insertion, eliminating the need for external force relief or support mechanisms to maintain proper shape

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrode array expands rapidly after insertion, then adaptation to cochlear shape is improved, but mechanical stress on surrounding tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecochlear shape adaptationVSAvoidmechanical stress on tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The viscoelastic material exhibits time-dependent parameter changes in its deformation rate. The expansion occurs gradually over minutes to hours rather than instantaneously, allowing the cochlear tissue to accommodate the expanding array without experiencing excessive mechanical stress, while still achieving full adaptation to the cochlear shape

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The viscoelastic material inherently provides mechanical cushioning during the expansion process. The material's viscous properties dissipate mechanical energy and reduce peak stresses on surrounding cochlear tissue during the expansion phase, protecting delicate structures while allowing gradual shape adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The viscoelastic material allows for a more comfortable and efficient insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea, reducing trauma and improving the surgical experience by allowing the array to self-adjust to the cochlear shape, enhancing patient comfort and surgical feasibility.

Implementation Method 1

the electrode carrier is made of a viscoelastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

the main body is configured to elastically expand in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis thereof after insertion into a recipient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic expansion: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12434048B2Implantable stimulating assembly

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

An electrode array, including a plurality of electrodes, and an electrode carrier carrying the plurality of electrodes, wherein the electrode carrier is made of a viscoelastic material, such as by way of example, a viscoelastic silicone, wherein in some embodiments, the electrode carrier is devoid of non-viscoelastic silicone. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrode carrier is configured to recover to a curved, unrestrained and relaxed state, from a substantially straight state in no less than thirty seconds.