Auditory prosthesis stimulation rate as a multiple of intrinsic oscillation

Abstract

An electrode insertion support device is used for inserting a cochlear implant electrode into a cochlea scala of a patient cochlea. A stiff electrode holder encloses at least a portion of a cochlear implant electrode while allowing the electrode within to slide freely. A pointed distal tip of the electrode holder is adapted to pierce an electrode opening through an outer surface of the patient cochlea into the cochlea scala. The insertion support device prevents an apical tip of the enclosed electrode from contacting tissues around the electrode opening during the insertion surgery.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application 61 / 858,659, filed July 26, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0002] The present invention relates to an insertion device for cochlear implant electrodes. Background technique [0003] Such as figure 1 As shown, the normal ear transmits sound to the tympanic membrane 102 through the outer ear 101 , which drives the bones of the middle ear 103 to move, causing the oval window and round window of the cochlea 104 to vibrate. The cochlea 104 is a long, narrow bony tube that spirals about its axis about two and a half weeks. It includes an upper channel called the scala vestibular and a lower channel called the scala tympani, which are connected by the cochlear duct. The cochlea 104 forms an upright spiral cone, the center of which is called the modiolus, in which the spiral ganglion cells of the auditory nerve 113 reside. In response to received sounds ...

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Problems solved by technology

This is frustrating and time-consuming for the surgeon, who often needs to make repetitive efforts to get the ends of the electrode array 110 through the electrode openings

Additionally, contact with moist tissue can pool blood and other fluids on the ends of the electrode array 110, which in turn can contaminate the interior of the cochlea 104.

The surgeon also strives to insert the electrode array 110 as slowly as possible by advancing the electrode array stepwise into the scala tympani, which is also time consuming

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