WO2014093288A1 - Hearing implant housing with bottom surface lead - Google Patents
Hearing implant housing with bottom surface lead Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014093288A1 WO2014093288A1 PCT/US2013/074021 US2013074021W WO2014093288A1 WO 2014093288 A1 WO2014093288 A1 WO 2014093288A1 US 2013074021 W US2013074021 W US 2013074021W WO 2014093288 A1 WO2014093288 A1 WO 2014093288A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- implant
- implant housing
- patient
- cochlea
- electrode lead
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/02—Details
- A61N1/04—Electrodes
- A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
- A61N1/0526—Head electrodes
- A61N1/0541—Cochlear electrodes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/36036—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation of the outer, middle or inner ear
- A61N1/36038—Cochlear stimulation
Definitions
- the present invention relates to hearing implant systems such as cochlear implant systems.
- a normal ear transmits sounds as shown in Figure 1 through the outer ear 101 to the tympanic membrane (eardrum) 102, which moves the bones of the middle ear 103, which in turn vibrate the oval window and round window openings of the cochlea 104.
- the cochlea 104 is a long narrow duct wound spirally about its axis for approximately two and a half turns.
- the cochlea 104 includes an upper channel known as the scala vestibuli and a lower channel known as the scala tympani, which are connected by the cochlear duct.
- the scala tympani forms an upright spiraling cone with a center called the modiolar where the spiral ganglion cells of the acoustic nerve 113 reside.
- the fluid filled cochlea 104 functions as a transducer to generate electric pulses that are transmitted to the cochlear nerve 113, and ultimately to the brain. Hearing is impaired when there are problems in the ability to transduce external sounds into meaningful action potentials along the neural substrate of the cochlea 104.
- FIG. 1 shows some components of a typical cochlear implant system where an external microphone provides an audio signal input to an external signal processing stage 111 which implements one of various known signal processing schemes. The processed signal is converted by the external signal processing stage 111 into a digital data format, such as a sequence of data frames, for transmission into a receiver processor in an implant housing 108.
- the receiver processor in the implant housing 108 may perform additional signal processing such as error correction, pulse formation, etc., and produces a stimulation pattern (based on the extracted audio information) that is sent through wires in an electrode lead 109 to an implanted electrode array 110.
- the electrode array 110 includes multiple electrodes on its surface that provide selective stimulation of the cochlea 104.
- the electrode lead 109 connects to a side wall of the implant housing 108 and continues through an appropriate diameter passage in the mastoid bone of the patient, through the middle ear 103 and to the cochlea 104. But this arrangement leaves the side wall connection between the electrode lead 109 and the implant housing 108 exposed to mechanical impacts that might occur on the immediately overlying skin.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a cochlear implant system which includes an implant housing containing a stimulation processor for processing externally produced communications signals to generate electrical stimulation signals for the cochlea of an implant patient.
- the implant housing has a lower portion adapted to fit down into a passage through the mastoid bone of the implant patient.
- An electrode lead is connected to a bottom surface of the lower portion of the implant housing and continues through the electrode passage and into the cochlea of the implant patient to deliver the electrical stimulation signals to target auditory neural tissue within the cochlea for perception by the patient as sound.
- the implant housing may also include an upper portion adapted to protrude above the outer surface of the mastoid bone. And there may typically be a receiver coil adjacent to the implant housing for receiving the communications signals from an external transmitter coil on the skin of the patient over the receiver coil, a coil connector lead for electrically connecting the receiver coil to the stimulation processor, and a malleable lead guard containing the coil connector lead.
- the electrode lead may be connected perpendicularly or non-perpendicularly to the bottom surface. And the electrode lead may be connected to the bottom surface at a center point of the bottom surface, or at an offset distance from the center point of the bottom surface.
- the bottom surface of the implant housing may include electrical feed-through contacts for disconnectable connection of the electrode lead to the bottom surface of the implant housing.
- Figure 1 shows various anatomical structures of the human ear and components of a typical cochlear implant system in relation thereto.
- Figure 2 shows a cochlear implant arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an implant housing with an electrode lead on its bottom surface. Such an arrangement protects the connection point between the implant housing and the electrode lead from exposure to mechanical impacts.
- FIG. 2 shows a cochlear implant 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- a small cylindrical metal implant housing 201 lies under the skin 209 of the implant patient on the mastoid bone 207 and contains electronic circuitry such as a stimulation processor for processing externally produced communications signals to generate electrical stimulation signals for the cochlea of an implant patient.
- a receiver coil 204 also lies under the skin 209 on the outer surface of the mastoid bone 207 adjacent to the implant housing 201 for receiving the communications signals from an external transmitter coil (not shown) on the skin 209 over the receiver coil 204.
- the receiver coil 204 also typically encloses an implant holding magnet that cooperates with a
- a malleable lead guard 205 encloses a coil connector lead that electrically connects the receiver coil 204 through a side wall of the implant housing 201 to the enclosed stimulation processor.
- the malleable nature of the wire guard 205 helps ensure an ergonomic attachment of the implantable portion to the outer surface of the mastoid bone 207. And no prepared bone bed is needed for the receiver coil 204 or the wire guard 205.
- the implant housing 201 may be fixed to the mastoid bone 207 by bone screws through one or more screw flanges of the implant housing (not shown).
- An upper portion 206 of the implant housing protrudes above the outer surface of the mastoid bone 207.
- a lower portion 202 of the implant housing 201 is adapted to fit down into an electrode passage 208 through the mastoid bone 207 of the implant patient.
- An electrode lead 203 is connected to a bottom surface of the lower portion 202 of the implant housing 201 and continues through the electrode passage 208 and into the cochlea of the implant patient to deliver the electrical stimulation signals to target auditory neural tissue within the cochlea for perception by the patient as sound. This arrangement protects the connection point of the electrode lead 203 to the implant housing 201 from external mechanical impact forces.
- the electrode lead 203 may be connected perpendicularly or non-perpendicularly to the bottom surface of the lower portion 202, either at a center point or at an offset distance from the center point.
- the implant housing 201 may have electrical feed-through contacts on the bottom surface of the lower portion 202 for the electrical connection of the current sources within the implant housing 201 to the electrode lead 203. That allows a disconnectable connection between the electrode lead 203 and the implant housing 201 so that the electrode lead 203 can be attached to the implant housing after the electrode array at the distal end of the electrode lead 203 has been surgically inserted into the desired location in the cochlea. Such a disconnectable connection allows for subsequent removal and repair of the main implant 200 without disturbing the implanted electrode array within the cochlea.
- the implant housing 201 may have similar electrical feed-through contacts on its top or side surfaces for the electrical connection of the current sources within the implant housing 201 to the receiver coil 204 and/or a reference electrode (not shown).
- a reference electrode not shown.
- One drawback of embodiments where the electrode lead 203 is permanently attached to the bottom surface of the implant housing 201 is that during surgical insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea, the body of the implant housing 201 may obstruct the surgeon's view through the electrode passage 208 in a distal direction towards the outer surface of the cochlea.
- Such embodiments may be best suited for robotic surgery with computer aided insertion techniques where the electrode insertion is at least partly automatized so that parameters such as insertion force, lead guidance, etc. may be controlled by connected sensors/electronic circuits.
Abstract
A cochlear implant system is described which includes an implant housing containing a stimulation processor for processing externally produced communications signals to generate electrical stimulation signals for the cochlea of an implant patient. The implant housing has a lower portion adapted to fit down into a passage through the mastoid bone of the implant patient. An electrode lead is connected to a bottom surface of the lower portion of the implant housing and continues through the electrode passage and into the cochlea of the implant patient to deliver the electrical stimulation signals to target auditory neural tissue within the cochlea for perception by the patient as sound.
Description
TITLE
Hearing Implant Housing with Bottom Surface Lead
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/735,583, filed December 11, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to hearing implant systems such as cochlear implant systems.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] A normal ear transmits sounds as shown in Figure 1 through the outer ear 101 to the tympanic membrane (eardrum) 102, which moves the bones of the middle ear 103, which in turn vibrate the oval window and round window openings of the cochlea 104. The cochlea 104 is a long narrow duct wound spirally about its axis for approximately two and a half turns. The cochlea 104 includes an upper channel known as the scala vestibuli and a lower channel known as the scala tympani, which are connected by the cochlear duct. The scala tympani forms an upright spiraling cone with a center called the modiolar where the spiral ganglion cells of the acoustic nerve 113 reside. In response to received sounds transmitted by the middle ear 103, the fluid filled cochlea 104 functions as a transducer to generate electric pulses that are transmitted to the cochlear nerve 113, and ultimately to the brain. Hearing is impaired when there are problems in the ability to transduce external sounds into meaningful action potentials along the neural substrate of the cochlea 104.
[0004] In some cases, hearing impairment can be addressed by a cochlear implant that electrically stimulates auditory nerve tissue with small currents delivered by multiple electrode contacts distributed along an implant electrode. Figure 1 shows some components of a typical cochlear implant system where an external microphone provides an audio signal input to an external signal processing stage 111 which implements one of various known signal processing schemes. The processed signal is converted by the external signal processing stage 111 into a digital data format, such as a sequence of data
frames, for transmission into a receiver processor in an implant housing 108. Besides extracting the audio information, the receiver processor in the implant housing 108 may perform additional signal processing such as error correction, pulse formation, etc., and produces a stimulation pattern (based on the extracted audio information) that is sent through wires in an electrode lead 109 to an implanted electrode array 110. Typically, the electrode array 110 includes multiple electrodes on its surface that provide selective stimulation of the cochlea 104.
[0005] Typically, the electrode lead 109 connects to a side wall of the implant housing 108 and continues through an appropriate diameter passage in the mastoid bone of the patient, through the middle ear 103 and to the cochlea 104. But this arrangement leaves the side wall connection between the electrode lead 109 and the implant housing 108 exposed to mechanical impacts that might occur on the immediately overlying skin.
SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a cochlear implant system which includes an implant housing containing a stimulation processor for processing externally produced communications signals to generate electrical stimulation signals for the cochlea of an implant patient. The implant housing has a lower portion adapted to fit down into a passage through the mastoid bone of the implant patient. An electrode lead is connected to a bottom surface of the lower portion of the implant housing and continues through the electrode passage and into the cochlea of the implant patient to deliver the electrical stimulation signals to target auditory neural tissue within the cochlea for perception by the patient as sound.
[0007] The implant housing may also include an upper portion adapted to protrude above the outer surface of the mastoid bone. And there may typically be a receiver coil adjacent to the implant housing for receiving the communications signals from an external transmitter coil on the skin of the patient over the receiver coil, a coil connector lead for electrically connecting the receiver coil to the stimulation processor, and a malleable lead guard containing the coil connector lead.
[0008] In specific embodiments, the electrode lead may be connected perpendicularly or non-perpendicularly to the bottom surface. And the electrode lead may be connected to the bottom surface at a center point of the bottom surface, or at an offset distance from the center point of the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the implant housing may include electrical feed-through contacts for disconnectable connection of the electrode lead to the bottom surface of the implant housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Figure 1 shows various anatomical structures of the human ear and components of a typical cochlear implant system in relation thereto.
[0010] Figure 2 shows a cochlear implant arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an implant housing with an electrode lead on its bottom surface. Such an arrangement protects the connection point between the implant housing and the electrode lead from exposure to mechanical impacts.
[0012] Figure 2 shows a cochlear implant 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A small cylindrical metal implant housing 201 lies under the skin 209 of the implant patient on the mastoid bone 207 and contains electronic circuitry such as a stimulation processor for processing externally produced communications signals to generate electrical stimulation signals for the cochlea of an implant patient. A receiver coil 204 also lies under the skin 209 on the outer surface of the mastoid bone 207 adjacent to the implant housing 201 for receiving the communications signals from an external transmitter coil (not shown) on the skin 209 over the receiver coil 204. The receiver coil 204 also typically encloses an implant holding magnet that cooperates with a
corresponding external holding magnet within the transmitter coil to hold the transmitter coil in position over the receiver coil 204.
[0013] A malleable lead guard 205 encloses a coil connector lead that electrically
connects the receiver coil 204 through a side wall of the implant housing 201 to the enclosed stimulation processor. The malleable nature of the wire guard 205 helps ensure an ergonomic attachment of the implantable portion to the outer surface of the mastoid bone 207. And no prepared bone bed is needed for the receiver coil 204 or the wire guard 205. The implant housing 201 may be fixed to the mastoid bone 207 by bone screws through one or more screw flanges of the implant housing (not shown).
[0014] An upper portion 206 of the implant housing protrudes above the outer surface of the mastoid bone 207. A lower portion 202 of the implant housing 201 is adapted to fit down into an electrode passage 208 through the mastoid bone 207 of the implant patient. An electrode lead 203 is connected to a bottom surface of the lower portion 202 of the implant housing 201 and continues through the electrode passage 208 and into the cochlea of the implant patient to deliver the electrical stimulation signals to target auditory neural tissue within the cochlea for perception by the patient as sound. This arrangement protects the connection point of the electrode lead 203 to the implant housing 201 from external mechanical impact forces. In specific embodiments, the electrode lead 203 may be connected perpendicularly or non-perpendicularly to the bottom surface of the lower portion 202, either at a center point or at an offset distance from the center point.
[0015] The implant housing 201 may have electrical feed-through contacts on the bottom surface of the lower portion 202 for the electrical connection of the current sources within the implant housing 201 to the electrode lead 203. That allows a disconnectable connection between the electrode lead 203 and the implant housing 201 so that the electrode lead 203 can be attached to the implant housing after the electrode array at the distal end of the electrode lead 203 has been surgically inserted into the desired location in the cochlea. Such a disconnectable connection allows for subsequent removal and repair of the main implant 200 without disturbing the implanted electrode array within the cochlea. In some embodiments, the implant housing 201 may have similar electrical feed-through contacts on its top or side surfaces for the electrical connection of the current sources within the implant housing 201 to the receiver coil 204 and/or a reference electrode (not shown).
[0016] One drawback of embodiments where the electrode lead 203 is permanently attached to the bottom surface of the implant housing 201 is that during surgical insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea, the body of the implant housing 201 may obstruct the surgeon's view through the electrode passage 208 in a distal direction towards the outer surface of the cochlea. Such embodiments may be best suited for robotic surgery with computer aided insertion techniques where the electrode insertion is at least partly automatized so that parameters such as insertion force, lead guidance, etc. may be controlled by connected sensors/electronic circuits.
[0017] Although various exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made which will achieve some of the advantages of the invention without departing from the true scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A cochlear implant system comprising:
an implant housing containing a stimulation processor for processing externally produced communications signals to generate electrical stimulation signals for the cochlea of an implant patient, the implant housing having a lower portion adapted to fit down into a passage through the mastoid bone of the implant patient; and
an electrode lead connected to a bottom surface of the lower portion of the implant housing and continuing through the electrode passage and into the cochlea of the implant patient to deliver the electrical stimulation signals to target auditory neural tissue within the cochlea for perception by the patient as sound.
2. The system according to claim I, wherein the implant housing further comprises: an upper portion adapted to protrude above the outer surface of the mastoid bone.
3. The system according to claim 1 further comprising:
a receiver coil adjacent to the implant housing for receiving the communications signals from an external transmitter coil on the skin of the patient over the receiver coil.
4. The system according to claim 3, further comprising:
a coil connector lead for electrically connecting the receiver coil to the stimulation processor; and
a malleable lead guard containing the coil connector lead.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electrode lead is connected
perpendicularly to the bottom surface.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electrode lead is connected non- perpendicularly to the bottom surface.
7. The system according to claim I, wherein the electrode lead is connected to the bottom surface at a center point of the bottom surface.
8. The system according to claim I, wherein the electrode lead is connected to the bottom surface at an offset distance from a center point of the bottom surface.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the implant housing includes a plurality of electrical feed-through contacts for disconnectable connection of the electrode lead to the bottom surface of the implant housing.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201261735583P | 2012-12-11 | 2012-12-11 | |
| US61/735,583 | 2012-12-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2014093288A1 true WO2014093288A1 (en) | 2014-06-19 |
Family
ID=50934874
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2013/074021 WO2014093288A1 (en) | 2012-12-11 | 2013-12-10 | Hearing implant housing with bottom surface lead |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2014093288A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11065461B2 (en) | 2019-07-08 | 2021-07-20 | Bioness Inc. | Implantable power adapter |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5814095A (en) * | 1996-09-18 | 1998-09-29 | Implex Gmbh Spezialhorgerate | Implantable microphone and implantable hearing aids utilizing same |
| US6272382B1 (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2001-08-07 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Fully implantable cochlear implant system |
| US20110160855A1 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2011-06-30 | Peter Gibson | Cochlear implant component having a unitary faceplate |
-
2013
- 2013-12-10 WO PCT/US2013/074021 patent/WO2014093288A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5814095A (en) * | 1996-09-18 | 1998-09-29 | Implex Gmbh Spezialhorgerate | Implantable microphone and implantable hearing aids utilizing same |
| US6272382B1 (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2001-08-07 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Fully implantable cochlear implant system |
| US20110160855A1 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2011-06-30 | Peter Gibson | Cochlear implant component having a unitary faceplate |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11065461B2 (en) | 2019-07-08 | 2021-07-20 | Bioness Inc. | Implantable power adapter |
| US11890485B2 (en) | 2019-07-08 | 2024-02-06 | Bioness Inc. | Implantable power adapter |
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