Patent ID: 6421569
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: A61F,A61N

Abstract:
A cochlear electrode array kit for stimulating an auditory nerve of a patient, said electrode array kit comprising:an elongated carrier arranged and constructed to have a first and a second configuration and having a carrier surface, said electrodes are positioned to apply stimulation to said auditory nerve, and a lumen extending longitudinally through said carrier, said lumen having a cross-sectional dimension which increases as said elongated carrier changes shape from said first to said second configuration to allow said stylet to be withdrawn; a plurality of electrodes disposed on said carrier surface; and a plurality of wires connected to said electrodes and embedded in said carrier to provide signals to said electrodes; wherein said elongated carrier in said first configuration is insertable into said cochlear and wherein in said second configuration after insertion, said electrodes are positioned to apply stimulation to said auditory nerve; and a stylet sized to fit into said lumen and extend substantially through said carrier, said stylet, said wires and said carrier cooperating to change said elongated carrier between said first and second configuration.