Patent ID: 7974712
Filing Date: 2011-07-05
Classification: A61F,A61N,B28B

Abstract:
1. An implantable electrode array comprising a carrier that is insertable into a cochlea of an implantee, the carrier having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising: a first molded layer of a resiliently flexible material and having an inner surface and an outer surface; at least a second molded layer of a resiliently flexible material having an inner surface that at least partially overlies the outer surface of the first layer, the portion of said inner surface of the second molded layer overlying said outer surface of the first molded layer and having a shape conforming to the shape of the portion of said outer surface that it overlies; and a plurality of electrodes supported within the carrier at respective spaced locations in a region between the proximal end and the distal end of the carrier, at least one of the electrodes having a surface that is at least adjacent the inner surface of the first molded layer; wherein the carrier is formed in a second configuration in which the array can apply tissue stimulation to the cochlea and is manipulable to a first configuration that allows the carrier to be insertable into the cochlea of an implantee, and