Patent ID: 6266568
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A cochlear electrode array adapted for insertion into the scala tympani of a human cochlea, one side or wall of the scala tympani comprising a modiolar wall, said electrode array comprising:a flexible body portion;a plurality of electrode contacts spaced apart along a first side of the body portion;a bundle of wires embedded within the flexible body portion, at least one wire within the bundle of wires making electrical contact with at least one of the plurality of electrode contacts;an inflatable portion extendable from a second side of the body portion opposite the first side; anda tube, having a channel passing therethrough, embedded within and integral with the flexible body portion, the channel of the tube being in fluid communication with the inflatable portion;wherein a fluid injected through the channel into the inflatable portion causes the inflatable portion to expand; andwherein when inserted into the scala tympani with the inflatable portion deflated and with the first side of the body portion facing the modiolar wall, inflation of the inflatable portion thereafter causes the electrode array to hug the modiolar wall.