Patent ID: 6968238
Filing Date: 2005-11-22
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. An insertion tool for use in inserting an electrode into a cochlea of a user, the electrode comprising a cochlear electrode array formed on an elongate flexible member having a longitudinal lumen passing therethrough, the longitudinal lumen being closed at its distal end, the insertion tool comprising: a hand-held implantation tool having a body and a barrel, wherein the body has the approximate size and shape of a pen or pencil; a protruding, extendable and retractable stylet wire passing through the barrel; a slidable tab along one edge of the body of the tool, the tab being connected to the stylet wire, wherein imparting sliding movement to the tab cause the stylet wire to extend out of the barrel or retract into the barrel; a guiding tube adapted to fit snugly on a distal tip of the barrel, the guiding tube having a distal end adapted to hold a proximal end of the electrode array as the insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea commences; wherein the barrel of the insertion tool includes a bend in order to facilitate guiding the stylet wire into a left or right cochlea; and further wherein the barrel of the insertion tool is attached to the body of the insertion through a swivel connection, wherein the barrel may be rotated by way of the swivel connection relative to the body of the insertion tool in order to facilitate insertions of a stylet wire, with the electrode array threaded thereon, into either a left or a right cochlea; wherein the lumen of the electrode array is adapted to be threaded onto the stylet wire prior to inserting the electrode array into the cochlea, and wherein the stylet wire is extended as the electrode array is inserted into a cochlea, and wherein the stylet wire is retracted from the electrode array once the electrode array has been inserted to a desired depth within the cochlea.