Patent ID: 6195586
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An implantable electrode system for use with a tissue stimulation device comprising an electrode array and a positioner, the electrode array and the positioner being joined together near their distal end but not joined anywhere else, wherein:the electrode array comprises:a flexible carrier having a medial side,a multiplicity of electrodes on the flexible carrier having an exposed surface area, anda multiplicity of wires embedded within the flexible carrier, at least one wire of the multiplicity of wires being electrically and physically connected to a respective electrode; and whereinthe positioner comprises:an elongate silastic member having a tapered cross section, with a distal tip of the positioner having a smaller cross section than a proximal end of the positioner,the positioner having a length which allows the distal tip of the positioner to be inserted into the cochlea to a depth of about 1 to 11/2 turns when the proximal end is at the opening of the cochlea,wherein the cross sectional size of the positioner fills only a fraction of the available space within the cochlea, whereby the electrode array may jointly occupy the space within the cochlea with the positioner, andwherein the positioner includes a lumen that passes longitudinally through the elongate silastic member.