Patent ID: 7406352
Filing Date: 2008-07-29
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An implantable electrode array with an elongate carrier, that can adopt a first substantially straight configuration selected to allow the array to be inserted into an implantee's ear and a preferential second spirally curved configuration wherein said electrode array is adapted to apply tissue stimulation, the array comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a plurality of electrodes supported by the elongate carrier at respective spaced locations thereon in a region between the proximal end and the distal end; and a non-bioresorbable outer layer having a length, which biases the elongate carrier into said first substantially straight configuration, the outer layer being removably adhered to the elongate carrier along a majority of the length of the outer layer until full insertion of the array into the implantee's ear, and removable after full insertion to allow the elongate carrier to adopt the preferential second spirally curved configuration.