Patent ID: 8401674
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: A61M,A61N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A cochlear implant electrode assembly device comprising: a resiliently flexible elongate member having disposed therein a sealable reservoir configured to receive a bio-active substance; a plurality of electrodes mounted on said elongate member configured to provide stimulation to a cochlea; a stiffening member configured to bias the elongate member into a first configuration, wherein the elongate member adopts a second configuration upon deactivation or removal of the stiffening member, and wherein the stiffening member extends through a lumen in the elongate member, the stiffening member made of a material relatively stiffer than the resiliently flexible material of the elongate member, and formed from one of: a bioresorbable material which softens or dissolves on exposure to a cochlear fluid, and a non bioresorbable material selected from the group comprising a metallic stylet and a non metallic stylet; and a substance egress configured to fluidically couple said reservoir to an exterior of said elongate member, wherein said substance egress is configured to release said bio-active substance from said reservoir, wherein said substance egress comprises an opening in said reservoir, wherein said opening is sealed, and wherein said opening is configured to be unsealed following implantation of said device.