Implantable universal docking station for prosthetic hearing devices

A system for implantation in a recipient comprising: first and second functional implantable components configured to interoperate in order to stimulate the recipient's ear, and an implantable docking station having a plurality of interfaces, the interfaces comprising: a first interface configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to the first component, and at least a second interface configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to the second component, wherein one of the plurality of interfaces is configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to a third component, and wherein the third component is configured to perform an analogous function as one of the first and second components.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to prosthetic hearing devices, and more particularly, to an implantable universal docking station for prosthetic hearing devices.

2. Related Art

There are two basic types of hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. The majority of human sensorineural hearing loss is caused by abnormalities or damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. Hair cells in the cochlea are the sensory receptors that transduce sound to nerve impulses. Acoustic hearing aids may be appropriate for those who suffer from mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. In cases of severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss, a cochlear implant may be the appropriate choice. Cochlear implants bypass the hair cells in the cochlea and directly stimulate the auditory nerve fibers in the cochlea. Stimulation of the auditory nerve fibers creates the sensation of hearing in the recipient.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the conduction of sound from the external or middle ear to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss may be caused by disease or trauma that interferes with the motion of the ossicles, the three bones of the middle ear that conduct sound to the cochlea. It may also be caused by a failure of the tympanic membrane to vibrate in response to sound channeled from the outer ear through the middle ear. Conductive hearing loss are traditionally treated by acoustic hearing aids and middle ear implants.

Still other individuals suffer from mixed hearing losses, that is, conductive hearing loss in conjunction with sensorineural hearing. In other words, there may be damage in the outer or middle ear and the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve.

While many individuals suffering from conductive hearing loss often use acoustic hearing aids, such hearing aids may not be suitable for certain individuals, such as those suffering from chronic ear infections or from single-sided deafness. An alternative treatment is the use of bone conduction hearing prostheses.

Bone conduction hearing prostheses utilize an individual's bone to transmit acoustic signals to the cochlea. Generally, most bone conduction hearing prostheses function by converting a received sound signal into vibration. This vibration is then transferred to the individual's bone. This skull vibration results in motion of the fluid of the cochlea, thereby stimulating the cochlear hair cells and causing the perception of sound in the recipient.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for implantation in a recipient is provided. The system comprises: first and second functional implantable components configured to interoperate in order to stimulate the recipient's ear, and an implantable docking station having a plurality of interfaces, the interfaces comprising: a first interface configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to the first component, and at least a second interface configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to the second component, wherein one of the plurality of interfaces is configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to a third component, and wherein the third component is configured to perform an analogous function as one of the first and second components.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for upgrading an implanted system comprising an implanted docking station having a plurality of interfaces, a first one of the interfaces at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connected to a first functional implantable component, and a second one of the interfaces at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connected to a second implantable component is provided. The method comprises: disconnecting the first component from the implanted docking station, removing the disconnected component from the recipient, at least one of mechanically and electrically connecting a third component having an analogous function as the first component to one of the plurality of mechanical interfaces.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an implantable docking station is provided. The implantable docking station comprises: a plurality of interfaces comprising: a first interface configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to a first functional implantable component, and at least a second interface configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to a second functional component, wherein the first and second functional implantable components are configured to interoperate in order to stimulate the recipient's ear, and wherein one of the plurality of interfaces is configured to at least one of detachably mechanically and electrically connect to a third component, and wherein the third component is configured to perform an analogous function as one of the first and second components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to an implantable docking station having a plurality of interfaces which mechanically and/or electrically connect to functional components of an implantable medical device. The plurality of interfaces provides the ability to connect the docking station to a variety of functional components, thereby facilitating the upgrading and/or replacement of prosthesis components.

More specifically, in embodiments of the present invention, the docking station is implantable in the recipient and a first set of functional components are mechanically and/or electrically connected thereto. At a later time, an additional functional component may be connected to the docking station to interoperate with the first set of components. Alternatively, at the later time, one of the first set of components may be replaced by an additional functional component which performs an analogous function as the replaced component. Thus, the docking station provides a surgeon with the ability to upgrade and/or replace components of the implantable medical device without the need to implant mechanical and/or electrical connections specifically suited for the additional component.

As used herein, “analogous components” or components that perform an “analogous” function are those which provide a similar type of benefit to the recipient or the implantable device as compared to the components being upgraded or replaced, but by a different process, or using different anatomy, and so forth. For example, one power source technology may be considered analogous to a newer or better power source technology, since both provide power to the device. Furthermore, an implantable component used to provide hearing stimulation to the recipient by an implanted cochlear array may be considered analogous to an implantable component which provides bone-conduction hearing stimulation, or a middle-ear mechanical stimulator, because both components stimulate a recipient's ear.

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein primarily in connection with one type of implantable medical device, prosthetic hearing devices, and namely Cochlear™ prostheses (commonly referred to as a cochlear prosthetic devices, cochlear implant, cochlear devices, and the like; simply “cochlear implants” herein). It would be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in connection with any implantable medical device now known or later developed. Implantable medical devices envisaged by the present invention include, but are not limited to, cardiac monitors and defibrillators; glucose meters; implantable drug pumps; neural stimulators, including vision and hearing prostheses such auditory brain stimulators, or other devices that electrically, acoustically or mechanically stimulate components of the recipient's outer, middle or inner ear.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of embodiments of an implantable universal docking station162for a prosthetic hearing device (not shown) in which embodiments of the present invention may be advantageously implemented. As shown, universal docking station162is implanted in the recipient's body. In certain embodiments, the universal docking station162is implanted near the recipient's hearing organs. In other embodiments, the proximity to the recipient's organ whose function is being supplemented or replaced is not important and other considerations such as comfort for the recipient, surgical access, long-term wear, and others are factored in the placement of universal docking station162. In a fully functional human hearing anatomy, outer ear101comprises an auricle105and an ear canal106. A sound wave or acoustic pressure107is collected by auricle105and channeled into and through ear canal106. Disposed across the distal end of ear canal106is a tympanic membrane104which vibrates in response to acoustic wave107. This vibration is coupled to oval window or fenestra ovalis110through three bones of middle ear102, which includes the ossicles111and comprising the malleus112, the incus113and the stapes114. Bones112,113and114of middle ear102serve to filter and amplify acoustic wave107, causing oval window110to articulate, or vibrate. Such vibration sets up waves of fluid motion within cochlea115. Such fluid motion, in turn, activates tiny hair cells (not shown) that line the inside of cochlea115. Activation of the hair cells causes appropriate nerve impulses to be transferred through the spiral ganglion cells and auditory nerve116to the brain (not shown), where they are perceived as sound.

FIG. 1also illustrates the positioning of one embodiment of the present invention implantable universal docking station162relative to outer ear101, middle ear102and inner ear103of a recipient of device162. As shown, universal docking station162is implanted within the recipient. As described below, universal docking station162is fixed to, or embedded within, bone136under muscle134, fat128and skin132such that universal docking station162is securely fixed to the recipient's bone. In certain embodiments of the present invention, universal docking station162is secured to the recipient's bone at the time of the implantation surgery. In other embodiments, universal docking station162is configured to integrate with the recipient's bone or tissue over a period of time, for example during the healing or integration process. In still further embodiments, the recipient's bone location where universal docking station162is to be implanted is modified surgically to prepare a bed (not shown) or depression into which universal docking station162is placed during implantation surgery. This bed is prepared having a height approximately equal to the height of universal docking station162such that the entire universal docking station162will fit into the bed during the implantation surgery. In other embodiments of the present invention, the height of the bed or depression is greater than the height of universal docking station162in order to allow room for additional components in addition to universal docking station162. In yet further embodiments, the height of universal docking station162is configured to be less than the height of universal docking station162, such that universal docking station162is partially received into the bed, but where the partial insertion into the bed is sufficient to retain universal docking station162in place. Other combinations of the bed, including the combination of other securing mechanisms or schemes will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, and are considered a part of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an implantable universal docking station162is secured to the recipient's bone at the time of the implantation surgery. In other embodiments, universal docking station162is configured to integrate with the recipient's bone or tissue over a period of time, for example during the healing or integration process. In still further embodiments, the recipient's bone location where universal docking station162is to be implanted is modified surgically to prepare a bed (not shown) or depression into which universal docking station162is placed during implantation surgery. This bed is prepared having a height approximately equal to the height of universal docking station162such that the entire universal docking station162will fit into the bed during the implantation surgery. In other embodiments of the present invention, the height of the bed or depression is greater than the height of universal docking station162in order to allow room for additional components in addition to universal docking station162. In yet further embodiments, the height of universal docking station162is configured to be less than the height of universal docking station162, such that universal docking station162is partially received into the bed, but where the partial insertion into the bed is sufficient to retain universal docking station162in place. Other combinations of the bed, including the combination of other securing mechanisms or schemes will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, and are considered a part of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an implantable universal docking station162for providing a platform onto which various implantable components of the prosthetic hearing device are coupled. In one embodiment of the present invention, the docking station is surgically secured to a recipient's bone136. In other embodiments, docking station162is implanted inside the recipient but not surgically secured to the recipient's bone. In such embodiments, docking station162is secured within the recipient, although not fixed to the recipient's bone. In yet further embodiments, docking station162is implanted within the recipient's bone and allowed to integrate with the recipient's bone136over time, for example by osseointegration. According to embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the implantable components that are coupled to universal docking station162are removable or replaceable without having to move or replace other implanted components. This allows for the replacement of certain implanted components without the risk of injury to the recipient's organs or tissue which may have grown on or into the implanted components which would otherwise be moved from its implanted position. For example, after a cochlear electrode array246(FIG. 2A) is implanted into the recipient's cochlea239(FIG. 2), electrode array246may be in a state of contact with hair cells inside cochlea239, such that those hair cells may become damaged if the array246is moved. According to embodiments of the present invention, the proximal end of the cochlear electrode array is disconnected from universal docking station162, and the docking station itself along with other implantable component is moved away from the stationary electrode array to be serviced or replaced.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, universal docking station162is a platform that provides only physical support or stability to the implantable components coupled to it. In such embodiments, docking station162is connected physically or mechanically to one or more implantable components, via a plurality of interfaces, and does not provide electrical connectivity to those implantable components. In other embodiments, universal docking station162has one or more connectors such that an implantable component is connected electrically to docking station162to interoperate in order to provide a therapeutic or other benefit to the recipient. In certain embodiments of the present invention, all components of the prosthetic hearing device are implanted within the recipient in what may be referred to as a totally implantable system. In such embodiments, a subset of the implantable components are connected to docking station162, while in other embodiments, all of the implantable components are coupled to docking station162.

In other embodiments, one or more of the plurality of interfaces on docking station162are electrical in addition to mechanical interfaces, such that the one or more prosthetic hearing device components connected to docking station162transmits or receives various signals via docking station162. In certain embodiments, such interfaces in docking station162are simple pass-through or bypass connectors which directly receive signals at one end of a particular conductor and deliver signals to the opposite end of the particular conductor. In other embodiments of the present invention, docking station162itself comprises various processors or other circuitry which are configured to receive and process signals, or generate its own signals, for delivery to one or more components of the prosthetic hearing device connected to docking station162.

In yet further embodiments of the present invention, docking station162comprises a plurality of interfaces, some of which are purely mechanical while others are both mechanical and electrical interfaces.

In embodiments of the present invention, docking station162may have various implantable components connected thereto. In certain embodiments, the implantable components are one or more stimulating prostheses, including a stimulating prosthetic hearing implant. An example of one stimulating prosthetic hearing implant includes an auditory brain stimulator and cochlear implant (also commonly referred to as cochlear implant devices, cochlear prostheses, and the like; simply “cochlear implant” herein). Other embodiments of the present invention may have other types of stimulating prosthesis, including middle-ear mechanical stimulators, bone conduction transducers, and others.

FIG. 2Ais a perspective view of one embodiment of a cochlear implant200in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. Cochlear implant200comprises external component assembly242which is directly or indirectly attached to the body of the recipient, and an internal component assembly244which is temporarily or permanently implanted in the recipient. External assembly242typically comprises microphone224for detecting sound, a speech processing unit226, a power source (not shown), and an external transmitter unit229. External transmitter unit229comprises an external coil230and, preferably, a magnet (not shown) secured directly or indirectly to external coil230. Speech processing unit226processes the output of microphone224that is positioned, in the depicted embodiment, by auricle205of the recipient. Speech processing unit226generates coded signals, referred to herein as a stimulation data signals, which are provided to external transmitter unit229via a cable (not shown).

Internal assembly244comprises an internal receiver unit233A having a stimulator unit (not shown), and an elongate electrode carrier218. Internal receiver unit233A comprises an internal transcutaneous transfer coil (not shown), and preferably, a magnet (also not shown) fixed relative to the internal coil. Internal receiver unit233A is hermetically sealed within a biocompatible housing. The internal coil receives power and stimulation data from external coil230, as noted above. Elongate electrode carrier218has a proximal end connected to the stimulator unit (not shown) of internal assembly233A and extends from the stimulator unit to cochlea239. A distal end of electrode carrier218is implanted into cochlea239via a cochleostomy222.

Electrode carrier218comprises an electrode array246disposed at the distal end thereof. Electrode array246comprises a plurality of longitudinally-aligned electrodes or electrodes249. Stimulation signals generated by the stimulator unit are applied by electrodes249to cochlea239, thereby stimulating auditory nerve216.

In one embodiment, external coil230transmits electrical signals (i.e., power and stimulation data) to the internal coil via a radio frequency (RF) link. The internal coil is typically a wire antenna coil comprised of multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand platinum or gold wire. The electrical insulation of the internal coil is provided by a flexible silicone molding (not shown). In use, internal receiver unit233A may be positioned in a recess of the temporal bone adjacent auricle201of the recipient.

There are several speech coding strategies that may be implemented by speech processor226to convert sound207into an electrical stimulation signal. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in combination with any speech strategy now or later developed, including but not limited to Continuous Interleaved Sampling (CIS), Spectral PEAK Extraction (SPEAK), Advanced Combination Encoders (ACE), Simultaneous Analog Stimulation (SAS), MPS, Paired Pulsatile Sampler (PPS), Quadruple Pulsatile Sampler (QPS), Hybrid Analog Pulsatile (HAPs), n-of-m and HiRes™, developed by Advanced Bionics. SPEAK is a low rate strategy that may operate within the 250-500 Hz range. ACE is a combination of CIS and SPEAK. Examples of such speech strategies are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,397, the entire contents and disclosures of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Embodiments of the present invention may also be used with other speech coding strategies, such as a low rate strategy called Spread of Excitation which is described in U.S. Provisional No. 60/557,675 entitled, “Spread Excitation and MP3 coding Number from Compass UE” filed on Mar. 31, 2004, U.S. Provisional No. 60/616,216 entitled, “Spread of Excitation And Compressed Audible Speech Coding” filed on Oct. 7, 2004, and PCT Application WO 02/17679A1, entitled “Power Efficient Electrical Stimulation,” which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Embodiments of cochlear implant200may locally store several speech strategies, such as in the form of a software program or otherwise, any one of which may be selected depending, for example, on the aural environment. For example, a recipient may choose one strategy for a low noise environment, like a conversation in an enclosed room, and second strategy for a high noise environment, like on a public street. The programmed speech strategies may be different versions of the same speech strategy, each programmed with different parameters or settings.

The successful operation of cochlear implant200depends in part on its ability to convey pitch information. Differing pitch percepts may be produced by cochlear implant200in two distinct ways. First, electrical stimulation at different sites in cochlea239excites different groups of neurons and because of the tonotopic arrangement of neurons in cochlea239, different pitch sensations result. The term “tonotopic” is meant that the percept corresponding to a particular site in the cochlea changes in pitch from lower to higher as the site is changed in an apical235to basal217direction. Pitch varied in this way is known as “place pitch.” Secondly different pulse rates of electrical stimulation produce different pitch sensations. Pitch varied in this way is known as “rate pitch.”

InFIG. 2B, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in which a middle-ear mechanical stimulator233B is mechanically coupled to docking station262. A communication arm280is mechanically coupled to mechanical stimulator233B so as to transmit mechanical vibration generated by mechanical stimulator233B through communication arm280to one or more anatomy in the recipient that will in turn produce auditory stimulation for the recipient. The vibration generated by mechanical stimulator233B represents sound207after it is processed so as to provide hearing of that sound for the recipient. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, communication arm280is shown, in simplified form, as extending to the recipient's mastoid. By communicating the vibration from mechanical stimulator233B to the recipient's mastoid, the cochlea can be vibrated and the fluids contained therein moved so as to cause hearing sensation in the auditory nerve.

FIG. 3is a detailed functional block diagram of the implantable universal docking station362. In one embodiment of the present invention, a transmitter and receiver link376is communicably coupled to one or more external components so as to receive data or power or other signals therefrom. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, receiver unit370C receives signals from an external component (not shown) for processing and/or delivery to the recipient's auditory system. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, connector372C is configured to connect to a mechanical interface364disposed on docking station362. As illustrated, docking station362comprises a plurality of mechanical interfaces364,365, and366. In addition to receiver unit, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3also has a cochlear implant electrode assembly370A connecting via a electrode assembly connector372A to mechanical interface365. A middle-ear mechanical stimulator370B is also shown inFIG. 3as connecting to interface366. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention permit an upgrade path by which components can be individually or separately replaced. That is, when replacement components that generally perform the same function but which provide enhanced or improved performance, quality, longevity and other improvements become available, the upgrade component can be installed in the recipient after the existing component to be replaced is removed. Furthermore, analogous components may replace or may be installed in addition to existing implantable component or components.

After the prosthetic hearing device of the present invention has been implanted within the recipient, and after the device has been in operational mode for some time, due to worn components, defective or malfunctioning components, technological advances, or for other reasons, one may wish to replace or remove one or more of implanted components370A,370B or370C. However, because moving the implanted components in order to replace one of those components may cause damage to the recipient's existing hearing by tearing tissue attached thereto, it would be a great benefit to be able to remove or otherwise move only those components which need to be moved in order to execute the replacement. According to embodiments of the present invention, a surgeon may, for example, remove only internal component370A or370B or370C for repair or replacement.

In other embodiments of the present invention, docking station362may also comprise various electronic circuits and processors and docking station262may need to be replaced. In such embodiments, universal docking station362is disconnected or otherwise de-coupled from the various components not needed to be replaced or removed, exchanged for a different universal docking station362, and then reconnected to the various components already in place inside the recipient. For instance, in one embodiment, in its operational condition universal docking station362is coupled to an electrode array370B, the distal end of which is already positioned within the recipient. Connector372B is disconnected from connector interface364on universal docking station362, and universal docking station362is removed from within the recipient's body. After a new universal docking station362is inserted into the recipient's body, connector interface364is connected with the connector372B, and the prosthetic hearing device is returned to operational mode, either immediately or after some healing time has passed. It is to be understood that universal docking station362may comprise one or multiple connector interfaces364, and that the connector interfaces364may differ from one another, as will be described in further detail below.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of an implantable universal docking station462according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which a combination of pass-thru connectors453and conversion connectors440are found thereon. Conversion connectors440are connectors having one type of connector size or configuration on one side, and a different type of connector on the other side of universal docking station462, such that different types of connectors are connected to universal docking station462and to each other, despite the differently configured connectors. Conversion connectors440may also be configured to provide more than a conversion in the physical dimensions or physical interface of the connectors connected thereto. For example, in one particular embodiment of the present invention, conversion connectors440are connected to a first connector (not shown) and receive signals from via the first connector. The received signals are processed or otherwise acted upon by one or more circuits electrically coupled to the conversion connector440and then output a processed signal to a second connector (not shown) coupled to universal docking station462.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 5, components550,551, and552represent a middle-ear mechanical stimulator, a cochlear stimulator, and a bone conduction transducer, respectively. The simplifiedFIGS. 4 and 5are not depicted with securing elements, but it is to be understood that certain embodiments of the present invention will have securing elements to mount the universal docking station securely in place while others may not need securing elements in order to secure the universal docking station and other components securely in place because, for example, the recipient's tissue or other components will provide this securing element. Middle ear implant550is mechanically coupled to extended arm553such that vibration generated by middle-ear mechanical stimulator550is communicated via arm553to the recipient's hearing organs. Cochlear stimulator551is connected to universal docking station562via one of a plurality of interfaces disposed thereon, with a corresponding electrode array assembly558also coupled to docking station562. Similarly, bone conduction transducer552is connected to docking station562. It should be appreciated that, although various stimulators550,551and552are illustrated inFIG. 5, the surgeon or other clinicians may have only one or a subset of the possible stimulators, or other implantable components, mounted to docking station562. Later, additional implantable components may be added, or installed as replacements for existing components, as may be needed. For example, in one embodiment, as the recipient's hearing capability changes or degrades, different or additional stimulation components may be deemed necessary to compensate for the change or degraded ability. It is further to be understood that although a plurality of interfaces are shown for different types of implantable components, it is possible in other embodiments of the present invention that the same interface on docking station562may be able to receive various types of analogous or different implantable components. In one such embodiment, middle-ear mechanical stimulator550, cochlear stimulator551, and bone conduction transducer552may be connected to a single interface453which is appropriately configured to receive the connection. This may be due to the fact that each of those components have identical connectors. In other embodiments, this may be possible because each of those components use overlapping portions of the particular interface, even if they each do not use identical portions of the particular interface.

FIG. 6Ais a perspective view of an implantable universal docking662station according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, in this embodiment, universal docking station662has a plurality of connectors640, illustrated in simplified form. In the particular embodiment shown, connectors640are basic pass-thru connectors which comprise conductors and no processors or other circuitry. In the embodiment shown, a component or cable or component-connector (all not shown) couples to one side of universal docking station662at connector640, and another component or cable or component-connector (all not shown) couples to the other side of universal docking station662at the connector (not shown) on the flip side of universal docking station662.

For example, as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, in one embodiment of the present invention, a stimulation unit of a cochlear implant prosthetic hearing device might couple to connector640on universal docking station662, while an electrode array (not shown) might couple to universal docking station662on the other side. In operation, the electrode array is further securely retained in place by its connection to universal docking station662which is fixed in place by a securing or fixation means such as securing element666, shown in this embodiment in screw-type form. Also, after some period of operational use has elapsed, it may be desirable to replace or service the stimulator unit, in which case the stimulator unit can be disconnected from connector640of universal docking station662. Since the electrode array is still coupled to universal docking station662, and since universal docking station662is secured in place by fixation or securing elements666, the surgically implanted position of the electrode array and other components coupled to universal docking station662is maintained, thus avoiding injury to the recipient while permitting simple replacement or servicing of the removed component. Alternatively, universal docking station662is disconnected from the electrode array such that universal docking station662and the stimulator unit can be removed from its surgically situated location in the recipient, such that one or both of those components can be replaced or repaired. By being able to disconnect both components while maintaining the electrode array in its surgically implanted location during the repair or replacement of those parts, it is easier and safer to provide such repairs or replacement parts than without the present invention.

FIG. 7Ais a perspective view of an implantable universal docking station according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the particular embodiment shown inFIG. 7A, universal docking station762comprises a compartment764used by components (not shown) of the prosthetic hearing device to connected to universal docking station762. In certain embodiments, securing elements766are ridge shaped and are disposed on the outer surface of universal docking station762and configured to engage with the recipient's bone such that universal docking station762is held securely in place by the engagement of the recipient's bone with securing elements766. A plurality of mechanical interfaces765are illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B. According to embodiments of the present invention, one or more implantable components (not shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B) are connected to universal docking station762via mechanical interfaces765. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, mechanical interfaces765provide only a mechanical interface such that one or more implantable components are physically connected to and supported by docking station762. It is to be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, connection interfaces765may also be configured to provide an electrical connection (not shown) in addition to a mechanical connection. In such embodiments, other implantable components may be electrically coupled to docking station762and receive or provide electrical signals from/to the implantable components electrically connected to interface765. Furthermore, it is to be understood that other numbers or types of securing elements766, which may be substantially uniform or different from one another, may be provided on one or more surfaces of universal docking station762than is shown inFIG. 7A. In other embodiments of the present invention, securing elements766are configured as screw elements and are used to secure universal docking station762within a bed formed in the recipient's bone136.

As shown inFIG. 7B, universal docking station762is implanted in the recipient's bone136under the recipient's skin132, fat128and muscle134layers. Universal docking station762is configured to be “universal” in that various types or sizes of prosthetic hearing device components may be coupled to universal docking station762, and that universal docking station762is not designed to be tied to a single or only a few designs. Rather, as long as the connecting elements of universal docking station762and the counterpart connecting elements of the components to be coupled to universal docking station762are capable of connecting to each other, and as long as the dimensions of the one or more components to be coupled to universal docking station762are compatible, those components are coupled to universal docking station762. As one having skill in the art would appreciate, the “universal” nature of the universal docking station of the present invention allows for components not presently produced, designed or even conceived to be coupled to the universal docking station.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bis a perspective view of an implantable universal docking station862comprising multiple docking station components according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, prosthetic hearing device850is a stimulator unit850of a cochlear implant system, with components retaining screws881configured to extend through screw access holes882. In the illustrated embodiment, component858is an electrode assembly858having an electrode array859with multiple electrical contacts (not shown) configured to stimulate nerve cells (not shown) inside the recipient's cochlea115after the electrode array is inserted therein. Electrode assembly connector856comprises multiple electrical contacts840as well as fixation flaps890with threaded screw holes889. Universal docking station862has a first docking station connector portion863which comprises connector853, threaded screw hole883configured to receive component retaining screws881(described above), and screw access holes885through which connector retaining screws884extend. Universal docking station862further comprises a bone mounting component864having screw access holes888through which mounting component retaining screws887extend and into threaded screw holes889on fixation flaps890of electrode assembly connector856, such that electrode assembly connector856is physically secured to bone mounting component864. Bone mounting component864also comprises threaded screw holes886which receive connector retaining screws884in order to physically secure docking station connector portion863to bone mounting component864.

In operation, the particular embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8Ballows for decoupling different parts, from one to all of the parts illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B, depending on the particular part or component needing to be replaced or repaired. For example, where only stimulator unit850needs to be replaced, screws881are removed and stimulator unit850decoupled from the rest of universal docking station862and its docking station connector portion863, bone mounting component864and electrode assembly858remaining securely in place while stimulator unit850is removed and replaced.

Where docking station connector unit850is being replaced, for example where technological advances allows for an improved connector which provides improved quality, efficiency, power consumption, signal strength, among others, connector unit850is decoupled from bone mounting component864and stimulator unit850and replaced. During the described replacement of docking station connector unit850, bone mounting component864and electrode assembly858mounted thereto remains securely mounted in place, thus ensuring that the position of electrode array859does not change its position or orientation with respect to the nerves.

Where even bone mounting component864needs to be replaced, for example where a bone mounting component864having a different window or port is to be provided to accommodate an enlarged or differently shaped window or port, it can be decoupled from electrode assembly858and its electrode assembly connector856, and then from docking station connector unit850in order for it to be replaced.

Although universal docking station862is depicted and illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8Bas having various threaded screw holes883,886and889as well as screw access holes882,885, and888, it is to be understood that other configurations of the threaded screw holes and screw access holes are used with the present invention, as well as securing means other than screws and threaded holes. For example, the various components are clipped, tab-retained, compression fit, and may otherwise be secured using various securing schemes and associated components and parts. Furthermore, referring to the particular embodiment described above and illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B, it is to be understood that the same screw may extend through multiple components. For example, one or more screws each may extend through stimulator unit850and connector unit863via aligned screw access holes on both components and be secured to bone mounting component864via threaded screw holes found thereon.

FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating a method900for upgrading an implantable prosthetic hearing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In block910, a first implantable component is mechanically disconnected from the universal docking station. In block920, the disconnected first component is removed from the recipient. In block930, a third component is mechanically connected to the universal docking station in the recipient. In other embodiments of the present invention, the mechanical connection further comprises an electrical connection such that implantable components mechanically and electrically connected to the docking station may provide electrical signals for further processing by other components implanted within the recipient.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. All patents and publications discussed herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto.