Patent ID: 7146227

Claim:
An implantable tissue-stimulating device comprising: an elongate member having a plurality of electrodes mounted thereon and having a first configuration that allows said member to be inserted into an implantee's body, a second configuration wherein said elongate member is adapted to apply a preselected tissue stimulation with the electrodes, and at least one intermediate configuration between said first and second configurations, said elongate member being made of a resiliently flexible first material; a stiffening element made of a material relatively stiffer than said first material; and a stiffening sheath at least partially enveloping said elongate member and made of a material relatively stiffer than said first material; wherein said stiffening element and said stiffening sheath in combination bias said elongate member into said first configuration and further wherein if either said stiffening element or said stiffening sheath is removed or deactivated, said elongate member adopts said at least one intermediate configuration; and wherein said implantable tissue stimulating device comprises a cochlear implant electrode assembly device.