Patent ID: 8311649

Claim:
An implantable cochlear lead having a distal lead tip, comprising: an electrode array comprising a multiplicity of electrodes spaced apart along the array, said electrode array comprising: a first electrode array portion extending from the distal lead tip to a point C on the lead and including a first plurality of the electrodes; a second electrode array portion extending from point C proximally to a point B on the lead and including a second plurality of the electrodes; a third electrode array portion extending from point B proximally to a point A on the lead and including a third plurality of the electrodes; and a stylet insertion channel comprising a lumen having an open proximal end and a closed distal end and extending longitudinally through the third and second electrode array portions but not extending into the first electrode array portion, wherein the stylet insertion channel is configured for inserting and withdrawing a stylet during surgery, through the open proximal end of the lumen, to straighten the third and second electrode array portions to facilitate lead implantation; wherein the second electrode array portion has a smaller radius of curvature than that of the first electrode array portion and than that of the third electrode array portion when the lead is in its relaxed condition without a stylet inserted.