High Density Micromachined Electrode Arrays Usable for Auditory Nerve Implants and Related Methods
This invention can be utilized to restore hearing functions in severely to profoundly deaf patients. The device's wireless telemetry and electrode array design can also be applied to other neuronal prostheses including retinal and vestibular implants. Additionally, the device can also be used for research purposes to stimulate and record nervous system impulses in electrophysiological and behavioral animal experiments.
Researchers at the University of California have developed an auditory implant prosthesis consisting of a form-fitted microelectrode array and on-chip wireless circuitry. Key advantages of this invention include an improved process to fabricate the custom designed circuitry and electrodes. Accurate and secure placement of the implantable electrodes on the auditory nerves is achieved by employing a geometry that complements the curvature of the nerve surface. By eliminating multiple long interconnections between electrodes and signal processing circuits, reliability and functionality are improved. Wireless telemetry and power delivery to the implant greatly enhances usability and implant duration. Furthermore, wireless telemetry reduces the risk of infection frequently observed with implantable electronic devices that require the use of transdermal wires.
Patent Number: US7991475B1
Application Number: US2006450965A
Inventor: Tang, William C. | Wu, Jian | Hainley, Ryan
Priority Date: 8 Jun 2005
Priority Number: US7991475B1
Application Date: 8 Jun 2006
Publication Date: 2 Aug 2011
IPC Current: A61N000105
US Class: 607045 | 600373 | 607002
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: High density micromachined electrode arrays useable for auditory nerve implants and related methods
Usefulness: High density micromachined electrode arrays useable for auditory nerve implants and related methods
Summary: Auditory neural prosthesis system for treating a hearing disorder in a human or animal subject.
Novelty: Auditory neural prosthesis system for treating hearing disorder in human or animal subject, has signal processor performing neural recording and delivering stimulation via electrodes to nerve fibers at varying depths within auditory nerve
Disease Diagnostic/Treatment
Other Disease
7991475
Tech ID/UC Case 18820/2005-423-0 Related Cases 2005-423-0
USA
