Surgical tool for electrode implantation

Abstract

The present invention is a surgical tool for implanting an electrode array and its connected cable within an orbital socket. The insertion tool is used to aid the surgeon in pulling the electrode wire and array through the scull, four-rectus muscles of the eye, and the sclera. The insertion tool consists of a medical grade ABS material that is commonly used in various medical products.

1 . A surgical tool for implantation of an electrode array comprising: 
 an end portion having a rounded point;    a base portion coupled to said end portion opposite said rounded point; and    a top portion coupled to said end portion opposite said rounded point, the end portion forming a radius between said base portion and said top portion, forming a space between said base portion and said top portion whereby said base portion is parallel to said top portion.    
   
   
       2 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising a hinge connecting said top portion to said rounded point.  
   
   
       3 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said top portion and based portion are curved to radii wherein the top portion and base portion remain equally spaced from each other.  
   
   
       4 . The surgical tool according to  claim 3 , wherein said radii approximate the radius of an eye.  
   
   
       5 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said top portion and said base portion are curved on surfaces facing outward and flat on surfaces facing each other.  
   
   
       6 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising a keeper connected to said base portion and limiting travel of said top portion.  
   
   
       7 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising notches in said base adapted to meet guides in said top and latch said base and said top together.  
   
   
       8 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , fashioned from a biocompatible elastic material.  
   
   
       9 . The surgical tool according to  claim 8 , wherein said biocompatible elastic material is ABS.  
   
   
       10 . The surgical tool according to  claim 8 , wherein said biocompatible elastic material is stainless steel.  
   
   
       11 . The surgical tool according to  claim 1 , wherein said radius is adapted to fit said electrode array when placed between said top portion and said bottom portion.  
   
   
       12 . A method of implanting an electrode array comprising: 
 providing a tool having a an end portion having a rounded point, a base portion coupled to said end section opposite said rounded point, a top portion coupled to said end section opposite said rounded point, the end portion forming a radius between said base portion and said top portion forming a space between said base portion and said top portion whereby said base portion is parallel to said top portion;    placing an electrode between said top portion and said base portion with a cable coupled to said electrode extending in a direction opposite from said rounded point;    passing said tool and said electrode array into a body, said rounded point first.    
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising the step of using said rounded point to separate extra ocular muscle.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising the step of inserting said surgical tool into an orbital socket.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising the step of releasing said electrode array from said tool once it is within the orbital socket.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising the step of inserting said tool into the orbital socket through a hole in a skull.  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising the step of providing a hinge between said top portion and said bottom portion.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising the step of applying pressure to said top portion and said bottom portion to retain said electrode array within said top portion and said bottom portion.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising the step of curving said top portion and said bottom portion such that they remain equally spaced.  
   
   
       20 . A surgical tool for implantation of an electrode array comprising: 
 an end portion having a rounded point;    a base portion coupled to said end portion opposite said rounded point, said base portion having an outer surface which is concave in one dimension and convex in another dimension, and having an inner surface which is convex in one dimension and flat in another dimension;    a top portion coupled to said end section opposite said rounded point, said top portion having an outer surface which is convex in two dimensions and having an inner surface which is concave in one dimension and flat in another dimension; and    wherein said end portion forms a radius between said base portion and said top portion, forming a space between said base portion and said top portion whereby said base portion is equally spaced from said top portion along both of their inner surfaces.