Telescopic Array for A Cochlear Implant

Abstract

A cochlear implant device that has an elongate member with electrode(s) supported thereon. The elongate member comprises a first portion that is insertable into the implantee and at least one second portion wherein, on or following insertion of the first portion, the second portion is at least partially supported by the first portion. During or after insertion of the first portion, the second portion is movable relative to the first portion.

1 . A support member of an elongate member of a cochlear implant device comprising a first portion having a proximal end, a distal end, at least one electrode supported thereon, and a lumen for receiving at least a portion of a second tissue stimulating portion having at least one electrode supported thereon, wherein the first portion is insertable into the cochlea of an implantee, and further wherein the first portion supports said second portion during relative advancement of the second portion into a cochlea of the implantee.  
     
     
         2 . The support member of  claim 1  wherein said first portion is a substantially tubular member.  
     
     
         3 . A method of implanting a cochlear implant device in an implantee, said device comprising an elongate member having at least one electrode supported thereon, the elongate member comprising a first portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said first portion at least partially supporting at least one second portion during or after insertion of said first member, said second portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the second portion being movable relative to the first portion such that the distal end of the second portion is moved away from the proximal end of the first portion, the method comprising: 
 forming a cochleostomy in the implantee;    inserting the first portion of the device through the cochleostomy and into the cochlea; and    deploying the second portion of the device forwardly from the first portion and further into the cochlea.    
     
     
         4 . A method of implanting a tissue-stimulating device in an implantee, said device comprising an elongate member having at least one electrode supported thereon, the elongate member comprising a first portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said first portion at least partially supporting at least one second portion during or after insertion of said first member, said second portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the second portion being movable relative to the first portion such that the distal end of the second portion is moved away from the proximal end of the first portion, the method comprising: 
 (a) forming an ostomy in the implantee;    (b) inserting the first portion of the elongate member through the ostomy and into the implantee;    (c) deploying the second portion of the device forwardly from the first portion and further into the implantee.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the first portion is positioned such that its proximal end is at or adjacent to, the cochleostomy and its distal end is relatively close to the first basal turn of the cochlea.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the second portion of the device is supported by the first portion during insertion of the first portion into the implantee and wherein once the first portion is in a desired position, the second portion is deployed.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  herein the second portion is deployed relatively quickly after insertion of the first portion and during the same surgical procedure.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 3  wherein as the second portion of the elongate member is deployed, at least a region adjacent the distal end of said second portion adopts a substantially curved configuration.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said curved region of the second portion substantially conforms with the modiolar wall of the cochlea.  
     
     
         10 . A method of implanting a support member for a cochlear implant in an implantee, the support member comprising a first portion having a proximal end, distal end and a receiving means to receive at least a portion of a second tissue stimulating portion, said method comprising: 
 forming a cochleostomy in the implantee; and    inserting the first portion of the device through the cochleostomy such that at least a length of said first portion extends into the cochlea of the implantee.