Implantable Electrode with Variable Mechanical Modulation Wiring

Abstract

A cochlear implant electrode is described. A basal electrode lead carries electrical stimulation signals from an implant housing to a cochleostomy opening, and a portion of the electrode lead has a periodically recurring lead shape. An apical electrode array at the cochleostomy end of the electrode lead passes into a cochlea scala and includes electrode contacts for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue. A portion of the electrode array has a periodically recurring array shape different from the lead shape.

1 . A cochlear implant electrode comprising:
 an extra-cochlear electrode lead containing a plurality of electrode wires for carrying electrical stimulation signals from an implant housing to a cochleostomy opening;   an intra-cochlear electrode array containing the plurality of electrode wires and passing from the cochleostomy opening into a cochlea scala and terminating in a plurality of electrode contacts for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue; and   an impact reinforcement element around a portion of the electrode lead for resisting effects of an external impact.   
     
     
         2 . A cochlear implant electrode according to  claim 1 , wherein a polymer material is used for the impact reinforcement element. 
     
     
         3 . A cochlear implant electrode according to  claim 1 , wherein a metallic material is used for the impact reinforcement element. 
     
     
         4 . A cochlear implant electrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the impact reinforcement element forms a helical spring shape. 
     
     
         5 . A cochlear implant electrode according to  claim 4 , wherein round wire material is used for the impact reinforcement element. 
     
     
         6 . A cochlear implant electrode according to  claim 4 , wherein ribbon wire material is used for the impact reinforcement element. 
     
     
         7 . A cochlear implant electrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the impact reinforcement element forms a tubular shape. 
     
     
         8 . A cochlear implant electrode according to  claim 7 , wherein the impact reinforcement element includes a pattern of slits for controlling mechanical properties of the impact reinforcement element. 
     
     
         9 . A cochlear implant electrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the impact reinforcement element is embedded in the body of the electrode lead.