Electrode arrays and systems for inserting same

Abstract

Electrode arrays and systems for inserting same are disclosed. In some embodiments, electrode arrays are provided, the electrode arrays comprising: a passive-bending portion; an active-bending portion coupled to the passive bending portion; a plurality of electrodes located in at least one of the passive-bending portion and the active bending portion; and an actuator that causes the active-bending portion to deflect from the passive-bending portion. In some embodiments, systems for inserting an electrode array in the body are provided, the systems comprising: an insertion module for controllably inserting the electrode array in the body and sensing forces applied to the electrode array; a monitor for providing information to a user; and a controller coupled to the insertion module and the monitor, wherein the controller causes the insertion module to control an amount of force that is applied to the electrode array.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A steerable electrode array that can be implanted in an inner ear of a patient, comprising:
 a passive-bending portion;   an active-bending portion coupled to the passive bending portion, wherein the passive-bending portion and the active-bending portion can shape at least partially to an anatomy of in an inner ear of a patient and are configured for permanent implantation in the inner ear;   a plurality of electrodes located in at least one of the passive-bending portion and the active bending portion and is configured to excite auditory nerve in the inner ear by providing electrical stimulation; and   at least one actuation thread located in the passive-bending portion and the active-bending portion and configured to cause the active-bending portion to deflect from the passive-bending portion when tension is applied.   
     
     
         25 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the active-bending portion is made of a substantially flexible material. 
     
     
         26 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the passive-bending portion and the active-bending portion are made of a same material or substantially similar materials. 
     
     
         27 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread is coupled to the active-bending portion at a distal end of the active-bending portion. 
     
     
         28 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 27 , wherein the at least one actuation thread is temporarily bonded to the active-bending portion. 
     
     
         29 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 27 , wherein the at least one actuation thread is permanently bonded to the active-bending portion. 
     
     
         30 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread is coupled to the active-bending portion at a plurality of points. 
     
     
         31 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread is one of a magnet or a ferrous material that can react with a magnet. 
     
     
         32 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread is made of a uniform material. 
     
     
         33 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread is one of a braid or weave that is made of more than one material, including at least two of cotton, silk, nylon, Teflon, carbon, and/or nickel titanium. 
     
     
         34 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread has different properties depending on where in the electrode array the actuation thread is located. 
     
     
         35 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread is a substantially solid material exhibiting a uniform cross section. 
     
     
         36 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 35 , wherein the cross section can be one of circular cross section, square cross section, rectangular cross section, star shaped cross section or a hollow cross section. 
     
     
         37 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are in a location where the electrodes contact the inner ear. 
     
     
         38 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 37 , wherein the plurality of electrodes remain flush with a surface of the electrode array. 
     
     
         39 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 37 , wherein the plurality of electrodes extend beyond a surface of the electrode array. 
     
     
         40 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are in a location where the electrodes do not contact the inner ear. 
     
     
         41 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread passes through the passive-bending portion along the passive-bending portion's centerline. 
     
     
         42 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread passes through the passive-bending portion off of the passive-bending portion's centerline. 
     
     
         43 . The steerable electrode array of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one actuation thread passes through the passive-bending portion at an angle that is not parallel to the passive-bending portion's centerline.