Vestibular stimulation device

Abstract

A vestibular stimulation array is disclosed having one or more separate electrode arrays each operatively adapted for implantation in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, wherein each separate electrode array is dimensioned and constructed so that so that residual vestibular function is preserved. In particular, the electrode arrays are dimensioned such that the membranous labyrinth is not substantially compressed. Furthermore, the electrode array has a stop portion to limit insertion of the electrode array into the semi-circular canal and is stiff enough to avoid damage to the anatomical structures.

1 .- 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A vestibular system stimulation array, comprising:
 at least one electrode array configured to be implanted in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, and further configured to apply electrical stimulation to the vestibular system while implanted in the semicircular canal, wherein the at least one electrode array is dimensioned such that residual vestibular function of the semicircular canal in which the at least one electrode array is implanted is retained, and wherein the electrode array comprises a stiffener embedded in the electrode array.   
     
     
         21 . The stimulation array of  claim 20 , wherein the at least one electrode array and the embedded stiffener has a stiffness comparable to a stiffness of a 0.12 mm platinum wire. 
     
     
         22 . The stimulation array of  claim 20 , wherein:
 the at least one electrode array is configured to be implanted in the semicircular canal such that the electrode array does not substantially compress a membranous labyrinth of the semicircular canal.   
     
     
         23 . The stimulation array of  claim 20 , further comprising a stop to prevent over insertion of the electrode array into the semicircular canal. 
     
     
         24 . The stimulation array of  claim 23 , wherein the stop is disposed at a distance greater than 2.5 mm from a distal end of the electrode array. 
     
     
         25 . The stimulation array of  claim 24 , wherein the electrode array span is about 1.15 mm. 
     
     
         26 . The stimulation array of  claim 20 , wherein a diameter of the electrode array is about 150 microns. 
     
     
         27 . The stimulation array of  claim 20 , wherein the electrode array is configured for operable insertion between a bony labyrinth and a membranous labyrinth of the vestibular system. 
     
     
         28 . The stimulation array of  claim 20 , wherein the electrode array is configured for operable insertion between a bony labyrinth and a membranous labyrinth of the vestibular system such that the membranous labyrinth is substantially uncompressed. 
     
     
         29 . A vestibular system stimulation array, comprising:
 at least two electrode arrays each configured to be implanted in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, wherein the at least two electrode arrays are configured to apply electrical stimulation to the vestibular system, and each of the at least two electrode arrays are dimensioned such that residual vestibular function of a semicircular canal in which a corresponding electrode array is implanted is retained, wherein each of the at least two electrode arrays comprises a stiffness comparable to a stiffness of a 0.12 mm platinum wire.   
     
     
         30 . The stimulation array of  claim 29 , further comprising at least two leads each connected to a respective one of the at least two electrode arrays. 
     
     
         31 . The stimulation array of  claim 30 , wherein the respective leads are part of a trifurcated lead assembly. 
     
     
         32 . A vestibular system stimulation array, comprising:
 at least one electrode array configured to be implanted in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, and further configured to apply electrical stimulation to the vestibular system while implanted in the semicircular canal, wherein the at least one electrode array is dimensioned such that residual vestibular function of the semicircular canal in which the at least one electrode array is implanted is retained, and wherein the electrode array comprises a stiffness comparable to a stiffness of a 0.12 mm platinum wire.   
     
     
         33 . The stimulation array of  claim 32 , further comprising a stiffener embedded in the at least one electrode array. 
     
     
         34 . The stimulation array of  claim 32 , wherein a diameter of the electrode array is about 150 microns. 
     
     
         35 . The stimulation array of  claim 32 , wherein the at least one electrode array is configured to be implanted in the semicircular canal such that the electrode array does not substantially compress a membranous labyrinth of the semicircular canal. 
     
     
         36 . The stimulation array of  claim 32 , further comprising a stop to prevent over insertion of the electrode array into the semicircular canal. 
     
     
         37 . The stimulation array of  claim 32 , wherein the stop is disposed at a distance greater than 2.5 mm from a distal end of the electrode array. 
     
     
         38 . The stimulation array of  claim 32 , wherein the electrode array span is about 1.15 mm. 
     
     
         39 . The stimulation array of  claim 32 , wherein a diameter of the electrode array is about 150 microns.