A device, system and method to determine a frequency function of a basilar membrane of cochleae to tune cochlear implants is provided. A clinically available scan of a cochlea of a given format is input to a machine learning engine trained to: output higher resolution cochlear images of a resolution higher than the given format using input based on clinically available cochlear scans of the given format. A higher resolution image of the cochlea is determined using the machine learning engine. A number of turns of the cochlea is determined from the higher resolution image. A frequency function of a basilar membrane of the cochlea is determined and/or output, the frequency function being dependent on an angle of the basilar membrane. The frequency function is determined and/or output by inputting the number of turns into a generic predetermined frequency function dependent on the number of turns and the angle.
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
2.
RESPIRATION SENSORS FOR RECORDING OF TRIGGERED RESPIRATORY SIGNALS IN NEUROSTIMULATORS
A respiration implant system for a patient with impaired breathing includes one or more temperature sensors configured for placement into an inner wall tissue along an airway passage of the patient and configured to measure temperature in the inner wall tissue in order to produce a temperature signal based on the measured temperature. The system further includes a pacing processor configured to receive the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and to generate a respiration pacing signal based on the temperature signal that is synchronized with a breathing cycle of the patient and a stimulating electrode configured to deliver the respiration pacing signal from the pacing processor to respiration neural tissue of the patient to facilitate breathing in the patient. The respiration implant system may be used as a laryngeal pacemaker system.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61B 5/01 - Mesure de la température de parties du corps
A61B 5/08 - Dispositifs de mesure pour examiner les organes respiratoires
A61F 5/56 - Dispositifs pour prévenir le ronflement
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
3.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF FOCAL DYSTONIA
A method and apparatus for using low levels of electrical stimulation to treat focal dystonia by stimulating the afferent nervous system and/or altering the function of the gamma motor neurons innervating muscles which experience symptomatic spasms. A method and apparatus for treating focal dystonia comprising using a stimulator to provide a stimulating electrical impulse via an electrode to one or more muscles such that the impulse does not provide a level of stimulation that exceeds the excitation threshold of the alpha motor neurons innervating the muscle and thus does not cause muscle contractions.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61N 1/18 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact
4.
NEURAL MONITORING METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING PHARYNGEAL DISORDERS
Methods and systems for monitoring, preventing and/or treating upper airway disorders such as apnea, dysphagia, reflux and/or snoring are described. The methods and systems monitor the upper airway disorders by processing one or more neural signals obtained from one or more upper airway afferents. Upper airway disorders are prevented and/or treated by delivering one or more stimulations to one or more reflex-related afferents, efferents, muscles, and sensory receptors to manipulate the threshold and/or trigger an upper airway reflex including, but not limited to a swallow reflex and/or a negative-pressure reflex.
A61B 5/0205 - Evaluation simultanée de l'état cardio-vasculaire et de l'état d'autres parties du corps, p.ex. de l'état cardiaque et respiratoire
A61B 5/08 - Dispositifs de mesure pour examiner les organes respiratoires
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
5.
NEURAL MONITORING METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING PHARYNGEAL DISORDERS
Methods and systems for monitoring, preventing and/or treating upper airway disorders such as apnea, dysphagia, reflux and/or snoring are described. The methods and systems monitor the upper airway disorders by processing one or more neural signals obtained from one or more upper airway afferents. Upper airway disorders are prevented and/or treated by delivering one or more stimulations to one or more reflex-related afferents, efferents, muscles, and sensory receptors to manipulate the threshold and/or trigger an upper airway reflex including, but not limited to a swallow reflex and/or a negative-pressure reflex.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61B 5/08 - Dispositifs de mesure pour examiner les organes respiratoires
A system and method of treating hyperactivity of an eyelid closing muscle in a subject after facial nerve paralysis includes providing a stimulation system and selectively stimulating eyelid opening muscle(s) or innervating nerves, eyelid opening reflexes, or eyelid opening reflexes in non-muscular tissue, using the stimulation system, without substantially activating the eyelid closing muscle. The system and method evokes eyelid movement in the subject.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61F 9/00 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour le traitement des yeux; Dispositifs pour mettre en place des verres de contact; Dispositifs pour corriger le strabisme; Appareils pour guider les aveugles; Dispositifs protecteurs pour les yeux, portés sur le corps ou dans la main
A61H 23/00 - Massage par percussion ou vibration, p.ex. en utilisant une vibration ultrasonique; Massage par succion-vibration; Massage avec des membranes mobiles
A stimulation system and method for treating to a human subject having spasmodic dysphonia includes a sensing electrode configured to detect voice activity of a vocalizing muscle of the subject and to generate a first signal, and a processor configured to receive the first signal from the sensing electrode and to generate at least one stimulation parameter based on the first signal. The system further includes a mechanical actuator configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and to activate a glottic closure reflex of the subject in response to the stimulation parameter and a stimulating electrode configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and stimulate the recurrent laryngeal nerve or the vagus nerve of the subject based on the stimulation parameter.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61B 5/296 - Détection, mesure ou enregistrement de signaux bioélectriques ou biomagnétiques du corps ou de parties de celui-ci Électrodes bioélectriques à cet effet spécialement adaptées à des utilisations particulières pour l’électromyographie [EMG]
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61N 1/372 - Aménagements en relation avec l'implantation des stimulateurs
A stimulation system and method for treating a human subject having unilateral vocal cord paralysis includes a sensing electrode configured to detect voice activity of a vocalizing muscle of the subject and to generate a first signal, and a processor configured to receive the first signal from the sensing electrode and to generate at least one stimulation parameter based on the first signal. The system further includes a stimulating electrode configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and to activate a glottis closing reflex of the subject in response to the stimulation parameter.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61B 5/296 - Détection, mesure ou enregistrement de signaux bioélectriques ou biomagnétiques du corps ou de parties de celui-ci Électrodes bioélectriques à cet effet spécialement adaptées à des utilisations particulières pour l’électromyographie [EMG]
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61N 1/372 - Aménagements en relation avec l'implantation des stimulateurs
A vestibular implant system is described which includes an implantable vestibular stimulator providing a vestibular stimulation signal to electrically stimulate target neural tissue for vestibular sensation by a patient. A patient warning alarm process alters the stimulation signal when a given alarm condition occurs to change the vestibular sensation of the patient thereby warning the patient of the alarm condition.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
An external processor device for a hearing implant system is described. An audio signal processor is coupled to an audio input providing an electrical audio input signal and develops a corresponding implant stimulation signal output. A stimulation signal transmitter is coupled to the signal processor and receives the implant stimulation signal for transmission to an implanted portion of the hearing implant system. The device includes an audio bypass mode which provides the audio input signal to the stimulation signal transmitter for transmission.
A61N 1/02 - SCIENCES MÉDICALE OU VÉTÉRINAIRE; HYGIÈNE ÉLECTROTHÉRAPIE; MAGNÉTOTHÉRAPIE; THÉRAPIE PAR RADIATIONS; THÉRAPIE PAR ULTRASONS Électrothérapie; Circuits à cet effet - Parties constitutives
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
An electrode arrangement is described for sensing electrical activity in target tissue. An inner electrode has an elongate electrode body formed as a cylindrical section with an inner penetrating end for insertion into the stapedius muscle target tissue. An outer electrode fits over the inner electrode and an outer penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. The two electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating ends of the electrodes penetrate in the same direction into the target tissue to sense electrical activity in the target tissue.
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61B 5/296 - Détection, mesure ou enregistrement de signaux bioélectriques ou biomagnétiques du corps ou de parties de celui-ci Électrodes bioélectriques à cet effet spécialement adaptées à des utilisations particulières pour l’électromyographie [EMG]
An implantable stimulation arrangement is described for generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array having stimulation electrodes. A filter bank pre-processor processes an input acoustic audio signal to generate band pass signals each corresponding to an associated band of audio frequencies. A signal envelope module computes a corresponding signal envelope for each band pass signal. A stimulation pulse generator extracts stimulation signal information from the rate of change of the signal envelopes such as a time-based derivative to generate stimulation event signals defining electrode stimulation timings and amplitudes for some or all of the stimulation electrodes.
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A novel electrode array is described for ear implant systems such as cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). The electrode array includes electrode wires for carrying electrical stimulation signals. At a terminal end of each electrode wire is an electrode stimulation contact for applying the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An electrode carrier of resilient material encases the electrode wires and has an outer surface with a plurality of contact openings exposing the stimulation contacts. Multiple bend control elements are distributed along the length of the electrode array to control bending flexibility of the electrode array as a function of a bend radius threshold.
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A novel electrode array is described for ear implant systems such as cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). The electrode array includes an electrode array core made of a flexible polymer material including an elongated helical portion having multiple helical turns. Electrode wires are embedded within the array core for carrying electrical stimulation signals. At a terminal end of each electrode wire, an electrode stimulation contact is exposed through the array core for applying the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An electrode carrier of resilient material encases the electrode array and has an outer surface with contact openings exposing the stimulation contacts.
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
An ossicular prosthesis is described which includes an elongated prosthesis member having a proximal end and a distal end. A cochlea striker mass is at the distal end of the prosthesis member and includes an outer striking surface for coupling vibration of the striker mass to an outer cochlea surface of a recipient patient. A locking clamp is at the proximal end of the prosthesis member and includes a clamp strap having a fixed end and a free end, and a locking head at the fixed end of the clamp strap which has a strap opening for insertion of the free end of the clamp strap. The clamp strap passes around an ossicle of the middle ear in a closed loop and is fixedly engaged by the locking head such that acoustic vibration of the ossicle is coupled by the prosthesis member to the cochlea surface.
A61F 2/18 - Parties internes de l'oreille ou du nez, p.ex. tympans
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
An implantable microphone for use in hearing systems includes a housing having a sidewall, a first membrane coupled to a top portion of the housing and configured to move in response to movement from an auditory ossicle, and a second membrane coupled to the sidewall such that an interior volume of the housing is divided into a first volume and a second volume. The second membrane has an opening that permits fluid to flow from the first volume to the second volume. The implantable microphone also includes a vibration sensor adjacent to the second membrane and configured to measure the movement of the second membrane and to convert the measurement into an electrical signal. The vibration sensor may include a piezoelectric sensor and/or a MEMS sensor.
An implantable microphone for use in hearing systems includes a housing having a back wall. The back wall has a recess (e.g., blind hole) configured to be coupled to an auditory ossicle. The implantable microphone also includes a membrane coupled to a top portion of the housing and a vibration sensor adjacent to the membrane. The membrane is configured to move in response to movement from the auditory ossicle, and the vibration sensor is configured to measure the movement of the membrane and to convert the measurement into an electrical signal.
A magnet arrangement is described for use in implantable devices. An implantable housing contains a portion of an implantable electronic system. A cylindrical implant magnet arrangement within the housing includes multiple adjacent magnetic sections wherein at least two of the magnetic sections have opposing magnetic orientations in opposite magnetic directions. There may also be a similar external housing having a corresponding magnet arrangement.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
A61N 1/08 - Aménagements ou circuits de surveillance, de protection, de commande ou d'indication
Generation of electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array is described. An acoustic audio signal is processed to generate band pass signals which include a fine structure carrier signal and a modulator envelope signal. For each band pass signal, fine time structure information is extracted from the carrier signal to determine a sequence of stimulation event signals. For one or more low frequency band pass signals, the modulator envelope signal is sampled synchronously with the carrier signal to create envelope weighted stimulation event signals. For one or more higher frequency band pass signals, if and only if the modulator envelope signal exceeds a sampling threshold value, then the modulator envelope signal is sampled synchronously with the carrier signal to create envelope weighted stimulation event signals. The envelope weighted stimulation event signals are then processed to produce electrode stimulation signals for the implanted electrode array.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
20.
IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE WITH VARIABLE MECHANICAL MODULATION WIRING
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.
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
21.
HIGH ACCURACY TONOTOPIC AND PERIODIC CODING WITH ENHANCED HARMONIC RESOLUTION
Generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array is described. An acoustic audio signal is processed to generate band pass signals which represent associated bands of audio frequencies. Macro bands are defined, each of which characterizes multiple band pass signals. The macro bands are processed in a sequence of sampling intervals. For each sampling interval, the processing includes: i. extracting timing and energy information from each band pass signal to form requested stimulation events, ii. decimating the requested stimulation events to select a maximum energy band pass signal within each macro band, and iii. decimating each selected band pass signal based on a pulse selection inhibition function and preserving temporal and spectral structures of the band pass signals so as to generate stimulation event signals. The stimulation event signals are weighted with a weighting matrix reflecting patient-specific pitch perception characteristics to produce output electrode stimulation signals to the implanted electrode array.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A system and method are described for determining an estimated neural response in a hybrid acoustic-electrical audio prosthesis. Target nerve tissue such as remaining hair cells and cochlear nerve tissue receive synchronized electric and acoustic stimulation signals which are recorded and processed to determine an artifact canceled estimated neural response.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A cochlear implant electrode includes an implantable electrode carrier having an outer surface with electrode contacts for electrically stimulating nerve tissue of the inner ear of a patient. A drug lumen is within the electrode carrier and adapted to receive a therapeutic fluid. The drug lumen contains delivery openings to the outer surface of the electrode carrier and a hydrogel matrix disposed between the drug lumen and the one or more delivery openings and adapted to swell in volume when exposed to the therapeutic fluid. The hydrogel matrix is adapted to control diffusion of the therapeutic fluid from the drug lumen through the delivery openings to the outer surface of the electrode carrier.
A method for stimulating facial nerves in a subject with synkinetic reinnervated muscles includes providing an electrode, having a plurality of contacts, in a parotic region of the subject's face, stimulating each of the contacts separately, identifying one or more contacts from the plurality of contacts that cause one or more nerve branches to activate a desired facial muscle, and selecting the identified contacts to stimulate the one or more nerve branches. The system includes an electrode having a plurality of contacts for placement in a parotic region of the subject's face and a processor in communication with the electrode. The processor has program code for stimulating each of the contacts separately, for identifying one or more contacts from the plurality of contacts that cause one or more nerve branches to activate a desired facial muscle, and for selecting the identified contacts to stimulate the one or more nerve branches.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A drug delivery device for the inner ear is described. A drug delivery member for the inner ear without any stimulation electrodes has an intra-cochlear portion that penetrates into the inner ear of the patient and contains a drug eluting polymer material having at least one therapeutic drug which is released over time in a therapeutically effective amount into fluid in the inner ear of the patient.
A cochlear implant device is described which is an electrode shell for insertion into a fixed position in cochlear tissue. The electrode shell includes an interior volume that partially encases an implant electrode so that its electrode contacts are exposed for delivering electrical stimulation signals to the cochlear tissue. The electrode shell allows insertion and removal of the implant electrode with minimal trauma to the cochlear tissue.
An implantable device includes an implanted coil for receiving a transcutaneous coil signal from an external trans-mitting coil. A coil housing contains the coil and has a non- con-ductive surface. A conductive coating covers at least a portion of the housing surface and forms a non-shielding pattern that mini-mizes interaction with the coil signal.
A61N 1/08 - Aménagements ou circuits de surveillance, de protection, de commande ou d'indication
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
28.
SYNCHRONIZED DIAGNOSTIC MEASUREMENT FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS
Objective measurement of cochlear implant operation is described which coordinates the delivery to a patient of an acoustic signal and an electrical signal. The acoustic signal is developed as an acoustic stimulation input to the ear canal of a patient, and the electrical signal is developed as an electrical stimulation input to intracochlear electrodes of a cochlear implant. The evoked response in the patient to the delivered signals is then measured.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
29.
REMOTE SENSING AND ACTUATION OF FLUID IN CRANIAL IMPLANTS
An implantable device is described. An implantable transducer (200) converts between electrical energy and acoustic energy. An implantable electronics module (600) is in communication with the transducer and processes electronic data signals associated with the transducer. A fluid filled catheter (202) has a proximal end coupled to the transducer, and a distal end having a distal opening (500) to cerebrospinal fluid in an implanted patient.
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
30.
IMPACT PROTECTOR FOR AN EXTERNAL ELEMENT OF A PARTIALLY IMPLANTABLE SYSTEM
An external component housing is described for a cochlear implant system. A signal processing stage is contained within the housing for generating an electrical signal for an implanted portion of the system. An external coil is also within the housing for transmitting the electncal signal transcutaneously through the skin of a patient to the implanted portion. An impact absorber shields the system components from the impact energy associated with a mechanical impact to the housing.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
F16F 7/00 - Amortisseurs de vibrations; Amortisseurs de chocs
An implantable device includes a multi-channel electrode array in which each channel is associated with an electrode in the array. An audio processing stage processes an input audio signal to produce output channel signals representing associated bands of audio frequencies. A timing and envelope detector processes the output channel signals in a sequence of sampling intervals, including, for each sampling interval, determining for each output channel signal: i. a set of requested pulse timings containing a plurality of pulse timing requests, and ii. a set of corresponding envelope signals representing pulse magnitude for pulse timing requests. A pulse selection amplitude definition stage determines for each set of requested pulse timings: i. a set of output pulses at specified times selected from the set of requested pulse timings based on a pulse selection inhibition function, and ii. a stimulation amplitude associated with each output pulse. The multi-channel electrode array applies the output pulses at their associated stimu-lation amplitudes to surrounding tissue.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A magnet positioning tool is described for use with an implantable device. The device has a pair of opposing positioning surfaces, at least one of which has a magnet cradle for mechanically engaging an implant magnet associated with a magnet position in the implantable device. The tool also includes a position engagement surface for engaging the implantable device when the magnet cradle is adjacent to the magnet position.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
A61N 1/372 - Aménagements en relation avec l'implantation des stimulateurs
A method, system and computer product for simultaneously activating at least two electrodes in a multichannel electrode array is presented. The method includes calculating pulse amplitudes of the electrodes in the multichannel array by taking into account parameters of spatial channel interaction reflecting geometric overlapping of electrical fields from each electrode. Calculating is based, at least in part, on place- independent impulse responses characterized by a first exponential decay constant .alpha. at a first side of the electrode and a second exponential decay constant .beta. at a second side of the electrode, such that the first exponential decay constant .alpha. is the same for each electrode in the array, and the second exponential decay constant .beta. is the same for each electrode in the array.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A signal processor is described for communication with an implanted medical device. An external processor transmits to the implanted medical device an implant data signal having a sequence of HI and LOW logic states at a fixed data bit rate. The pulse width durations of the HI and LOW logic states is adjustable in response to feedback telemetry data from the implantable medical device.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
35.
ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION WITH BROAD BAND LOW FREQUENCY FILTER
A system and method of generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted multi -channel electrode array of a cochlear implant includes processing an acoustic audio signal with a bank of filters. Each filter in the bank of filters is associated with at least one channel having an electrode. The bank of filters includes a first band pass filter that produces a broadband signal b(t) with frequencies that substantially cover at least one of a pitch frequency range of 100 Hz to 400 Hz and a first format range of 400 Hz - 1000 Hz. At least one electrode associated with the first band pass filter is activated with electrode stimulation signals based, at least in part, on the broadband signal b(t). The filter bank may include at least one electrode associated with one or more filters other than the first band pass filter, the one or more filters producing signals having only higher frequencies than broadband signal b(t).
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
A hearing actuator (10) for implantation in the middle ear of a user. The actuator comprises transducer means (for example a piezoelectric device) (12) for converting electrical input signals into mechanical vibrations, and attachment means (16) for attaching one end of the transducer means to a first part of the middle ear. The actuator also comprises contacting means (14) which extends from an opposite end of the transducer means such that a longitudinal axis of the contacting means is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the transducer means. The contacting means is for contacting a second part of the middle ear (to which it may be attached), so as to transmit the mechanical vibrations of the transducer means thereto.
An implantable device includes a receiving coil assembly including a magnet holding structure for containing an internal holding magnet which is reorientable in responsive alignment to an external magnetic field. The magnet holding structure is adapted for allowing removal and subsequent reinsertion of the internal holding magnet.
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
38.
INDUCTIVE POWER AND DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM BASED ON CLASS D AND AMPLITUDE SHIFT KEYING
A rf signal transfer link is described which uses amplitude shift keying (ASK) to transfer rf data pulses. The link minimizes state transition time at the end of each data pulse.
Airway disorders in a horse are relieved by electrical stimulation of the airway tissue. Particular disorders and techniques include electrical stimulation to relieve laryngeal hemiplegia. A pacemaker processor generates an electrical treatment signal to be applied to upper airway tissue of the horse for treating the upper airway disorder. One or more stimulation electrodes interfaces with the upper airway tissue for delivering the treatment signal to the upper airway tissue.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A61D 99/00 - Matière non prévue dans les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe
40.
IMPLANTABLE NEURO-STIMULATION ELECTRODE WITH FLUID RESERVOIR
An implantable cochlear electrode array for electrically stimulating cochlear tissue includes a drug eluting portion of a polymer material adapted to release over time a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent for the inner ear.
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
41.
REMOTE SENSING AND ACTUATION OF FLUID OF INNER EAR
A system for communicating with the inner ear is described. An acoustic transducer converts between electrical energy and mechanical energy. An inner ear catheter (202) has a distal end in vibratory communication with the fluid of the inner ear, a proximal end in vibratory communication with the acoustic transducer, and a lumen filled with a catheter fluid for coupling vibratory signals between the distal end and the proximal end.
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A neural stimulator (400) includes an electrically non-conductive carrier (402) and at least two electrically conductive electrodes (404, 406) disposed on opposite sides of the carrier (402). The electrodes (404, 406) on the opposite sides of the carrier are not electrically connected together. Instead, a signal source is connected to one of the electrodes (404) on one side of the carrier (402) and a return path to the signal source is connected to a corresponding electrode (406) on the other side of the carrier (402). The corresponding electrode (406) can, but need not be, directly opposite the electrode (404) on the other side of the carrier (402). The electrodes (404, 406) can be rings, disks, other shapes or combinations thereof. Optionally, the carrier includes low-impedance shunts (500, 502, 1102, 1104) therethrough.
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
An implantable electronic system is described. An implantable power supply includes multiple power input ports for receiving an externally generated power supply signal, and multiple power output ports for developing a detected power signal. An implantable prosthetic processing module includes multiple prosthetic processing input ports connected by wire to the power output ports for receiving the detected power signal, and multiple prosthetic processing output ports for developing a prosthetic stimulation signal output for electrically stimulating target neural tissue. Each of the multiple ports is adapted to operate without developing a dc potential.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
A stimulation system including a stimulator having a multi-channel electrode array utilizing a monopolar electrode configuration. A processor is operatively coupled to the stimulator. The processor is configured to determine a channel interaction (CI) sequence using simultaneous, sign- correlated pulses and channel interaction compensation. The CI sequence has a CI pulse rate and a CI mean pulse amplitude, and produces resulting potentials that are substantially equal to desired potentials at given positions relative to the multi-channel array. The CI sequence may include temporal gaps between pulses, wherein the processor may be configured to increase the CI pulse rate, such that the temporal gap between pulses is decreased. Furthermore, the processor may be configured to reduce the pulse amplitude of the CI sequence while increasing pulse phase duration, such that charge per pulse remains substantially unchanged and the temporal gap between pulses is decreased.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
The present invention concerns an actuator for an implantable hearing aid for implantation into the human middle ear. The actuator comprises a substantially elongate piezoelectric component (34, 36) having first and second operating end faces (41, 43), said end faces extending substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the piezoelectric component. Also there is provided a frame component comprising at least one flextensional amplifier element (32), the flextensional amplifier element being integral with and connecting first and second frame end portions (42, 44), the first and second frame end portions also extending substantially at right angles to longitudinal axis of the piezoelectric component when fitted thereto, whereby the first and second end portions are in contact with the piezoelectric component end faces.
A61F 11/04 - Procédés ou dispositifs permettant au patient d’obtenir une perception auditive par des sens physiologiques autres que l’ouïe, p.ex. par le toucher
46.
COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODE WITH ADJUSTABLE SUBDIVISION FOR MIDDLE EAR FUNCTIONS
Cochlear Implant Electrode with Adjustable Subdivision for Middle Ear Functions Abstract An electrode for use with a cochlear implant capable of being implanted in a subject is provided. The electrode includes a main electrode branch which provides functions to an inner ear of the subject and an adjustable subdivision connected to the main electrode for providing functions to a middle ear of the subject.
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes à implanter ou à introduire dans le corps, p.ex. électrode cardiaque
A61F 2/18 - Parties internes de l'oreille ou du nez, p.ex. tympans
A61M 31/00 - Dispositifs pour l'introduction ou la rétention d'agents, p.ex. de remèdes, dans les cavités du corps
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
H04R 25/02 - Appareils pour sourds adaptés pour être supportés entièrement par l'oreille
47.
ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE ACOUSTIC NERVE BASED ON SELECTED GROUPS
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method of activating electrodes in a multichannel electrode array is provided. Each channel is associated with a different electrode in the array. At least two groups of channels in the multichannel electrode array are selected, wherein at least one of the selected groups includes a plurality of channels. One or more channels in each selected group is selected, and the electrodes to associated with each selected channel are activated. The steps of selecting at least one channel in each selected group, and activating the electrodes associated with each selected channel are repeated, such that the selected channels in at least one selected group varies.
A61N 1/36 - Application de courants électriques par électrodes de contact courants alternatifs ou intermittents pour stimuler, p.ex. stimulateurs cardiaques
48.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING EFFECT OF MAGNETIC FIELDS ON A MAGNETIC TRANSDUCER
An electro-magnetic driver transducer free of torque in the presence of an external magnetic field, of any direction and orientation (such as in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging environment). The transducer includes a housing. At least one coil is associated with the housing. A plurality of magnets within the housing are aligned along an axis in an anti-parallel orientation. The magnets are free to move along an axis, wherein vibration of the magnets causes vibration of the housing. The transducer may be, for example, fixed to an ossicle.
G01D 5/12 - Moyens mécaniques pour le transfert de la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible; Moyens pour convertir la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible en une autre variable, lorsque la forme ou la nature de l'organe sensible n'imposent pas un moyen de conversion déterminé; Transducteurs non spécialement adaptés à une variable particulière utilisant des moyens électriques ou magnétiques
H02K 35/02 - Génératrices avec système de bobines, aimant, induit, ou autre partie du circuit magnétique à mouvement alternatif, oscillant ou vibrant avec des aimants mobiles et des systèmes de bobines fixes
49.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING EFFECT OF MAGNETIC FIELDS ON A MAGNETIC TRANSDUCER
An electro-magnetic driver transducer free of torque in the presence of an external magnetic field, of any direction and orientation (such as in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging environment). The transducer includes a housing. At least one coil is associated with the housing. A plurality of magnets within the housing are aligned along an axis in an anti-parallel orientation. The magnets are free to move along an axis, wherein vibration of the magnets causses vibration of the housing. The transducer may be, for example, fixed to an ossicle.
H02K 35/02 - Génératrices avec système de bobines, aimant, induit, ou autre partie du circuit magnétique à mouvement alternatif, oscillant ou vibrant avec des aimants mobiles et des systèmes de bobines fixes
brevets
