Abstract
The authors report on an actuated positioning device for a cochlear prosthesis insertion procedure. The device consists of multiple high-aspect ratio fluidic actuator chambers integrated with a high-density silicon cochlear electrode array and manufactured in a tapered-helix form. Actuation chambers with cross-sectional sizes as small as 40 × 200 μm and lengths of 30 mm have been fabricated using flexible polymers. The device will allow for low-resistance basilar insertion of a stimulating electrode array into the cochlea providing for deep, perimodiolar position considered most beneficial for auditory nerve stimulation, while minimizing intracochlear trauma. Experimental measurements, FEA analysis, and modeling demonstrate a viable and appropriate actuation method for a cochlear implant procedure.
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This work is supported in part by the Engineering Research Centers Program of the National Science Foundation under Award Number EEC-9986866. The authors would also like to thank Dymax for the UV cure adhesive samples they provided.
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Arcand, B., Bhatti, P., Butala, N. et al. Active positioning device for a perimodiolar cochlear electrode array. Microsystem Technologies 10, 478–483 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-004-0376-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-004-0376-5