Charles L. Byers

Intracochlear electrode array

An electrode array for implantation in a human cochlea. The array includes a spiral-shaped resilient carrier which generally conforms to the shape of the scala tympani of the cochlea. The carrier supports eight electrode pairs, with each electrode having an associated lead. The leads are arranged in the carrier to form a central rib structure which controls flexing of the array. The individual leads have an elongated cross-section and are individually vertically aligned in the rib structure, so that the array will readily flex in the plane defined by the array spiral. The structure limits flexing in the vertical direction. The restricted flexing serves to avoid injury to the basal membrane located at the upper surface of the scala tympani during implantation.