Smart Electrode Array for Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants made of standard silicone electrode array (EA) are currently used to stimulate the auditory nerve of patients’ cochlea. The implants have a proximal diameter of 0.5mm and 2~3cm long composed of 20 bulk platinum electrodes and connection wires (Ø 25µm). Due to their stiffness and passive nature, the most difficult task during implant surgery is inserting the EA properly into the tympanic ramp of the patient's cochlea, often leading to trauma or incomplete insertion. In this work, we developed an original smart EA for efficient insertion. This prototype has a lower stiffness and functionalized with an electronic conducting polymer based micro-actuators able to bend under low electrical voltage stimulation. This prototype is expected to reduce the friction forces during insertion, allow better control of the insertion process, facilitate the work of the surgeon and decrease the probability of trauma.