Abstract:
A surgical tool lifts an overlying layer of skin away from underlying bone to prepare the bone to accommodate a convex element of an implantable device. The tool includes a lifting shell for insertion between the skin and the bone so as to lift the skin away from bone. A tool base supports the lifting shell and is supported by the bone. A drill template opening in the tool base provides access for preparing the bone to accommodate the convex element.
Abstract:
A magnetic arrangement is described for an implantable system for a recipient patient. A planar coil housing contains a signal coil for transcutaneous communication of an implant communication signal. A first attachment magnet is located within the plane of the coil housing and rotatable therein, and has a magnetic dipole parallel to the plane of the coil housing for transcutaneous magnetic interaction with a corresponding second attachment magnet.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
An arrangement is described for fitting a hearing prosthesis system to a prosthesis patient. The PAMR measurement determines a post-auricular muscle reflex (PAMR) response of the patient to an auditory stimulus signal. For example, the PAMR response may include a PAMR amplitude growth function or a PAMR threshold stimulus level at which a PAMR is measured in the patient. Then a patient fitting module sets an operating characteristic of the hearing prosthesis system based on the PAMR response.
Abstract:
An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts. The body and the implantable magnet are positioned such that the body is shifted to one of the first position and the second position as a function of the external magnetic field resulting in a magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetically soft body.
Abstract:
A power supply arrangement for an implantable electronic system is described. An MRI power supply arrangement cooperates with an implantable power supply circuit to provide a high output impedance for implanted circuitry during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Abstract:
A surgical tool lifts an overlying layer of skin away from underlying bone to prepare the bone to accommodate a convex element of an implantable device. The tool includes a lifting shell for insertion between the skin and the bone so as to lift the skin away from bone. A tool base supports the lifting shell and is supported by the bone. A drill template opening in the tool base provides access for preparing the bone to accommodate the convex element.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic transducer includes a housing. At least one coil is associated with the housing. A spherical magnet within the housing is capable of turning in any direction and of moving along an axis. A first keeper and a second keeper are positioned on opposite sides of the magnet, both the first keeper and the second keeper including magnetically soft material and free to move along the axis. A first biasing member holds the first keeper along the axis, and a second biasing element that holds the second keeper along the axis. The first keeper and the second keeper are attracted by magnetic poles of the magnet in the absence of an external magnetic field, such that opposing magnetic poles of the magnet are aligned parallel to the axis. Alternating current flowing through the at least one coil causes a vibration of the magnet, the vibration transferred to the housing.
Abstract:
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 electrical 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.
Abstract:
An inductive coil arrangement is described for an ear canal of a recipient patient. An inner transmitter coil inserts into the ear canal for transmitting a communication signal through the skin of the outer wall of the ear canal. The transmitter coil includes transmission wire loops that lie substantially in a common plane which curves around the central axis of the ear canal conformal to the outer wall of the ear canal. An outer receiver coil is implantable under the skin of the outer wall of the ear canal for receiving the communication signal from the transmitter coil. The receiver coil includes receiver wire loops that lie substantially in a common plane which curves around the central axis of the ear canal substantially parallel to the transmitter coil.