Electronic lead connection and related devices

Described are lead connections for electrically connecting a lead terminal and a lead channel; the lead connection can be useful in an electronic device such as an implantable electronic device, such as a hearing implant.

FULLY IMPLANTABLE MODULAR COCHLEAR IMPLANT SYSTEM

Cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode, a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode, and a signal processor in communication with the stimulator. The signal processor can receive an input signal from an input source and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received input signal and a transfer function of the signal processor. The signal processor can be connected to the stimulator via a first detachable connector configured to detachably connect and provide communication between the signal processor and the stimulator. The signal processor can be connected to the input source via a second detachable connector configured to detachably connect and provide communication between the signal processor and the input source. A modular signal processor can be detached from the stimulator and the input source for repair or replacement. 1. A modular cochlear implant system comprising:a cochlear electrode;a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode;a signal processor in communication with the stimulator;an input source in communication with the signal processor; anda first detachable connector configured to detachably connect the signal processor and the stimulator and to provide communication between the signal processor and the stimulator when attached; whereinthe signal processor is configured to receive an input signal from the input source and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received input signal and a transfer function of the signal processor;the stimulator provides an electrical stimulus to the cochlear electrode based on the stimulation signal; andthe cochlear electrode, the stimulator, the signal processor, and the input source are fully implantable into a patient.2. The implant system of claim 1 , further comprising a second detachable connector configured to detachably connect the signal processor and the input source and to provide communication ...

Communication system and methods for fully implantable modular cochlear implant system

Fully implantable cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode, a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode, a signal processor in communication with the stimulator, and an implantable battery and/or communication module in communication with the signal processor. A cochlear implant network can include an external device in wireless communication with the fully implantable cochlear implant system via one or more system components, such as the implantable battery and/or communication module, the stimulator, and/or the signal processor. The external device can be configured to wirelessly communicate signals to the fully implantable cochlear implant system such as control signals and/or audio signals. Networks can include a plurality of external devices capable of interfacing with one or more implantable components of a fully implantable cochlear implant system.

IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED COMPONENTS AND LEAD CHARACTERIZATION

Cochlear implant systems can include first and second subsystems, each subsystem including an input source, a signal processor, a stimulator, and a cochlear electrode. A single implantable battery and/or communication module can provide power to and communicate with each subsystem, such as via each signal processor. Systems can include separate leads providing separate communication between the implantable battery and/or communication module and each subsystem, or can include a bifurcated lead providing signals to both subsystems simultaneously. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to output addressed signals designating for which subsystem a signal is intended. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to separately update settings associated with each respective subsystem, such as a transfer function associated with each signal processor. 116-. (canceled)17. A method for adjusting operation of a stereo cochlear implant system comprising:receiving a command to adjust operation of the stereo cochlear implant system;determining a first existing transfer function associated with a first cochlear implant subsystem, the first existing first transfer function defining a relationship between a received stimulus signal and a first output stimulation signal;determining a first updated transfer function reflecting an adjusted operation associated with the received command, the first updated transfer function being based on the first existing transfer function and the received command;updating operation of a first cochlear implant subsystem to replace the first existing transfer function with the first updated transfer function;determining a second existing transfer function associated with a second cochlear implant subsystem, the second existing transfer function defining a relationship between a received stimulus signal and a second output stimulation signal;determining a second updated transfer function ...

RECHARGE SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE BATTERY

Systems including a rechargeable energy storage device can include a temperature sensor and a controller configured to receive temperature information representative of a temperature proximate the rechargeable energy storage device. The controller can be configured to receive or determine a second charging parameter associated with the charging of the rechargeable energy storage device, such as charging duration, and compare the temperature or the second parameter to a corresponding threshold. If the parameter associated with the charging the rechargeable energy storage device (e.g., charging duration and/or the temperature information) exceeds the corresponding threshold, the controller can reduce the amount of electrical current provided to the rechargeable energy storage device during charging. This can enable charging the rechargeable energy storage device at a maximum rate without exceeding thermal dose safety standards associated with charging the rechargeable energy storage device. 1. A system comprising:an implantable battery and/or communication module configured to provide electrical power to one or more implanted system components, the implantable battery and/or communication module comprising, a rechargeable energy storage device, a temperature sensor, and a first wireless charging interface; and receive temperature information representative of a temperature in the implantable battery and/or communication module at a first time;', 'receive or determine a second charging parameter associated with the charging of the rechargeable energy storage device;', 'compare a parameter associated with charging the rechargeable energy storage device to a corresponding threshold; and', 'if the parameter associated with the charging the rechargeable energy storage device exceeds the corresponding threshold, reduce an amount of electrical current provided to the rechargeable energy storage device during charging., 'a controller configured to, while the rechargeable ...

ELECTRONIC LEAD CONNECTION AND RELATED DEVICES

Described are lead connections for electrically connecting a lead terminal and a lead channel; the lead connection can be useful in an electronic device such as an implantable electronic device, such as a hearing implant.

FULLY IMPLANTABLE MODULAR COCHLEAR IMPLANT SYSTEM

Cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode, a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode, a signal processor in communication with the stimulator, and an implantable battery and/or communication module. The signal processor can receive an input signal from an input source and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received input signal and a transfer function of the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module may be configured to provide electrical power to the signal processor. The signal processor may include circuitry and a can surrounding and housing the circuitry as well as a first impedance between the circuitry and the can to reduce unintended electrical communication. The implantable battery and/or communication module may include circuitry and a can surrounding and housing the circuitry as well as a second impedance between the circuitry and the can to reduce unintended electrical communication. 1. A cochlear implant system comprising:a cochlear electrode;a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode;a signal processor in communication with the stimulator, the signal processor including first circuitry, a first can surrounding and housing the first circuitry, and a first impedance between the first circuitry and the first can to reduce unintended electrical communication between the cochlear electrode and the first circuitry of the signal processor;an input source in communication with the signal processor; andan implantable battery and/or communication module, the implantable battery and/or communication module being configured to provide electrical power to the signal processor and including second circuitry, a second can surrounding and housing the second circuitry, and a second impedance between the second circuitry and the second can to reduce unintended electrical communication between the cochlear electrode and the second circuitry of the ...

IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED COMPONENTS AND LEAD CHARACTERIZATION

Cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode, a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode, a sensor configured to receive a stimulus signal and generate an input signal based on the received stimulus signal, and a signal processor in communication with the stimulator and the sensor. In some examples, the stimulator and the signal processor are integrated into a single hermetically sealed housing. The housing can include a return electrode that extends from a first side of the housing to a second side of the housing opposite the first. 1. A cochlear implant system comprising:a cochlear electrode;a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode;a sensor configured to receive a stimulus signal and generate an input signal based on the received stimulus signal; and receive the input signal from the sensor; and', 'output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received input signal and the transfer function; wherein, 'a signal processor in communication with the stimulator and the sensor, the signal processor being programmed with a transfer function and being configured tothe stimulator and the signal processor are integrated into a single hermetically sealed housing, and wherein the cochlear electrode extends from the single hermetically sealed housing.2. The cochlear implant system of claim 1 , wherein the single hermetically sealed housing includes an outer surface having a first side claim 1 , a second side generally opposite the first claim 1 , and a return electrode coupled to the outer surface on both the first side and the second side.3. The cochlear implant system of claim 2 , wherein the single hermetically sealed housing is configured to be implanted on either the right side or the left side of a wearer.4. The cochlear implant system of claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of return electrodes.5. The cochlear implant system of claim 2 , wherein the signal processor is configured to ...

IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED COMPONENTS AND LEAD CHARACTERIZATION

Cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode, a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode, a sensor configured to receive a stimulus signal and generate an input signal based on the received stimulus signal, and a signal processor in communication with the stimulator and the sensor. The signal processor can include an analog filtering stage configured to generate an analog filtered signal from a received input signal and a digital filtering stage configured to generate a digitally filtered signal from the analog filtered signal. The analog filtering stage and digital filtering stage can be used to normalize the frequency response of the digitally filtered signal with respect to the stimulus signal. 1. A cochlear implant system comprising:a cochlear electrode;a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode;a middle ear sensor configured to receive a stimulus signal and generate an input signal based on the received stimulus signal; anda signal processor in communication with the stimulator and the middle ear sensor, the signal processor having an analog processing stage and a digital processing stage and being programmed with a transfer function and being configured to:receive the input signal from the middle ear sensor;input the received input signal to the analog processing stage and process the received input signal via the analog processing stage to generate an analog processed signal;input the analog processed signal to the digital processing stage and process the received analog processed signal via the digital processing stage to generate a digitally processed signal, the digitally processed signal corresponding to a normalized stimulus signal having reduced gain variability across a range of frequencies and compensating for variability in the frequency response of the middle ear sensor; andoutput a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the digitally processed signal and the transfer function.2 ...

IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED COMPONENTS AND LEAD CHARACTERIZATION

Systems can include a fully-implantable cochlear implant system having an input source, a signal processor, and an implantable battery and/or communication module. The system can include an externa hub having a speaker and a wireless communication interface. The external hub can be in wireless communication with the implantable battery and/or communication module. The external hub can be configured to output a predetermined acoustic signal via the speaker and communicate information to the implantable battery and/or communication module regarding the predetermined acoustic signal. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to analyze information regarding the acoustic signal output from the external hub and information from the signal processor regarding the response of the cochlear implant system to the acoustic signal. Such analysis can be used to calibrate the cochlear implant system and detect stapedial reflexes in a wearer. 1. A system comprising: a cochlear electrode;', 'a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode;', 'an input source configured to receive a stimulus and generate an input signal representative of the received stimulus;', 'a signal processor in communication with the stimulator and the input source, the signal processor being programmed with a transfer function and being configured to receive one or more input signals from the input source and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received one or more input signals and the transfer function; and', 'an implantable battery and/or communication module in communication with the signal processor and being configured to provide electrical power to the signal processor; and, 'a fully-implantable cochlear implant comprisingan external hub including a speaker and a wireless communication interface, the external hub being configured to communicate wirelessly with the implantable battery and/or communication module, the external hub ...

IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED COMPONENTS AND LEAD CHARACTERIZATION

Cochlear implant systems can include first and second subsystems, each subsystem including an input source, a signal processor, a stimulator, and a cochlear electrode. A single implantable battery and/or communication module can provide power to and communicate with each subsystem, such as via each signal processor. Systems can include separate leads providing separate communication between the implantable battery and/or communication module and each subsystem, or can include a bifurcated lead providing signals to both subsystems simultaneously. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to output addressed signals designating for which subsystem a signal is intended. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to separately update settings associated with each respective subsystem, such as a transfer function associated with each signal processor. 1. A cochlear implant system comprising: a first cochlear electrode;', 'a first stimulator in communication with the first cochlear electrode;', 'a first input source configured to receive a first stimulus signal and generate a first input signal based on the received first stimulus signal; and', 'a first signal processor in communication with the first stimulator and the first input source, the first signal processor programmed with a first transfer function and being configured to:', 'receive the first input signal from the first input source; and', 'output a first stimulation signal to the first stimulator based on the first input signal and the first transfer function;, 'a first subsystem including a second cochlear electrode;', 'a second stimulator in communication with the second cochlear electrode;', 'a second input source configured to receive a second stimulus signal and generate a second input signal based on the received second stimulus signal; and', 'a second signal processor in communication with the second stimulator and the second input source, the second ...

IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED COMPONENTS AND LEAD CHARACTERIZATION

Cochlear implant systems can include a near field communication device for communicating via a first wireless communication protocol and a wireless communication device for communicating via a second wireless communication protocol. An external device including an external near field communication device and an external wireless communication device can communicate with the implanted system via the first wireless communication protocol. Communication via the first wireless communication protocol can be used to enable communication between the implant system and the external device via the second wireless communication protocol. External devices can provide audio and/or data to the implant system via the second wireless communication protocol. External devices can include one or more sensors, and data from the sensors can be used to update a system transfer function based on the environment and/or location of the external device. 1. A cochlear implant system comprising:a cochlear electrode;a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode;a signal processor in communication with the stimulator, the signal processor being programmed with a transfer function and being configured to receive one or more input signals and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received one or more input signals and the transfer function;an implantable battery and/or communication module in communication with the signal processor, the implantable battery and/or communication module including an implanted near field communication device for communicating via a first wireless communication protocol and an implanted wireless communication device for communicating via a second wireless communication protocol, the second wireless communication protocol having a longer range of wireless communication than the first wireless communication protocol; andan external device having an external near field communication device configured to communicate wirelessly ...

IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED COMPONENTS AND LEAD CHARACTERIZATION

Cochlear implant systems can include a signal processor, an implantable battery and/or communication module, and a plurality of conductors coupling the implantable battery and/or communication module and the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module can communicate data and deliver electrical power to the signal processor via the plurality of conductors. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to perform characterization process to determine one or more characteristics of one or more such conductors. Characterization processes can include determining an impedance between two conductors as a function of frequency, determining whether a conductor is intact, and determining an impedance of a given conductor. Some characterization processes include grounding one or more conductors. 1. A cochlear implant system comprising:a cochlear electrode;a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode;a signal processor in communication with the stimulator;an input source in communication with the signal processor;an implantable battery and/or communication module, the implantable battery and/or communication module being configured to provide electrical power to the signal processor; anda plurality of conductors electrically coupling the signal processor and the implantable battery and/or communication module; whereinthe signal processor and/or the implantable battery and/or communication module is configured to:ground a first conductor of the plurality of conductors;apply a test signal to a second conductor of the plurality of conductors; andmeasure one or more electrical parameters of the first conductor, the second conductor, and/or between the first conductor and the second conductor.2. The cochlear implant system of claim 1 , wherein applying the test signal to the second conductor comprises successively applying a plurality of signals claim 1 , each of the plurality of signals having a different ...

Implantable cochlear system with integrated components and lead characterization

Cochlear implant systems can include a signal processor programmed with a transfer function and configured to receive an input signal and output a stimulation signal based on the received input signal and transfer function. Systems can include an implantable battery and/or communication module in communication with the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to interface with and update the transfer function of the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module can communicate with one or more external devices, and can facilitate calibration and normalization of the system. Digital and/or analog filtering can be used to compensate for nonuniformity of system behavior across frequency ranges. A single implantable battery and/or communication module can provide power and data to multiple signal processors implanted as parts of individual subsystems.

Implantable cochlear system with integrated components and lead characterization

Recharge system for implantable battery

Systems including a rechargeable energy storage device can include a temperature sensor and a controller configured to receive temperature information representative of a temperature proximate the rechargeable energy storage device. The controller can be configured to receive or determine a second charging parameter associated with the charging of the rechargeable energy storage device, such as charging duration, and compare the temperature or the second parameter to a corresponding threshold. If the parameter associated with the charging the rechargeable energy storage device (e.g., charging duration and/or the temperature information) exceeds the corresponding threshold, the controller can reduce the amount of electrical current provided to the rechargeable energy storage device during charging. This can enable charging the rechargeable energy storage device at a maximum rate without exceeding thermal dose safety standards associated with charging the rechargeable energy storage device.

Implantable cochlear system with integrated components and lead characterization

Implantable cochlear system with integrated components and lead characterization

Cochlear implant systems can include a signal processor programmed with a transfer function and configured to receive an input signal and output a stimulation signal based on the received input signal and transfer function. Systems can include an implantable battery and/or communication module in communication with the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to interface with and update the transfer function of the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module can communicate with one or more external devices, and can facilitate calibration and normalization of the system. Digital and/or analog filtering can be used to compensate for nonuniformity of system behavior across frequency ranges. A single implantable battery and/or communication module can provide power and data to multiple signal processors implanted as parts of individual subsystems.

Implantable cochlear system with integrated components and lead characterization

Recharge system for implantable battery

Systems including a rechargeable energy storage device can include a temperature sensor and a controller configured to receive temperature information representative of a temperature proximate the rechargeable energy storage device. The controller can be configured to receive or determine a second charging parameter associated with the charging of the rechargeable energy storage device, such as charging duration, and compare the temperature or the second parameter to a corresponding threshold. If the parameter associated with the charging the rechargeable energy storage device (e.g., charging duration and/or the temperature information) exceeds the corresponding threshold, the controller can reduce the amount of electrical current provided to the rechargeable energy storage device during charging. This can enable charging the rechargeable energy storage device at a maximum rate without exceeding thermal dose safety standards associated with charging the rechargeable energy storage device.

Recharge system for implantable battery

Systems including a rechargeable energy storage device can include a temperature sensor and a controller configured to receive temperature information representative of a temperature proximate the rechargeable energy storage device. The controller can be configured to receive or determine a second charging parameter associated with the charging of the rechargeable energy storage device, such as charging duration, and compare the temperature or the second parameter to a corresponding threshold. If the parameter associated with the charging the rechargeable energy storage device (e.g., charging duration and/or the temperature information) exceeds the corresponding threshold, the controller can reduce the amount of electrical current provided to the rechargeable energy storage device during charging. This can enable charging the rechargeable energy storage device at a maximum rate without exceeding thermal dose safety standards associated with charging the rechargeable energy storage device.

Implantable cochlear system with integrated components and lead characterization

Cochlear implant systems can include a signal processor programmed with a transfer function and configured to receive an input signal and output a stimulation signal based on the received input signal and transfer function. Systems can include an implantable battery and/or communication module in communication with the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to interface with and update the transfer function of the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module can communicate with one or more external devices, and can facilitate calibration and normalization of the system. Digital and/or analog filtering can be used to compensate for nonuniformity of system behavior across frequency ranges. A single implantable battery and/or communication module can provide power and data to multiple signal processors implanted as parts of individual subsystems.

Implantable modular cochlear implant system with communication system and network

Cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode, a stimulator, a signal processor, and an input source. The signal processor can be connected to the stimulator and/or the input source via a detachable connector such that the signal processor may be detached from the system for repair or replacement. System components can include circuitry, a can surrounding and housing the circuitry, and an impedance between the circuitry and the can in order to reduce unintended electrical communication between the cochlear electrode and the circuitry. Components can communicate bidirectionally via transmission of signals and inverted signals to reduce net charge flow. A cochlear implant network can include one or more external devices in wireless communication with a fully implantable cochlear implant system via one or more system components. External devices can be configured to wirelessly communicate signals to the fully implantable cochlear implant system such as control signals and/or audio signals.

Predicting a cumulative thermal dose in implantable battery recharge systems and methods

Systems including a rechargeable energy storage device can include a temperature sensor and a controller configured to receive temperature information representative of a temperature proximate the rechargeable energy storage device. The controller can be configured to receive or determine a second charging parameter associated with the charging of the rechargeable energy storage device, such as charging duration, and compare the temperature or the second parameter to a corresponding threshold. If the parameter associated with the charging the rechargeable energy storage device (e.g., charging duration and/or the temperature information) exceeds the corresponding threshold, the controller can reduce the amount of electrical current provided to the rechargeable energy storage device during charging. This can enable charging the rechargeable energy storage device at a maximum rate without exceeding thermal dose safety standards associated with charging the rechargeable energy storage device.

Implantable modular cochlear implant system with communication system and network