Patent attributes
An implantable electrode array (30) that can adopt a first, preferably straight, configuration selected to allow the array to be inserted into an implantee's body, such as the cochlea, and at least a second, preferably spirally curved, configuration where the electrode array is adapted to apply tissue stimulation to the cochlea. The array (30) includes an elongate carrier (31) having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of electrodes (36) supported by the carrier (31) at respective longitudinally spaced locations thereon. The array (30) further comprises an outer layer (33) adhered to the elongate carrier (31) by an intermediate bioresorbable adhesive layer (32) positioned at least partially between the carrier (31) and the outer layer (33). The outer layer (33) is shaped so as to normally preferentially adopt the second configuration, while the bioresorbable adhesive layer (32) has a configuration selected for biasing the array (30) into the first configuration prior to insertion of the array (30) into the cochlea. A method of forming the array (30) is also disclosed.
