An apparatus includes a housing configured to be held in a recipient's hand and at least one actuator contained within the housing. The at least one actuator is configured to generate vibrations. The apparatus further includes at least one element in mechanical communication with the at least one actuator and extending from a portion of an outer surface of the housing. The at least one element is configured to receive the vibrations from the at least one actuator, to be pressed against a portion of the recipient's head by a recipient generated force, and to transmit the vibrations to the recipient's head.
A61H 23/02 - Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibrationSuction-vibration massageMassage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
Presented herein are techniques for robust spatially balanced stimulation when, for example, one or more current sources of a medical device run out of compliance. More specifically, a medical device can include one or more current sources configured to deliver electrical stimulation signals (current signals) to a recipient via one or more electrodes. The medical device is configured to determine an out-of-compliance (OOC) condition of at least one of the plurality of current sources during delivery of electrical stimulation signals to the recipient. The medical device is configured to adjust one or more of the electrical stimulation signals in response to the OOC condition.
Presented herein is a removable battery pack that includes a housing, a battery disposed within the housing, and a magnetic induction (MI) antenna integrated in the housing and disposed adjacent to the battery, and is a modular behind-the-ear (BTE) device comprising: a sound processor configured to connect with a radio frequency (RF) coil; and a removable battery module configured to connect with the sound processor, wherein the removable battery module includes a battery and the MI antenna.
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
H01Q 7/00 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
A method, including advancing, as part of an implantation procedure into a human, at least a first portion of an electrode array into a cochlea of the human during a first temporal period, providing information to a computer system, the provided information including spatial based data relating to the electrode array during the implantation procedure of the electrode array into the human, receiving information based on an evaluation by the computer system of the provided information, the evaluation having taken into account a history of the spatial based data provided in the provided information, the received information being a recommendation as to how to move the electrode array during second temporal period following the first temporal period and moving the electrode array according to the received information.
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
G16H 40/63 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
Presented herein is a foldable medical device that is configured to be implanted in a tympanic cavity of recipient. More specifically, the medical device has a folded configuration with physical dimensions (physical footprint occupied by the device)/first form factor that enables insertion of the device through an ear canal of the recipient (e.g., through an opening formed at a tympanic membrane of the recipient). After insertion of the device into the tympanic cavity, the medical device is deployed from the folded configuration to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the medical device has physical dimensions (physical footprint occupied by the device)/second form factor that are larger than the physical dimensions in the folded configuration. In certain examples, the medical device is configured to be positioned against a promontory of the recipient's ear adjacent to the tympanic cavity.
An apparatus includes a pre-curved stimulation assembly configured to be inserted into a body cavity of a recipient, a sheath configured to maintain the pre-curved stimulation assembly in a straight configuration while the pre-curved stimulation assembly is disposed in the sheath, and a straightening mechanism configured to maintain a distal section of the pre-curved stimulation assembly in a straight configuration for a period of time while the distal section is advanced out from the sheath. The pre-curved stimulation assembly is configured to release from the straight configuration to a pre-curved configuration after the period of time has elapsed to curl the distal section within the body cavity.
Presented herein are techniques for delivering stimulation signals to a user of a hearing device system to evoke perception of modified speech. Sound signals are received that include speech. The received speech comprises auditory comprehension attributes. The sounds signals are converted to stimulation signals for delivery to a user of a hearing device system. During the converting, one or more of the auditory comprehension attributes associated with the received speech are modified to generate modified speech that has the same meaning as the received speech. The stimulation signals are delivered to the user to evoke perception of the modified speech.
Presented herein are techniques for monitoring (e.g., detecting, determining, tracking, calculating, etc.) a sociability index of a user (e.g., a recipient) of a “user device,” that is a device that is carried by, worn by, or implanted in, the user. The sociability index can include, but are not limited to, a listening situation of the user and/or an activity associated with the user in the listening situation.
A method and system to help determine the extent to which a hearing prosthesis recipient is exposed to speech. The hearing prosthesis will log data regarding audio input, optimally in correspondence with times when the hearing prosthesis is in a stimulation-on mode in which the hearing prosthesis is set to stimulate a physiological system of the recipient in accordance with received audio input, so as to facilitate identification of speech to which the recipient is exposed. Further, as the hearing prosthesis itself receives the audio input, the hearing prosthesis may analyze the audio input to determine one or more linguistic characteristics of the audio input, such as a quantity of speech by the recipient and/or by others, and the hearing prosthesis may output data representing the determined one or more linguistic characteristics. Advantageously, the data may then be used to help facilitate rehabilitation of the recipient.
An apparatus includes at least one first microphone configured to be worn on or within a recipient's body and configured to generate microphone signals indicative of ambient sound from an environment of the recipient. The apparatus further includes first circuitry configured to, in response to the microphone signals, to generate stimulation signals indicative of the ambient sound and configured to be received by the recipient's body to evoke a hearing percept by the recipient. The apparatus further includes second circuitry configured to generate first data indicative of a first comparison of the responses of the at least one first microphone and at least one second microphone to the ambient sound at a first time. The second circuitry is further configured to generate second data indicative of a second comparison of the responses of the at least one first microphone and the at least one second microphone to the ambient sound at a second time. The second time is subsequent to the first time. The second circuitry is further configured to generate a performance evaluation of at least one aspect of the apparatus in response to a third comparison of the first and second data.
Presented herein are systems and methods for generating one or more conversational dialogue parts for interaction with a user device user via an intelligent agent. One or more conversational dialogue parts for interaction with a user device user are generated via at least one acoustic transducer. One or more responses from the user device user to the one or more conversational dialogue parts are obtained via at least one sound input unit. One or more subsequent conversational dialogue parts for interaction with the user device user are generated based on the responses from the user device user.
A method including obtaining data relating to at least demographic data and sensory performance of a human, analyzing the data based on the obtained data using a statistical model, a probabilistic model and/or a model based on results from or that is a product of machine learning to develop output, wherein at least one of the output is a prediction of results relating to application of a sensory supplement device to the human or the method further includes developing a prediction of results relating to application of a sensory supplement device to the human based on the output.
Presented herein are techniques for controlling stimulation provided by an implantable device. The stimulation control can be performed at an external device, and can machine learning (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI)). The techniques provide a cochlear implant stimulation strategy that utilizes computational models of a healthy auditory system and an implanted auditory system to more closely emulate natural acoustic hearing.
Presented hearing are techniques for data integrity enhancement for inductively coupled resonant tanks, in particular, the techniques presented here use an external damping switch to perform selective and active damping of an external coil (headpiece coil), and is a device comprising: a radio frequency (RF) transceiver; an external coil assembly including an external coil configured to be inductively coupled with an implantable coil to form a closely-coupled RF link; and an external damping switch circuit electrically connected with the external coil, wherein the external damping switch circuit is controlled according to a programmable on-time for damping activation, to provide selective active damping of the external coil during transmission of data on the closely-coupled RF link.
H01Q 7/00 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
15.
LOCALIZATION AND SHIELDING FOR INDUCTIVE WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM
An apparatus includes at least one first magnetic induction (MI) antenna configured to wirelessly transmit power at a first frequency to a device within or on a body portion of a recipient. The apparatus further includes an antenna array with a plurality of antennas configured to wirelessly communicate data and/or command signals at a second frequency to and/or from the device, the second frequency greater than the first frequency. The apparatus further includes circuitry in electrical communication with the antenna array and configured to control the at least one first MI antenna and the antenna array.
Presented herein are techniques for implant-induced artefact visualization using pre-operative MRI imaging data. Operations include obtaining pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, and obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) artefact model 2024/213975 for an implant of a recipient based on an implant type. The operations further include overlaying the 3D artefact model of the implant on the pre-operative MRI data based on a given implant location, and displaying the pre-operative MRI data with the 3D artefact model of the implant overlaid thereon so as to visualize an implant-induced image artefact for the recipient according to the given implant location. WO
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
A61B 34/10 - Computer-aided planning, simulation or modelling of surgical operations
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
G01R 33/56 - Image enhancement or correction, e.g. subtraction or averaging techniques
A device, including an implantable microphone, including a transducer, and a chamber in which a gas is located such that vibrations originating external to the microphone based on sound are effectively transmitted therethrough, wherein the transducer is in effective vibration communication with the gas, wherein the transducer is configured to convert the vibrations traveling via the gas to an electrical signal, the chamber and the transducer correspond to a microphone system, wherein the chamber corresponds to a front volume of the microphone system, and the transducer includes a back volume corresponding to the back volume of the microphone system, and the implantable microphone is configured to enable pressure adjustment of the front and/or back volume in real time.
Presented herein are auditory rehabilitation techniques facilitating independent usage of a telephone by a recipient of a hearing device. More specifically, the auditory rehabilitation techniques presented herein are configured to develop the cognitive resources of a recipient that are needed by the recipient to process, in real-time, stimulation signals having a degraded quality that is typical of telephonic signals, and in the absence of visual cues. In addition, the auditory rehabilitation techniques presented herein are configured to develop the cognitive resources of a recipient that are need to formulate, in real-time, spoken responses to the stimulation signals.
Presented herein are techniques for adjusting power supplied to elements of an implantable device, such as an implantable acoustic hearing device, based on environmental conditions associated with an ambient environmental.
A system includes an electrical stimulator configured to provide at least one asymmetric multiphasic stimulation to a recipient for affecting tinnitus in the recipient. A method includes generating asymmetric multiphasic stimulation. The method can also include providing the asymmetric multiphasic stimulation to an ear of a recipient to affect tinnitus in the recipient.
An apparatus includes a housing sealing an internal region within the housing from an external region outside the housing. The housing is configured to be implanted on or within a recipient's body. The apparatus further includes at least one actuator at least partially within the housing. The at least one actuator is configured to generate mechanical vibrational signals. The at least one actuator includes a coupling portion configured to be in mechanical communication with a fixture implanted on or within a recipient's body and configured to transmit the mechanical vibrational signals to the recipient's body. The apparatus further includes circuitry within the housing and configured to generate electrical stimulation signals configured to be received by the recipient's body. The apparatus further includes a plurality of electrical conduits in electrical communication with the circuitry and extending from the internal region to the external region. The plurality of electrical conduits are arranged in at least one arc segment at least partially encircling the coupling portion of the at least one actuator.
A method for providing advanced medical counseling comprises: obtaining data relating to a health aspect of a human; obtaining a query regarding the human's state of health; automatically analyzing the query based at least in part on the obtained data; based at least in part on results of the automatic analyzing, automatically developing output that answers the query; and outputting the output.
G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
G16H 10/20 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
G16H 20/00 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
G16H 80/00 - ICT specially adapted for facilitating communication between medical practitioners or patients, e.g. for collaborative diagnosis, therapy or health monitoring
23.
IMPROVED EVALUATION OF MEDICAL DEVICE RELATED DATA
A method including executing an automatic evaluation of data residing on a computing system pertaining to a specific medical device. The method comprising obtaining access to a computing system, and via the computing system, obtaining access to data based on medical device settings and/or phenomena recorded in association with the medical device and executing an automated evaluation of the accessed data and gauging efficacy of the medical device based on results of the automated evaluation.
G16H 40/67 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
G16H 70/20 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical references relating to practices or guidelines
A61N 1/08 - Arrangements or circuits for monitoring, protecting, controlling or indicating
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
An apparatus includes a piezoelectric element having a plurality of piezoelectric layers, a first portion, and a second portion spaced from the first portion along a longitudinal axis of the piezoelectric element that is substantially perpendicular to the piezoelectric layers. The apparatus further includes circuitry in electrical communication with the piezoelectric element and configured to apply non-zero voltage differences between the first portion and the second portion that induce time-varying changes of an attribute of the piezoelectric element. The apparatus further includes a first mount in mechanical communication with the first portion and a second mount in mechanical communication with the second end portion. The second mount is spaced from the first mount. The first mount is configured to be rigidly affixed to a first outer bone surface region and the second mount is configured to be rigidly affixed to a second outer bone surface region.
A method, including the actions of obtaining access to a virtual reality system; activating a cochlear implant such that the cochlear implant evokes a hearing percept based on first input; and receiving second input from the virtual reality system in temporal proximity with the evocation of the hearing percept based on the first input, wherein the cochlear implant evokes a hearing percept based on the first input, and the second input is correlated with the first input.
Systems and methods for tracking task focus of a recipient of a medical device during unsupervised remote self-testing of the medical device are disclosed herein. One or more signals perceptible to the recipient are transmitted to an external device for presenting signals to the recipient. The recipient then inputs a response at the external device, wherein the input is responsive to the one or more signals perceived by the recipient. The external device then measures, at a plurality of time intervals, at least one eye tracking data metric of the recipient in association with the one or more signals and the input received from the recipient at the external device. At least one focus tracking metric of the recipient is determined based on data associated with the at least one eye tracking data metric, the one or more signals, and the input received from the recipient at the external device.
(1) Electrodes for medical use; electrode arrays for medical use; implantable electrodes for medical use; implantable electrode arrays for medical use.
An electromagnetic transducer, including a plurality of static flux paths, and a plurality of dynamic flux paths, wherein at least two of the plurality of static flux paths lie in respective first planes parallel and offset from one another, at least two of the plurality of dynamic flux paths lie in respective second planes parallel and offset from one another, and the first planes and the second planes are arrayed so as to establish at least a general tic-tac-toe lattice.
B06B 1/04 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with electromagnetism
H02K 21/22 - Synchronous motors having permanent magnetsSynchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets with magnets rotating around the armatures, e.g. flywheel magnetos
H02K 23/34 - DC commutator motors or generators having mechanical commutatorUniversal AC/DC commutator motors characterised by the armature windings having mixed windings
H02K 33/00 - Motors with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating magnet, armature or coil system
H02K 33/16 - Motors with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating magnet, armature or coil system with polarised armatures moving in alternate directions by reversal or energisation of a single coil system
H04R 9/02 - Transducers of moving-coil, moving-strip, or moving-wire type Details
H04R 9/04 - Construction, mounting, or centering of coil
Presented herein are techniques for assessing proper functioning of an implantable component, such as an implantable medical device. In particular, an implant diagnostic system (integrity testing system) is configured to diagnose faults associated within an implantable electrical stimulation system. In certain embodiments, the implantable electrical stimulation system includes a plurality of stimulating electrodes configured to be implanted at a first location (first anatomical region) of a recipient. The integrity testing system includes one or more recording electrodes positioned at a second location (second anatomical region) of the recipient. The second location is a location that enables use of the one or more recording electrodes to detect phase reversals and other anomalous voltage patterns.
An implantable medical device includes an implant body and an inductive coil encapsulated within an encapsulation layer. A magnet pocket is disposed in the encapsulation layer and is configured to receive an implantable magnet system. At least one flexure member is disposed in the encapsulation layer between the inductive coil and the magnet pocket to mechanically decouple the inductive coil and the magnet pocket.
Presented herein are techniques for determining and setting one or more electrical stimulation parameters (stimulation parameters) of a recipient's medical device using data associated with the interface between the stimulation electrodes of the medical device and the recipient's tissue.
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
A61B 5/388 - Nerve conduction study, e.g. detecting action potential of peripheral nerves
G16H 20/30 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
32.
MEDICAL IMPLANT ACTUATOR WITH MASS CONFIGURED TO MITIGATE EDDY CURRENTS
An apparatus includes a housing configured to be implanted beneath a portion of skin of a recipient and first circuitry within the housing. The first circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate with second circuitry of an external device positioned on or above the portion of skin. The apparatus further includes an actuator within the housing and configured to be in mechanical communication with a portion of bone of the recipient. The actuator includes a unitary mass configured to undergo vibratory motion within the housing. The unitary mass includes a plurality of electrically conductive sub-masses in mechanical communication with one another and electrically isolated from one another.
An apparatus includes a stimulation assembly configured to be implanted on or within a recipient. The stimulation assembly includes an elongate body having a longitudinal axis. The stimulation assembly further includes at least one fin extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and extending from an outer surface of the body. The stimulation assembly further includes at least one stimulation element facing outwardly from the body. The at least one stimulation element is configured to be in operative communication with a portion of tissue of the recipient.
Presented herein are techniques for evaluating the characteristics of a body chamber of a recipient of a medical device (medical device recipient). More specifically, in accordance with embodiments presented herein, a system delivers one or more current pulses to a body chamber (e.g., cochlea) to generate an electrical potential at a first location in the body chamber. In addition, the system induces motion/vibration of fluid in the body chamber and contemporaneously measures/monitors the electrical potential at the first location in the body chamber. The system then uses the measured electrical potential to evaluate one or more characteristics of the body chamber.
Presented herein is a battery powered medical device. The device includes a printed circuit board, and a plurality of rechargeable surface mount batteries attached to the printed circuit board, wherein the plurality of rechargeable surface mount batteries are electrically connected in parallel, and are spaced from one another in a distributed pattern on the printed circuit board. The distributed pattern can be based on characteristic of the rechargeable surface mount batteries, a characteristic of another component that is also attached to the printed circuit board, and/or a desired form factor for the device.
A hearing prosthesis, comprising: a microphone; a sound processor; an external transmitter unit including a coil; an internal receiver unit including a coil; a stimulator unit, wherein the stimulator unit includes a control circuit, a voltage measurement component, a resistor and a signal generator, wherein the measurement circuit is configured to output a signal indicative of the voltage across the resistor; and a stimulating lead assembly array, wherein at least a portion of the hearing prosthesis is configured to apply an electrical signal to tissue inside a cochlea of a recipient, and at least a portion of the hearing prosthesis is configured to sense an electrical property inside of the cochlea that results from the applied electrical signal and the interaction of the applied electrical signal to the tissue.
A61B 5/053 - Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61F 2/18 - Internal ear or nose parts, e.g. ear-drums
A61F 11/04 - Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense, e.g. through the touch sense
An implant system includes an implantable component and an external component. The implant system switches communication between the implantable component and the external component from a first communication link to a second communication link in response to detecting interference in the first communication link above a threshold. The implant system switches communication between the implantable and external components from the second communication link back to the first communication link in response to detecting interference in the first communication link below the threshold.
Presented herein are methods and systems for configuring one or more operational parameters of a recipient device. A plurality of past operational parameters associated with configuring a recipient device (e.g., implantable medical device) for a recipient in one or more previous configuration sessions is obtained. A plurality of operational parameters for the recipient device is generated, via a trained probabilistic regression network, based on the plurality of past operational parameters. The recipient device is configured with the plurality of operational parameters.
G16H 20/30 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
G16H 40/60 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
G16H 50/70 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for mining of medical data, e.g. analysing previous cases of other patients
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
39.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUIDED STIMULATION TO TISSUE
An apparatus includes an elongate member having a distal end portion configured to be inserted into a recipient and at least one electrode on the distal end portion. The at least one electrode is configured to apply an electrical signal to tissue at a location within the recipient. The apparatus further includes at least one tissue marker on the distal end portion. The at least one tissue marker is configured to generate an indication of the location. The indication is configured to be accessed by an entity performing a subsequent surgical procedure during the subsequent surgical procedure.
A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
40.
TINNITUS MANAGEMENT BASED ON PRE DEVICE USE DATA AND USE DATA
A method, including obtaining data indicative of a response to electrical stimulation to tissue of a human, evaluating the obtained data and based on the evaluation, determining fitting settings for a tinnitus treatment device.
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
G16H 20/30 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
G16H 10/20 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
G16H 50/70 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for mining of medical data, e.g. analysing previous cases of other patients
41.
POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE
Systems and methods for detecting position information of a medical device, such as an auditory prosthesis, implanted within or located on a body of a recipient, are disclosed herein. An antenna of a device on or implanted within a body of a recipient transmits one or more signals, which are received at an antenna connected to an external device, such as a pillow charger. The external device generates position information associated with the device on or implanted within the body of the recipient. The external device then determines one or more parameters based on the position information for the device on or implanted within the recipient's body and generates and transmits one or more signals based on the one or more parameters.
H04B 5/79 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems specially adapted for specific purposes for data transfer in combination with power transfer
Presented herein are techniques to a monitor a position of a stimulating assembly during surgical implantation. A method includes inserting a stimulating assembly having one or more electrodes into an inner ear of a recipient, and monitoring, during the inserting, a proximity of at least one of the one or more electrodes to a saccule or an utricle of the inner ear.
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
A61B 5/053 - Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 3/113 - Objective types, i.e. instruments for examining the eyes independent of the patients perceptions or reactions for determining or recording eye movement
A61B 5/316 - Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
A61N 1/08 - Arrangements or circuits for monitoring, protecting, controlling or indicating
Therapeutic sound is provided through a bone conduction apparatus. A patient having a mental disorder is selected and provided with a bone conduction apparatus. A therapeutic signal generator generates a therapeutic signal for ameliorating the mental disorder. A vibratory actuator of the bone conduction apparatus vibrates based on the therapeutic signal, which causes the patient to perceive a therapeutic sound percept.
A61M 21/02 - Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousnessDevices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis for inducing sleep or relaxation, e.g. by direct nerve stimulation, hypnosis, analgesia
A61M 21/00 - Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousnessDevices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
Presented herein are techniques for predicting and controlling power for an implantable device. The power prediction for the implantable device may be performed independent of real-time power information from the implantable device, and may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning.
G16H 40/67 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
G05B 13/04 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators
G06F 1/26 - Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
Presented herein are techniques for detecting, tracking, and/or monitoring (collectively and generally “monitoring”) speech-language milestones of a user (e.g., recipient) of a “user device,” that is a device that is carried by, worn by, or implanted in, the user. The speech-language milestones can include, but are not limited, to pediatric speech-language development milestones.
G10L 25/66 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination for extracting parameters related to health condition
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 5/11 - Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
G10L 25/84 - Detection of presence or absence of voice signals for discriminating voice from noise
Presented herein techniques for generating a neural survival map of neural tissue adjacent a body cavity of a recipient of an implantable medical device comprising an implantable stimulating assembly. For example, during insertion of the implantable stimulating assembly into the recipient, the implantable medical device captures a plurality of evoked responses of neural tissue adjacent to body cavity of, as well as a plurality of intra-operative measurements associated with the implantable stimulating assembly. A computing device is configured to use plurality of intra-operative measurements to determine a plurality of position estimates of the implantable stimulating assembly relative to the body cavity. The computing device uses the plurality of evoked responses and the plurality of position estimates to generate a neural survival map of the neural tissue adjacent to the body cavity.
Presented herein are techniques directed to stabilizing an implantable component and/or insertion system component (e.g., actuator) to facilitate implantation of the implantable component into a recipient. A stabilizer system is used to counteract an unintentional movement to stabilize the implantable component and/or the insertion system component relative to one or more insertion targets.
Presented herein are methods and systems for integrating pre-operative and post-operative images of a subject to create an enhanced image. According to one aspect, a method includes obtaining a first image at a first time and obtaining second image at a second time. The first image is a three-dimensional (3D) image and the second image is a two-dimensional (2D) image. The method also includes determining a view angle associated with the first image. The view angle is associated with a 2D projection of the first image and is arranged to match the 2D projection with the second image. Matching the second image with the 2D projection includes extracting a feature from the first image and projecting the feature at the view angle onto a 2D plane to form a projected feature. The projected feature is transferred to the second image to create an enhanced second image.
A61B 5/055 - Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fieldsMeasuring using microwaves or radio waves involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
G06T 7/30 - Determination of transform parameters for the alignment of images, i.e. image registration
A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
Presented herein are techniques related to a method that includes: obtaining, at a processing device, results of a diagnostic test presented to a recipient of a hearing device; determining, from the results, that the recipient exhibits a random error or a non-random error with respect to an auditory stimulus presented in the diagnostic test; and selecting between a technological intervention associated with the hearing device or a rehabilitation intervention to be performed by the recipient based upon the determination that the recipient exhibits the random error or the non-random error.
Presented here are embodiments for calibrating a bimodal hearing system that includes a cochlear implant with an implantable microphone. Calibration of the implantable microphone is influenced by skull vibrations induced by a separate hearing aid of the bimodal system. Thus, two sets of calibration measurements are obtained both with and without the hearing aid unmuted. Calibration parameters such as frequency response, noise floor parameters, and vibration calibration constants can then be derived based on the two sets of measurements.
An external component of a bone conduction device, including a vibrator and a platform configured to transfer vibrations from the vibrator to skin of the recipient, wherein the vibrator and platform are configured to quick connect and quick disconnect to and from, respectively, one another.
Presented herein are implantable medical devices that comprise an implantable portion having a resonant tank circuit that is used to receive signals from one or more external devices. The resonant tank circuit is configured to operate at first and second resonant frequencies, where the first resonant frequency is optimized to exchange data with, and potentially receive operating power from, an external device, while the second resonant frequency is optimized to receive charging power. In certain embodiments, upon initiating operation of the implantable portion with at least one external device, the implantable portion is configured to force tune the resonant tank circuit to the first resonant frequency. That is, when the resonant tank circuit first begins receiving signals from an external device, the signals received at the resonant tank circuit are used to initially tune the resonant tank circuit to the first resonant frequency.
Presented herein are techniques for monitoring the healing of a recipient of an implantable medical device after a surgical procedure, such as after initial implantation of the implantable medical device in the recipient. The implantable medical device comprises one or more implantable sensors configured to detect input signals and to generate sensor output signals therefrom. The sensor output signals are analyzed to determine when the recipient is sufficiently healed from the surgical procedure so as to activate (switch-on) the implantable medical device.
An apparatus includes a housing configured to be positioned within an ear canal of a recipient, at least one transducer, and at least one communication circuit. The at least one transducer is configured to respond to sound within the ear canal by generating output signals indicative of the sound. The at least one communication circuit has at least one resonance frequency and is configured to receive the output signals from the at least one transducer and to modulate the at least one resonance frequency in response to the output signals from the at least one transducer.
A method, wherein the method includes obtaining data, wherein, the data contains audio content, visual content, or audio content and visual content processing data based on the audio and/or visual content using results from machine learning to develop output, and stimulating tissue of a recipient to evoke a sensory percept based on the output.
A prosthesis including a device configured to deliver a therapeutic substance from outside a cochlea to inside the cochlea and configured to evoke a mechanically based hearing percept. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is configured to drive fluid into and out of the cochlea, thereby evoking a hearing percept.
A system, including a signal input, a processor a signal output, wherein the processor is configured to generate an instruction related to data related to a recipient of a sensory prosthesis based on input into the signal input, and the signal output is configured to output data indicative of the instruction.
A computing system includes a processing unit that implements an artificial neural network. The artificial neural network generates an output at a single output node that indicates whether a measurement performed after a stimulus to a neural region of an individual includes a neural response. A method includes receiving, at an artificial neural network in a computing system, values indicative of a measurement performed after a stimulus provided to a neural region of an individual, and generating an output that indicates whether the measurement includes a neural response at a single output node of the artificial neural network.
A system for providing electrical stimulation to a recipient is disclosed. The system comprises a microphone configured to receive an acoustical signal and provide an audio signal based on the acoustical signal; a signal processor unit configured to receive the audio signal and process the audio signal; an electrode lead including a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate the auditory nerve fibers based on the processed audio signal, wherein the electrode lead comprises: an electrode carrier maintaining the electrode contacts and wires, wherein the electrode carrier includes a first layer of gelatin and a second layer of gelatin which is coated and physically cross-linked onto the first layer.
Presented herein are methods and systems for configuring a plurality of operational parameters of a recipient device using latent variables. A plurality of predicted operational parameters of a recipient device (e.g., implantable medical device) is generated, via a decoder of a trained autoencoder network, based on a latent vector having a plurality of latent variables. A difference between the plurality of predicted operational parameters and a plurality of observed operational parameters of the recipient device is iteratively backpropagated to generate an updated latent vector. A plurality of operational parameters is generated based on the updated latent vector, and the recipient device is configured using the plurality of operational parameters.
Presented herein are techniques for intelligent monitoring of an ambient environment during a sensory device test using individualized/personalized monitoring parameters (e.g., individualized maximum background sound levels). For example, during the sensory device test, the ambient environment of the recipient is monitored and evaluated relative to one or more individualized monitoring parameters that are adjusted/set based on, for example, attributes of the test being performed, attributes of the sensory device recipient, and/or attributes of the sensory device.
A system, including a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is a component of a sensory prosthesis configured to receive a data stream and evoke a sensory percept based on the data stream, and the second device is configured to provide spatial output to the first device and/or another device remote from the second device.
A medical device is configured to operate to convert acoustic signals to electrical stimulation signals for delivery to a recipient. In response to detecting a safety-related acoustic feature, the medical device is configured to adjust the conversion of acoustic signals to electrical stimulation signals to enhance a saliency of the safety-related acoustic feature.
Presented herein are techniques for determining and/or changing operation of a medical device, including implantable medical devices and hearing devices, based upon the posture of the recipient of the medical device. For example, when the medical device is embodied as a hearing device, such as a cochlear implant or hearing aid, the directionality of the microphone(s) associated with the hearing device may be set based upon the posture of the recipient of the hearing device.
Presented herein are techniques for monitoring the bonding of an implantable transducer, such as an implantable sound sensor or implantable actuator, to tissue of a recipient. More specifically, the sensitivity of the implantable transducer is monitored during the bonding process using signals captured/received by the implantable transducer. The signals captured by the implantable transducer are analyzed to determine whether and/or when the implantable sound sensor is bonded to the tissue.
Presented herein are techniques for monitoring the bonding of an implantable transducer, such as an implantable sound sensor or implantable actuator, to tissue of a recipient. More specifically, the sensitivity of the implantable transducer is monitored during the bonding process using signals captured/received by the implantable transducer. The signals captured by the implantable transducer are analyzed to determine whether and/or when the implantable sound sensor is bonded to the tissue.
WO
A method includes obtaining a measured value indicative of a distance between at least one first antenna of a first device on a body portion of a recipient and at least one second antenna of a second device implanted within the body portion, the at least one first antenna configured to transcutaneously and wirelessly transmit signals to the at least one second antenna. The method further includes comparing the measured value to a predetermined value. The method further includes, in response to the measured value being greater than the predetermined value, prohibiting an operational parameter within a first range to be stored in a memory of the first device as a stored operational parameter. The method further includes, in response to the measured value not being greater than the predetermined value, prohibiting an operational parameter within a second range to be stored in the memory of the first device as the stored operational parameter, the second range differing from the first range.
Presented herein are techniques to determine the placement/position of one or more parts of an electrode array during or after surgery. The techniques presented herein use a “positioning model” (positioning algorithm) to estimate (predict) the positioning/placement of an electrode array and/or estimate positioning/placement features (e.g., depth of basal electrode, modiolar proximity, polar or Cartesian coordinates of electrodes, etc.) of the electrode array inside of a recipient's body chamber (e.g., cochlea) during and after insertion. More specifically, the techniques presented herein use measurements (e.g., voltage measurements) obtained from the body chamber of the recipient as an input to a trained model/algorithm to estimate/predict the position of an electrode array within the body chamber of the recipient.
Presented herein are techniques for managing heat generated by a wearable device, such as an external component of an implantable device system. The wearable device is configured to be worn by a user and operates within an insulated environment. The techniques presented herein use one or more thermally conductive members to receive heat generated by the wearable device and to transfer heat from the wearable device to a location outside of the insulated environment.
The invention relates to a test to measure the ability of a subject to discriminate between speech sounds. The speech sounds may be selected from the world's most widely spoken languages to enable the test to be carried out irrespective of the language spoken by the subject. Speech sounds may be presented in sequences, such as triplets. The subject would then be required to detect which speech sound in each sequence is different from the others. The test may be provided on a computer or similar device, in an embodiment a tablet computer, enabling the subject to conduct a self-assessment. The test may be performed on hearing aid users to determine the likelihood of a hearing aid user obtaining better test results after receiving one or two cochlear implants.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
G16H 80/00 - ICT specially adapted for facilitating communication between medical practitioners or patients, e.g. for collaborative diagnosis, therapy or health monitoring
Presented herein are methods and systems for performing parallel processing of signals at a second medical device when a first medical device is unavailable. The first medical device is configured to deliver treatment to a first portion of a recipient and the first medical device comprises an external component and an implantable component. The second medical device is configured to deliver treatment to a second portion of a recipient. The second medical device is configured to determine that the external component of the first medical device is unavailable and, in response to determining that the external component the first medical device is unavailable, send operating data to the implantable component.
Presented herein are techniques for measuring an evoked response to stimulation. One or more electrical stimulation signals are delivered to first ear of a recipient via a first hearing device implanted at the first ear of the recipient. One or more evoked potential evoked by the one or more electrical stimulation signals are measured with a second hearing device implanted at a second ear of the recipient.
Presented herein are techniques related to setting a filter for an implanted medical device and using the filter to improve operation of the implanted medical device to evoke a hearing percept. A first output signal is generated and delivered to the recipient. A feedback resulting from delivery of the first output signal to the recipient is captured. A resonance associated with the feedback is identified, and a filter is set to attenuate the resonance. A second output signal is then generated based on an input signal, which is filtered via the filter to attenuate portions of potential feedback in the input signal. Thus, limited amounts of feedback are processed to generate the second output signal, and delivering the second output signal to the recipient evokes a hearing percept more desirably.
An apparatus includes a housing and a circuit including an inductor and at least one capacitor in electrical communication with the inductor. The circuit has a resonance frequency and bounds a non-electrically-conductive region of the housing. The circuit is configured to be operable as an antenna.
H01Q 13/18 - Resonant slot antennas the slot being backed by, or formed in boundary wall of, a resonant cavity
H01Q 7/00 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
A system, including a first subsystem configured to neurologically affect a human when activated and a second subsystem configured to provide an indication that the system is activated and/or not activated, wherein the system is a sensory management and/or sensory stimulation system.
Presented herein are techniques for prompting a recipient to deliberately create a biological environment suitable for one or more biological measurements. In one aspect, a medical device generates a notification to prompt a recipient to consciously execute a specified biological event, and, while the specified biological event is occurring, monitors a bodily function of the recipient. In another aspect, the medical device prompts a recipient to produce a particular biological environment, and detects, in the particular biological environment, one or more sound signals associated with a target bodily function of the recipient. In another aspect, the medical device outputs an instruction for a recipient to create a specified biological state of the recipient, and stores one or more sound signals generated during the specified biological state of the recipient for diagnosis of the recipient with a medical condition.
Presented herein are techniques for adapting/transitioning operation of a medical prosthesis, such as an auditory prosthesis, from a first or initial group of settings to a second or target group of settings. The adaptation in the operation of the medical prosthesis from the first group of settings to the second group of settings occurs over a period of time and in a series of individualized (recipient-specific) incremental steps. That is, the adaptation process occurs in incremental steps that are set based on attributes/characteristics of the recipient of the specific medical prosthesis so that the adaptation is made as unobtrusive to the recipient as possible.
Presented herein are techniques for adjusting one or more parameters or operations associated with a first wireless link operating in accordance with a first wireless protocol (e.g., a non-standardized/proprietary wireless protocol) based on one or more parameters or operations associated with a second wireless link operating in accordance with a second wireless protocol (e.g., a standardized protocol).
A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
H04W 76/20 - Manipulation of established connections
Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for the transfer of isochronous stimulation data over a standardized isochronous audio or data link between components of an implantable medical device system. More specifically, as described further below, a first component is configured to generate dynamic stimulation data based on one or more received sound signals. The first component is configured to obtain static configuration data and to encode the dynamic stimulation data and the static configuration data into a series of isochronous wireless packets. The first component is configured to transmit the series of wireless packets over an isochronous wireless channel to a second component of the implantable medical device system.
An apparatus includes at least one magnetic induction (MI) antenna having at least one electrically conductive coil configured to wirelessly transmit power to a device within or on a portion of a recipient's body. The apparatus further includes at least one support having a portion configured to hold the at least one MI antenna sufficiently close to the portion of the recipient's body for power transmission from the at least one MI antenna to the device. The at least one support is configured to adjust a position and/or orientation of the at least one coil.
A system includes an ultrasound device configured to generate sound waves for use in generating data indicating a measurement of a thickness of a skin flap of a recipient. A method includes determining a location of a measurement of a thickness of a skin flap of the recipient based on a current or expected location of an implantable device underneath the skin flap, and generating the measurement of the thickness of the skin flap using the ultrasound device. A computer-readable storage medium includes instructions stored thereon that cause one or more processors to generate the measurement of the thickness of the skin flap of the recipient based on sonic waves applied to the skin flap, and to generate an indication of whether one or more configurations of an external device are able to be retained on the skin flap based on the measurement.
An apparatus including an actuator and an electrode array support, wherein the apparatus is configured to insert an electrode array into a cochlea via controlled actuation of the actuator, wherein the controlled actuation is at least partially based on data that is at least partially based on electrical characteristics associated with the recipient.
Presented herein are techniques for identifying pediatric milestones using a medical device, including implantable medical devices and hearing devices, based upon motion data and acoustic data obtained by the medical device. For example, when the medical device is embodied as a hearing device, such as a cochlear implant or hearing aid, a pediatric milestone of a user of the hearing device may be determined based on motion data and acoustic data associated with the user.
Systems and methods for adaptively optimizing electrical stimulation configurations in implantable medical devices, such as cochlear implants, are disclosed herein. A plurality of implantable electrodes coupled to a biological signal processor, such as a sound processor for a cochlear implant, performs neurological monitoring by receiving one or more neurological signals from tissue, such as brain tissue, of a recipient. The biological signal processor analyzes the one or more received neurological signals to extract one or more features relevant to at least one neurological state of the recipient, wherein the at least one neurological state occurs at least in part in response to electrical stimulation of tissue of the recipient. The biological signal processor assesses, and if needed, adjusts one or more tissue stimulation parameters based on the one or more extracted relevant features.
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
A61B 5/37 - Intracranial electroencephalography [IC-EEG], e.g. electrocorticography [ECoG]
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
84.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINATION OF TREATMENT THERAPEUTIC WINDOW, DETECTION, PREDICTION, AND CLASSIFICATION OF NEUROELECTRICAL, CARDIAC, AND/OR PULMONARY EVENTS, AND OPTIMIZATION OF TREATMENT ACCORDING TO THE SAME
Methods and systems implement a variety of sensors, including in embodiments various combinations of EEG sensors, biochemical sensors, photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, microphones, and accelerometers, to detect, predict, and/or classify various physiological events and/or conditions related to epilepsy, sleep apnea, and/or vestibular disorders. The events can include neuroelectrical events, cardiac events, and/or pulmonary events, among others. In some cases, the method and systems implement trained artificial intelligence (AI) models to detect, classify, and/or predict. The methods and systems are also capable of optimizing a treatment window, suggesting treatments that may improve the overall well-being of the patient (including improving pre-or post-event symptoms and effects), and/or interacting with various care providers.
G16H 20/10 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 5/0205 - Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
G16H 20/30 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
G16H 80/00 - ICT specially adapted for facilitating communication between medical practitioners or patients, e.g. for collaborative diagnosis, therapy or health monitoring
Presented herein are techniques for recording an acoustically-evoked response of a recipient. In particular, an acoustic signal is detected, and at least one acoustically-evoked response of a recipient is recorded in response to detecting the acoustic signal to enable recording of the at least one acoustically-evoked response to be desirably initiated.
An apparatus includes at least one electrical conduit extending along a longitudinal axis and at least one electrode. The at least one electrode includes a portion configured to be in electrical communication with a portion of tissue and/or bodily fluid of a recipient. The at least one electrode further includes a flexure affixed to and in electrical communication with the at least one electrical conduit. The portion and the flexure are unitary with one another. The flexure is configured to flex in response to compressive and/or tensile forces applied to either the at least one electrical conduit or the at least one electrode
Presented herein are techniques to control charging signals for a rechargeable battery in a first medical device in response to interference detected at a second medical device.
H02J 50/80 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
H02J 50/40 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using two or more transmitting or receiving devices
H02J 50/20 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using microwaves or radio frequency waves
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
Presented herein are techniques for locating a target structure disposed in a body of a subject and/or guiding a needle with respect to the target structure. In one example, an apparatus is provided that includes a locator portion and a needle guide portion. The locator portion is configured to locate a target structure disposed in a body of a subject, and a needle guide portion defines an aperture configured to have a needle positioned therewith. The needle guide portion is configured to align the needle at a target angle relative to the target structure.
An implantable microphone assembly includes a microphone, a diaphragm configured to be mechanically coupled to an anatomical structure of a recipient, and a channel extending from the diaphragm to the microphone. The diaphragm is configured to receive sound-induced vibrations from the anatomical structure, and the channel is configured to transfer the sound- induced vibrations as acoustic pressure from the diaphragm to the microphone. The channel includes an inert gas having a substantially low speed of sound to provide an acoustic resonance frequency between approximately 2 kilohertz (kHz) and approximately 8 kHz.
B81B 7/02 - Microstructural systems containing distinct electrical or optical devices of particular relevance for their function, e.g. microelectro-mechanical systems [MEMS]
90.
ROBOTIC OTOLOGIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND SYSTEM FOR INTRACOCHLEAR INSERTION OF A COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODE
The invention relates to an otologic surgical instrument (66) for the insertion of an intracochlear electrode into an inner ear of a patient, comprising a main body (68) having a proximal portion (68B) for attachment to an articulated robot arm and a distal portion (68A) for holding a holder device (38) to which the intracochlear electrode is attached with a sliding connection during insertion. The attachment proximal portion (68B) comprises a hole (74) for receiving a robotic sliding rod of the articulated robot arm. The instrument (66) further comprises a sliding member (70) in the main body (68). This sliding member (70) has a proximal portion configured and arranged in the attachment proximal portion (68B) so as to be able to be longitudinally driven by the robotic sliding rod, and a distal portion (70A) configured and arranged so as to be able to longitudinally drive the intracochlear electrode along the axis of its sliding connection.
Presented herein are techniques for initiating a night-time mode of operation in an implantable hearing prosthesis in response to detection of night-time recharging operations. More specifically, an implantable hearing prosthesis comprises a rechargeable battery that is configured to be recharged via an external night-time charging device, such as a pillow charger. The implantable hearing prosthesis is configured to detect inductive charging of the rechargeable battery by the external night-time charging device. In response, the implantable hearing prosthesis is switched to a night-time mode of operation.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
H02J 50/80 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
A bone conduction implant, including a bone fixture including a male screw section configured to screw into a skull and an abutment configured to be rigidly attached to the bone fixture, wherein the abutment includes an exterior surface diameter lying on a first plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the bone conduction implant that is less than or substantially equal to the maximum thread diameter of the male screw section of the bone fixture.
An apparatus includes an electrically conductive housing configured to be implanted beneath a skin portion of a recipient's body. The apparatus further includes a transducer on or within the housing. The transducer is configured to receive and/or to generate vibrations. The apparatus further includes an electrically insulative and biocompatible material overlaying the housing. The material is configured to electrically insulate the housing and the transducer from the recipient's body. The apparatus further includes at least one vibration conduit configured to be in contact with the recipient's body and to transfer the vibrations between the recipient's body and the transducer. The at least one vibration conduit includes a first portion covered by the material and a second portion not covered by the material.
The present invention relates to techniques for management of unintentional stimulation. The techniques relate to management of non-auditory stimulation, such as unintentional facial nerve stimulation, including pre-operative and intra-operative techniques for preventing unintentional non-auditory stimulation, and/or post-operative techniques for diagnosing and treating unintentional non-auditory stimulation.
Presented herein are techniques for determining a linguistic context from speech (e.g., a conversation) captured by a system and using the "linguistic context" or "second-order meaning" to initiate/generate an action at/by the system. More specifically, a hearing device (e.g., cochlear implant) or medical device is configured to capture/detect speech which has a primary/explicit, or first-order, meaning. An intelligence module that includes an artificial intelligence (AI) model, e.g., a large language model (LLM) or a large action model (LAM), is configured to obtain the speech and determine a linguistic context (second-order meaning) of the speech and determine the relevancy of the second order-meaning to the system and/or to the recipient (recipient-specific second-order meaning of the speech). Using the recipient- specific second-order meaning of the speech, one or more instructions can be generated and/or produced for implementation at the system.
Presented herein are techniques for controlling/facilitating the implantation of an implantable component of a medical device, such as a stimulating assembly of a cochlear implant, with a variable shape memory element. More specifically, a stimulating assembly in accordance with embodiments presented herein comprises an elongate carrier member configured to be inserted into a body cavity of a recipient. Disposed in the carrier member is a shape memory element that has differing physical characteristics along an elongate length thereof. The differing physical characteristics of the shape memory element are configured to sequentially bend portions of the elongate carrier member during insertion into the body cavity.
A medical device includes an actuator configured to output a vibration along a first axis. The medical device also includes a lever configured to receive the vibration from the actuator and transfer the vibration to a bone structure of a recipient along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis.
Presented herein are techniques related to monitoring electrocochleography (ECochG) signals evoked by a recipient for evaluating hearing ability of the recipient. For example, an acoustic signal is delivered to a recipient, and ECochG signals evoked by the recipient in response to the acoustic signal are recorded. The delivery of the acoustic signal and the recording of the ECochG signals are unsynchronized. Additionally, the ECochG signals are recorded such that each ECochG signal recording spans a corresponding period duration of the acoustic signal.
Presented herein are techniques for fitting a recipient device to a recipient. A priori data is used to determine a first plurality of candidate stimulation setting groups for a recipient device of a recipient based on principal component analysis and system, processor, implant, and patient data. A selected one of the first plurality of candidate stimulation setting groups is instantiated in the recipient device. Measurement data associated with the recipient device is obtained while operating using the first one of the first plurality of candidate stimulation setting groups. A second plurality of candidate stimulation setting groups for the recipient device is determined using the measurement data and a selected one of the second plurality of candidate stimulation setting groups is instantiated in the recipient device. This process is repeated iteratively until a high confidence score is reached.
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 5/053 - Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
G16H 20/30 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
G16H 40/60 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
An apparatus includes a fixation portion configured to be affixed to a bone surface within a recipient's body. The apparatus further includes a mounting portion connected to the fixation portion, the mounting portion configured to hold a component within the recipient's body. The mounting portion includes a collar configured to extend at least partially around the component and a reservoir configured to receive an adhesive material within a predetermined volume at least partially bounded by an inner surface of the collar and an outer surface of the component.
