Apparatus and method for insertion of cochlear electrode assembly

Claim 2

A cochlear electrode lead assembly comprising a lead with a distal end and a proximal end including an array of electrodes on an external surface of said lead proximate said distal at one end and a resilient collar surrounding said lead and attached thereto at a region between said array and said proximal end, and means for permanently affixing a first circumferencial end of said collar to said lead only at said region.

Claim 3

A cochlear electrode lead assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said resilient collar has an inner diameter substantially equivalent to an outer diameter of said lead so as to frictionally engage said lead, said collar being sufficiently resilient to stretch so as to receive a member between said collar and said lead.

Claim 4

A cochlear electrode lead assembly in accordance with claim 2, wherein said member is a tip of an insertion tool for inserting said lead into the ear.

Claim 5

A cochlear electrode lead assembly in accordance with claim 3, wherein said insertion tool is comprised of a handle for said tip and said tip has rounded edges for insertion between said collar and said lead at an end of said collar remote from said assembly.

Claim 6

The cochlear electrode lead assembly of claim 3, wherein a second circumferential end of said collar surrounds said lead without being attached thereto so that a member may be received between said lead and said collar.

Claim 7

A cochlear electode lead assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said collar is comprised of silicone rubber.

Claim 8

A cochlear electrode lead assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for affixing is cured silastic A affixed to said circumferencial end of said collar and said lead.

Claim 11

The method of making an inssertion mechanism in accordance with claim 8, wherein said collar is formed of silicone rubber.

Claim 12

A method of making an insertion mechanism in accordance with claim 8, wherein in step a said collar is exposed to a material which causes said collar to temporarily expand.

Claim 13

A method of making an insertion mechanism in accordance with claim 8, wherein said material is Freon.

Claim 14

A method of making an insertion mechanism in accordance with claim 8, wherein in step c said material is permitted to evaporate from said collar.

Claim 15

A cochlear electrode electrode assembly comprising: a lead for insertion into the cochlear, said lead having, at one end thereof, an array of elecctrodes on an external surface of said lead; a resilient collar surrounding said lead along a portion of its length adjacent said one end and attached to said lead at an end of said collar adjacent said array, said collar being sufficiently resilient to stretch so as to receive a member between said collar and said lead; an insertion tool for inserting the end of said lead having said array into the cochlear, said tool having a tip sized and shaped for substantially parallel placement between said lead and said collar.

Claim 16

A cochlear electrode electrode assembly comprising: a lead for insertion into the cochlear, said lead having, at one end thereof, an array of elecctrodes on an external surface of said lead; a resilient collar surrounding said lead along a portion of its length adjacent said one end and attached to said lead at an end of said collar adjacent said array, said collar being sufficiently resilient to stretch so as to receive a member between said collar and said lead; an insertion tool for inserting the end of said lead having said array into the cochlear, said tool having a tip sized and shaped for substantially parallel placement between said lead and said collar.