Envoy Medical Corporation

Benjamin R Whittington

Paul R Mazanec

Timothy J Earnest

Joshua J Wibben

Travis Michael Beckerle

Kevin E Verzal

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.

Fully implantable modular cochlear implant system

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.

Implantable cochlear system with integrated components and lead characterization

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.

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

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.

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.

Communication system and methods for fully implantable modular cochlear implant system

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.

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Maplewood, MN, United States of America

Benjamin R Whittington