Shape-adaptive cochlear implant electrode arrays
Ended Project Grant Awarded Last action
- Award ID
- R43DC022220
- Recipient
-
Qualia Oto, Inc. UEI CR2FPMQLVS77
- Awarding agency
-
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communincation Disorders
National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services
- Obligated
- $277,057
Award facts
- Assistance listing
- 93.173 Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders
- Completion date
- Originally
- Place of performance
- Texas, USA
Award details come from USAspending.gov.
Description
- Abstract
- During this phase i sbir effort, we will assess the viability of shape-adaptive cochlear implant (CI) electrode arrays as a new solution for achieving atraumatic cochlear implantation and optimal electrode positioning at the same time. Lateral wall electrodes have historically been the preferred CI electrode option due to the higher likelihood of achieving atraumatic insertion and preserving residual hearing. However, placing electrodes closer to the modiolus of the cochlea can offer potential performance benefits, such as more focal stimulation and reduced current spread, due to shorter distance from the electrode to the spiral ganglion neuron target. Unfortunately, conventional perimodiolar electrodes suffer from higher rates of trauma and electrode displacement (translocation), negatively affecting the preservation of residual hearing. Here, we are addressing this long-standing challenge by utilizing shape-memory polymers (SMP) as a dynamic element that induces programmed self-curling of the CI electrode arrays in the inner ear. This approach facilitates gentle and gradual repositioning of the implanted arrays from the lateral wall to the modiolar wall without trauma. By combining the advantages of both lateral wall electrodes (i.e., atraumatic insertion) and perimodiolar electrodes (i.e., focal placement), the proposed technology enables reliable cochlear implantation and optimal electrode placement at the same time, which is difficult to achieve with the current clinical CIS. Our effort encompasses fabrication of SMP-inlaid, self-curling CI arrays, assessment of their implantation profiles in a model cochlea as well as human temporal bones, and evaluation of insertion trauma by a histological evaluation. We will rigorously validate our approach through mechanical and surgical analyses including dynamic mechanical analysis and quantitative assessments of the insertion profiles based on macroscopic and microscopic imaging.
Transactions
| Action | Obligated | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Amendment | $0 | |
| Original award | $277,057 |
Quick answers
Who received award R43DC022220?
R43DC022220 was awarded to Qualia Oto, Inc. by National Institute on Deafness and Other Communincation Disorders (National Institutes of Health) on August 8, 2024.
How much is award R43DC022220 worth?
$277,057 has been obligated on R43DC022220.
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