Multidisciplinary project to improve cochlear implants: the addition of a pressure and temperature sensor at the tip of the electrode array was proposed to facilitate controlled insertion.
Context and challenges
In the context of a multidisciplinary project to improve cochlear implants (CIs), neuroprostheses to restore hearing in deaf patients, the addition of a pressure and temperature sensor at the tip of the electrode array was proposed to facilitate controlled insertion.
Objectives
A new miniature Fabry-Pérot interferometer (FPI) based on a fiber tip resonator has been designed, fabricated, and tested. Finally measurements on a Human temporal bone specimen have been performed and have shown the sensor potential for monitoring the CIs pressure insertion.
Partners and funding
University of Bern (Switzerland)
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (Germany)
Uppsala University (Sweden)
University of Tampere (Finland)
Haute Ecole Arc Ingénierie – Metrology and Industrial Vision Group (Switzerland)
Bar-Ilan University (Israel)
EMC microcollections GmbH (Germany)
MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geräte GmbH (Austria)
SCIPROM Sàrl (Switzerland)
Funded by the EU commission under the project NANOCI (contract FP7-NMP.2011–281056).
Results
Valorisation
Project website
Scientific paper: M. Llera, T. Aellen, J. Hervas, Y. Salvadé, P. Senn, S. Le Floch, and H.Keppner: « Liquid-air based Fabry-Pérot cavity on fiber tip sensor »
Patent : M. Llera et T. Aellen, Patent EP16196731.0, 2016