Inventors:
Steven Bierer - Seattle WA, US
Albert Fuchs - Seattle WA, US
Leo Ling - Seattle WA, US
Kaibao Nie - Bothell WA, US
James Phillips - Seattle WA, US
Jay Rubinstein - Seattle WA, US
Assignee:
University of Washington Center for Commercialization - Seattle WA
International Classification:
A61B 5/053, A61F 11/04, A61N 1/36
Abstract:
A vestibular implant comprising a stimulation unit to generate electric stimuli and deliver to electrode arrays is disclosed. The stimulation unit generates electric stimuli in response to a user input or continuously generates electrical stimuli. The electrode arrays comprise electrodes and are adapted for placement within a semicircular canal of an ear. The electric stimuli is delivered from the stimulation unit to the electrode so that the electrodes apply electric stimuli. A predetermined electric stimulus is applied to restore spontaneous vestibular activity during a Meniere's attack. A continuous, unmodulated electric stimulus is applied to suppress the symptoms of unilateral loss of vestibular function. Additionally, the electrodes record electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAP). An appropriate location for the placement of the electrode array is determined based on the recorded eCAP.