Finite element modeling of final placement and insertion depth of new cochlear implant electrode array embedded with nitinol shape memory alloy actuators

A new electrode array embedded with nitinol shape memory alloy actuator has been designed so that it can be located beneath the basilar membrane inside the cochlear scala tympani to effectively deliver neurotrophins (growth factors) into the cochlea. The electrode array is also expected to be inserted deeper into the cochlear middle turn to stimulate further auditory neurons compared to the Nucleus standard straight array. A finite element model has been developed to design and evaluate the new electrode array. Results from the model have shown that the new electrode array can be accurately positioned close to the desired final position.