Microfabrication of Biocompatible Stimulation Electrode Arrays for Cochlear Implants

A proof of concept to microfabricate an electrode array suitable for use with cochlear implants was successfully manufactured and tested. Thirty microns of photoimageable polyimide was used as a flexible substrate. The array was inserted 20mm into an artificial cochlea filled with a saline and soap solution that simulates intracochlear fluid and hyaluronic acid (used as a lubricant), which is comparable to the performance of current manufactured products