MINIMAC: a totally numeric 15 channel implanted stimulator.
After CHORIMAC-8 and CHORIMAC-12 a new multichannel cochlear implant is presented, characterized by its totally numeric sound signal processing. Owing to FFT the whole speech information is cut into 15 channels, then sequentially transmitted to an implanted receptor and electrode bearer. This digital processing provides the new system with several advantages: 1. miniaturization of outside emitter end implanted receiver; 2. compatibility of this new emitter with the 12 channel receivers implanted in the last 10 years; 3. increasing the number of stimulating electrodes from 12 to 15; 4. simple emitter programming with an IBM-PC; 5. option to postoperatively program the number (1 to 15) and the value (80 to 3,800 Hz) of the peak filters, and the amplification (6, 10, 18 dB) of each electrode. The next implanted device will have: a. constant current; b. programming of a particular current value for each electrode; and c. stimulation of the cochlear nerve through an extra cochlear electrode bearer, allowing deep implantation without deafness.
Chouard
C H
CH
Centre Hospitalo-Universitaye Paris-Saint-Antoine, France.
Weber
J L
JL
D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans