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MED-EL
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MED-EL has developed a system of service second to none. The needs of cochlear
implant users are the focus of our efforts.
This system is based on upon five key commitments:
-commitment to patient support,
-commitment to professional support,
-commitment to training and education,
-commitment to maintenance and service,
-commitment to research and development.
The services provided in each area are tailored to the specific and individual needs of the
clinic and their cochlear implant users.
The COMBI 40/40+ System
The COMBI 40/40+ System consists of an implanted part and an external part. The implanted
part of the COMBI 40+ System comprises a small ceramic implant package, an electrode
array, and a reference electrode. The implant is placed permanently in the bone behind the ear,
the electrode array is inserted into the cochlea, and the reference electrode is placed outside of
the cochlea. The surgical placement of the cochlear implant takes two hours on average.
All materials used in the construction of the implant have been tested extensively for
biological compatibility and durability. The energy required by the implant is sent from the
external speech processor through the intact skin. Therefore the implant contains
no batteries or other parts that need replacement.
Ceramic Housing
The implant housing is very small with all of the implant's electronic components contained in
a robust and compact ceramic case. There is no need for a mechanically stressed coil
outside the housing. Although ceramic implant housings are very expensive to manufacture,
they are increasingly becoming the material of choice in many modern medical and
electronic applications.
Unlike metallic materials, the ceramic case of the implant does not interfere with signal
transmission and allows the transmission of a large amount of information with low energy
requirements. In addition to favorable electrical characteristics, the ceramic material used in
the implant also has very high mechanical strength and is similar in hardness to the
surrounding bone.
Electronics
The electronics of the implant contain a powerful custom-made chip that is capable of
processing large amounts of information at a very rapid rate. It can generate over 18,000
sequential stimulating pulses per second and has been designed according to highest safety
and reliability standards. This makes the implant compatible with a wide range of pulsatile
processing strategies and future developments in speech processing. An advanced telemetry
feature enables the clinic to verify the functional status of the implant within seconds.
Electrode Array
The electrode array is attached to the ceramic implant package and is inserted into the
cochlea during surgery. The electrode array has been designed to enable deep placement
into the cochlea with minimal trauma (approx. 31 mm) The special mechanical features of
the array facilitate bending in the desired direction during surgical placement. The 24
COMBI 40+ contacts (electrodes) are arranged as connected pairs for 12-channel high-rate stimulation. The contacts are mounted on the electrode
array in such a way that they are well positioned for stimulating the auditory nerve. The reference electrode is placed
in a well protected spot outside the cochlea.
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