thin and flexible free-fitting electrodes demonstrated to best ... - Med-El

For Professionals 

MED-EL Electrode Arrays 

Designed for Atraumatic Implantation 

Providing Superior Hearing Performance

World’s Largest Selection of Electrodes 

for a Variety of Cochlear Duct Lengths (CDLs) 1,3 

Cochleae may differ significantly in size and shape 

from one another as can individual cochlear duct 

lengths. MED-EL offers the largest selection of 

electrode arrays. Each implant recipient can be 

sure to receive the best possible electrode array 

for their unique cochlear anatomy. 

Complete Cochlear Coverage (CCC) 2, 5 

Complete Cochlear Coverage means stimulating the 

cochlea from the base to the apical region in order 

to stimulate a maximum number of nerve fibres. 

Stimulation of the entire frequency range with a 

deeply inserted, long array provides the implant user 

with the best possible outcomes in speech 

performance measures and in sound quality. 

Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) 

Distribution of CDL 

0.2 

0.15 

0.1 

0.05 

0 

-0.05 

Designed Especially for Neurofibromatosis Type II 

ABI is a solution for individuals with hearing loss due 

to a non-functioning auditory nerve (Neurofibromatosis 

Type II). Bypassing both the inner ear and the auditory 

nerve, the MED-EL ABI stimulates the cochlear nucleus 

(CN) and provides users with a variety of hearing 

sensations to assist with sound awareness and 

communication. 

-0.1 

N=95 

MIN MAX 

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 

CDL (mm) 

Bell curve of the distribution of cochlear duct lengths. 

“... thin and flexible free-fitting electrodes demonstrated 

to best fulfill all criteria for atraumatic CI surgery.” 8 

ABI Electrode Array 

Featuring 12 contacts arranged on a soft, 

pre-shaped silicone paddle.

MED-EL Electrode Arrays 

Designed for Atraumatic Implantation 

Providing Superior Hearing Performance 4,6,7 

MED-EL is the leader in providing soft, flexible 

electrode arrays which ensure maximum protection 

of the delicate structures in the cochlea. Preserving 

residual hearing enables users to benefit from future 

technologies and therapies. 

Wave-Shaped Wires 

The electrode arrays feature ultraflexible wave-shaped 

platinum-iridium wires. This wire design is the key to 

making a MED-EL electrode array the world’s most 

flexible and atraumatic. Minimising trauma during 

electrode insertion maximises the benefit to the 

patient. Wave-shaped wires significantly reduce rigidity 

in comparison to a straight-wire design. Benefits 

include preserving the integrity of intraneural tissue 

targeted for electrical stimulation. 

FLEX TIP TECHNOLOGY 

The FLEx tip of the electrode 

array is designed for 

atraumatic insertion and 

protection of the delicate 

neural structures of the 

cochlea. 

Optimal Number of Contacts 

MED-EL’s electrode design philosophy dictates a careful 

balance between the maximum number of electrode 

contacts and minimised channel interaction. Channel 

interaction negatively impacts performance. Each 

electrode array contains the optimal number of 

contacts for stimulation of nerve fibres leading to 

best performance. Optimal number and spacing of 

electrode contacts also significantly reduces rigidity; 

allowing for gentle insertion without damaging the 

delicate cochlear structures. 

FLEX Tip Technology 

The unique FLEx tip features single electrode contacts 

on the leading end to further increase mechanical 

flexibility. Softness and flexibility allow insertion into 

the apical region. 

WAVE-SHAPED WIRES 

Wavy instead of straight, 

the wires of the electrode 

array are particularly soft 

and flexible. 

OPTIMAL NUMBER 

OF CONTACTS 

Achieving optimal balance 

between the number of 

contacts and the appropriate 

distance between them 

increases flexibility and limits 

channel interactions.

FLEx SOFT 

A 31mm electrode array 

featuring FLEx tip technology 

for increased mechanical 

flexibility and enabling CCC. 

FLEx 28 

A 28mm electrode array suitable 

for 96% of all normal cochlear 

duct lengths featuring FLEx tip 

technology. Optimised for 

insertion into the apical 

region (CCC). 

FLEx 24 

A 24mm electrode array featuring 

FLEx tip technology and designed 

for combined Electric Acoustic 

Stimulation (EAS) with insertion 

less than 1.5 turns. 

FLEx 24 is formerly known as the FLEx EAS . 

FLEx 20 

NEW 

A 20mm electrode array featuring 

FLEx tip technology and designed to 

be used in cases of partial deafness 

or for other specific needs or 

surgical preferences. 

The FLEx 20 is under development. 

1 

Active Stimulation Range: 26.4mm 

Ø 1.3mm 

3 

Ø 0.4mm 

2 

FLEX tip 

31.5mm 

1 


19 platinum electrode contacts 

Optimal spacing over a 26.4mm stimulation range 

Ø 1.3mm 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

2 FLEx tip for minimal Active insertion Stimulation trauma Range: 23.1mm 

Ø 0.4mmDiameter 

1 at apical end: 0.5 x 0.4mm 

3 

23 

Diameter at basal end: 1.3mm 

FLEX tip 

Ø 0.4mm 

31.5mm 

1 

2 

FLEX Active tip Stimulation Range: 

28mm 

26.4mm 

Ø 1.3mm 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

Ø 0.4mm 1 

2 

FLEX tip 

Ø 0.4mm 



1 

31.5mm 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

3 

2 

FLEX 

Ø 0.3mm Active 

tip 

Stimulation Range: 28mm 26.4mm 

1 

2 

Active FLEX Stimulation tip Range: 

1 19 platinum electrode contacts 24mm 

23.1mm 

Ø 0.4mm 1 


2 

2 FLEx tip for minimal Active insertion Stimulation trauma Range: 20.9mm 

FLEX tip 

Ø 0.4mm 1 

Diameter at apical end: 31.5mm 0.5 x 0.4mm 

2 

3 Diameter FLEX tipat 

basal end: Active 0.8mmStimulation 

Range: 16.5mm 

Ø 0.3mm 1 28mm 

Ø 1.3mm 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

3 

1 

Ø 0.4mm 

2 

Active 

FLEX 

Ø Stimulation 

tip 

0.3mm Range: 24mm23.1mm 

2 

Active 

FLEX 

Stimulation 

tip 

Range: 20mm 20.9mm 

1 

Ø 0.8mm 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

2 

FLEX tip 

Ø 0.3mm 1 


28mm 

3 

2 

FLEX Ø tip 0.3mm 24mm 

1 

2 

Ø 0.8mm 

FLEX tip 

19 platinum Active electrode Stimulation contacts Range: 20mm 20.9mm 3 

Optimal spacing over a 20.9mm stimulation range Ø 1.3mm 0.8mm 

1 

Active 2 Stimulation FLEx tip for Range Active minimal (ASR): Stimulation insertion 26.4mm trauma Range: 16.5mm 

Ø 0.3mm 1 

Diameter at apical end: 0.5 x 0.3mm 

3 

2 Ø 0.5mm 

23 

Diameter at basal end: 0.8mm 

FLEX Ø tip 0.3mm 24mm 

2 31.5mm 

FLEX tip 

20mm 

1 

Active Stimulation Range Active (ASR): Stimulation 26.4mm Range: 16.5mm 

Active 1 Stimulation Range (ASR): 20.9mm 

1 

Ø 1.3mm 0.8mm 

Ø 0.8mm 3 

3 

2 

Ø 0.5mm 

Ø 0.5mm 

2 

Ø 0.3mm 

2 31.5mm 24mm 

FLEX tip 

20mm 

1 

Ø 0.5mm 2 

Ø 1.3mm 

Ø 0.8mm 

Active Stimulation 

Active 1 Stimulation 19 Range platinum (ASR): 

Range electrode 26.4mm 

(ASR): contacts 20.9mm 3 

Ø 0.7mm 

1 

3 


ASR: 12.1mm 3 

2 FLEx tip for 1 minimal insertion trauma 

2 Ø 0.5mm 

Ø 0.5mm Diameter 2 at apical end: 0.5 x 0.3mm 

31.5mm 24mm 

3 Diameter at basal end: 15mm 0.8mm 

2 

1 

Ø 0.5mm 

Ø 0.5mm 

2 

Ø 1.3mm 

Ø 0.8mm 

Active Stimulation Range (ASR): 26.4mm 

Active Stimulation Range (ASR): 20.9mm Ø 0.7mm 3 

1 

3 

ASR: 12.1mm 3 

1 

Ø 1.0mm 

Ø 0.5mm 2 

1 ASR: 4.4mm 3 

31.5mm 24mm 

15mm 

FLEX SOFT 

FLEX SOFT 

FLEX 28 

FLEX SOFT 

FLEX 28 

FLEX 24 

FLEX SOFT 

FLEX 28 

FLEX 24 

FLEX 20 

FLEX 28 

FLEX 24 

FLEX 20 

FLEX 24 

FLEX 20 

Standard 

FLEX 20 


Medium 



Compres 



Compres



designed for long cochlear 

duct lengths. 



designed for cases where 

deep insertion is not desired 

or is not possible due to 

anatomic restrictions. 

Compressed 


designed for partial ossification 

or malformation of the cochlea. 

Split 

Double branch electrode 

array designed for severe 

ossification of the cochlea. 

The Split Electode Array is only available with the PULSAR hearing implant. 

FLEX 

Ø 0.3mm 

2 tip 

FLEX 2tip 

31.5mm 

28mm 

FLEX tip 

24mm 

Ø 1.3mm 

1 


3 

Ø 0.8mm 


Ø 0.8mm 

3 

1 


Ø 0.8mm 

3 

Ø 0.4mm 

1 

Active Stimulation Range: 16.5mm 3 

2 

1 

Ø FLEX 0.4mmtip 

Ø 0.3mm 31.5mm 

2 

Ø 0.3mm 

FLEX 2tip 

FLEX tip 2 

28mm 

FLEX tip 24mm 

20mm 

Ø 0.8mm 

1 

Ø 0.4mm 



1 


1 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

Ø 0.8mm 

3 

3 

2 

FLEX Ø 0.3mm tip 

Ø 0.3mm 28mm 

2 

FLEX tip 2 

FLEX tip 24mm 

20mm 

Ø 1.3mm 

1 



1 

Ø 0.8mm 3 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

2 Ø 0.5mm 

Ø 0.3mm 


1 31.5mm 

3 

2 

FLEX Ø tip 0.3mm 

1 24 platinum electrode contacts 24mm 

2 

Optimal spacing over Active a 26.4mm Stimulation FLEX stimulation tip Range range 

20mm (ASR): 20.9mm 

2 Diameter 

Active 

1 

at apical 

Stimulation 

end: 0.5mm 

Range (ASR): 26.4mm 

Ø 10.5mm 

2 

Ø 0.8mm 

Ø 1.3mm 

3 

3 

Ø 0.8mm 

3 Diameter at basal end: 1.3mmActive 

Stimulation Range: 16.5mm 

1 24mm 

3 

2 Ø 0.5mm 

31.5mm 

2 

2 

FLEX tip 

20mmASR: 

12.1mm 

Active Stimulation 1Range 

(ASR): 20.9mm 

1 

Active Stimulation Ø 0.5mm Range 2 (ASR): 26.4mm 

Ø 10.5mm 

2 

15mm 

24mm 

Ø 0.5mm 

1 10 platinum electrode contacts 


2 Diameter at apical end: 0.6mm 

3 Diameter at basal end: 1.0mm 




6 Diameter at basal end: 1.0mm 

Ø 0.3mm 

31.5mm 

Ø 0.7mm 

Ø 0.8mm 

Ø 1.3mm 

3 

3 


2 

1 

Ø 0.5mm 

Ø 0.5mm 

2 


Ø 0.7mm 1.0mm 

Ø 

2 Diameter at apical end: 0.5mmASR: 

112.1mm 

Ø 1.3mm 0.8mm 

Active Stimulation Active Stimulation Range (ASR): 

ASR: 4.4mm 3 

1Range 

26.4mm (ASR): 20.9mm 3 

1 

3 

3 Diameter Ø 0.5mmat 2basal 

end: 0.8mm 

15mm 

2 Ø 0.6mm 

24mm 

31.5mm 

7.4mm 

Ø 0.5mm 2 

1 

Ø 1.0mm 

4 ASR: 6.6mm Ø 0.8mm 

Ø 0.7mm 1.0mm 6 


ASR: 112.1mm 

ASR: 4.4mm 

3 

1 

Ø 0.5mm 2 

5 Ø 0.6mm 

24mm 

15mm 2 Ø 0.6mm 

9.6mm 

7.4mm 


Optimal spacing over a 12.1mm stimulation Ø range 0.7mm 1.0mm 

4ASR: 

ASR: 12.1mm 6.6mm 6 


Ø 1.0mm 3 

1 

1 ASR: 4.4mm 3 

Ø 3 0.5mm Diameter 2 at basal end: 0.8mm 

5 15mm Ø 0.6mm 

4 

2 Ø 0.6mm 

9.6mm 

7.4mm 

Ø 1.0mm 1.0mm 

1 

ASR: 

ASR: 

6.6mm 

4.4mm 3 

6 

5 Ø 0.6mm 

2 Ø 0.6mm 

4 

5 

9.6mm 

7.4mm 

Ø 1.0mm 

ASR: 6.6mm 6 

Ø 0.6mm 

9.6mm 

FLEX SOFT 

FLEX20 FLEX24 FLEX28 FLEX 28 

FLEX20 FLEX24 Standa 

FLEX 24 

FLEX 20 

Mediu 

Standa 

FLEX 20 

Compr 


Standa 

Standa Split Compr 


E 


Split Compr E 

Compr 

Split E 

Split El

21617E r5.0 

Implant Article Numbers 

medel.com 

CONCERTO CONCERTO PIN SONATA PULSAR 

FLEX SOFT 07674 07680 04215 03701 

FLEX 28 08842 08841 08361 — 

FLEX 24 07673 07679 04214 03699 

Standard 07670 07676 04210 03042 

Medium 07672 07678 04213 03045 

Compressed 07671 07677 04211 03094 

Split — — — 03095 

ABI 07675 07681 — 03342 

MED-EL Hearing Implant Solutions 

Setting the Standard in Performance, Ease of Use and Reliability 

MAESTRO 

Cochlear Implant 

System 

EAS 

Hearing Implant 

System 

1. The length of the organ of Corti in man, Hardy M, American 

Journal of Anatomy, 62(2), 1938, p. 179-311 

2. Results of partial deafness cochlear implantation using various 

electrode designs, Skarzynski H;Lorens A;Piotrowska 

A;Podskarbi-Fayette R, Audiol Neurootol, 14 Suppl 1, 2009, 

p. 39-45 

3. Depth of Electrode Insertion and Postoperative Performance 

in Humans with Cochlear Implants: A Histopathologic Study, 

Lee J;Nadol JB;Eddington DK, Audiol Neurootol, 15(5), 2010 

Mar 4, p. 323-331 

4. Partial Deafness Cochlear Implantation at the University of 

Kansas: Techniques and Outcomes, Prentiss S;Sykes K; 

Staecker H, J Am Acad Audiol, 21(3), 2010 Mar, p. 197-203 

VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE ® 

Middle Ear 

Implant System 

ABI 

Auditory Brainstem 

Implant 

5. Electric Acoustic Stimulation in Children, Skarzynski H;Lorens A, 

Adv Otorhinolaryngol, 67, 2010, p. 135-143 

6. Achievement of hearing preservation in the presence of an 

electrode covering the residual hearing region, Usami SI; 

Moteki H;Suzuki N;Fukuoka H;Miyagawa M;Nishio SY;Takumi Y; 

Iwasaki S;Jolly C, Acta Otolaryngol, 2011 Jan 5 

7. Atraumatic round window deep insertion of cochlear 

electrodes, Skarzynski H;Lorens A;Zgoda M;Piotrowska 

A;Skarzynski, PH;Szkielkowska A, Acta Otolaryngol, 2011 Apr 15 

8. Hearing Preservation After Complete Cochlear Coverage in 

Cochlear Implantation With the Free-Fitting FLEXSOFT Electrode 

Carrier, Helbig S;Baumann U;Hey C;Helbig M, Otol Neurotol, 

2011 Jul 1

thin and flexible free-fitting electrodes demonstrated to best ... - Med-El

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