Method of manufacturing electrode array assembly having integrated circuits

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an electrode array is provided. The electrode array is configured to be applied against living tissue. The method comprises providing a flexible sheet that has a plurality of conductors. A plurality of integrated circuits are mounted to the flexible sheet so that the plurality of integrated circuits are bonded to the plurality of conductors. Electrodes are provided over the plurality of integrated circuits.

1 . A method of manufacturing an electrode array configured to be applied against living tissue, said method comprising the step of:
 providing a flexible sheet that has a plurality of conductors;   mounting a plurality of integrated circuits to the flexible sheet so that the plurality of integrated circuits are bonded to the plurality of conductors; and   providing electrodes over the plurality of integrated circuits.   
     
     
         2 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 1 , further comprising forming the flexible sheet with a first section and a second section. 
     
     
         3 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 2 , further comprising forming the plurality of conductors on the first section. 
     
     
         4 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 3 , further comprising forming the second section with windows. 
     
     
         5 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 4 , further comprising bonding the plurality of integrated circuits to the first section to cause bonding of the plurality of integrated circuits to the plurality of conductors. 
     
     
         6 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 5 , further comprising folding the flexible sheet such that the second section extends over the first section. 
     
     
         7 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 6 , wherein, as a result of folding the flexible sheet, the plurality of integrated circuits extends through the windows of the second section. 
     
     
         8 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 6 , wherein, prior to folding of the flexible sheet, a frame is disposed over the first section, the frame being more rigid than the flexible sheet, so that, as a result of folding the flexible sheet, the frame is disposed between the first section and the second section of the flexible sheet. 
     
     
         9 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 7 , further comprising forming the plurality of integrated circuits and the flexible sheet such that when the plurality of integrated circuits extends through the windows there is a gap between the plurality of integrated circuits and portions of the second section that define the windows. 
     
     
         10 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 7 , further comprising, after folding of the flexible sheet, applying a coating between the plurality of integrated circuits and the flexible sheet. 
     
     
         11 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 10 , wherein applying the coating is further defined as applying the coating over at least exposed surfaces of the second section of the flexible sheet. 
     
     
         12 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 1 , further comprising mounting the plurality of integrated circuits in plural columns on the flexible sheet. 
     
     
         13 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 1 , further comprising forming the electrodes with material configured for placement in contact with living tissue and through which current can be sourced to or sunk from the living tissue. 
     
     
         14 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 1 , further comprising forming the electrodes with the plurality of integrated circuits so that the mounting of the plurality of integrated circuits to the flexible sheet results in the providing of the electrodes. 
     
     
         15 . The method of manufacturing the electrode array of  claim 1 , further comprising forming the flexible sheet with a biocompatible and electrically insulating material.