Implantable electrode pouch

A means for isolating an implantable electrically active probe including an electrode means of desired configuration and an insulated conductor attached to said electrode means for chronic tissue contact comprising:

• covering means for isolating said probe in a manner which substantially covers the probe except for said conductor, said covering means substantially consisting of a porous, bio-compatible material which allows infiltration of bodily fluids to provide a conductive path from said electrode member to the adjacent tissue yet has a thickness that determines the minimum spacing of said probe from direct contact with adjacent tissue and substantially isolates said electrode member from ingrowth of tissue in the manner of a dissection plane.

A means for isolating implantable devices of desired configuration associated with an electrically active probe including insulating conductor lead devices attached to an electrode member for chronic tissue contact comprising:

• covering means for isolating the device in a manner which substantially covers the desired parts of a device, said covering means substantially consisting of a porous, biocompatible material which allows a degree of infiltration of bodily fluids to provide a conductive path including the electrode member which substantially isolates the covered part of the device from ingrowth of tissue in the manner of a dissection plane.

A method of isolating an implantable electrically conductive device in juxtaposed relation to internal tissue of a patient comprising the steps of:

• isolating the device by enveloping it in a flexible porous membrane said membrane being characterized by pores which are sufficiently permeable to body fluids at the site of installation such that the desired electrical conduction is established across said porous membrane via said bodily fluids but which pores are small enough to achieve a dissection plane.