Miniature implantable array and stimulation system suitable for eyelid stimulation

A system for providing blink stimulation of an eyelid, the apparatus comprising:

• a body for formed flexible material having at least one flexible leg portion;
• at least one electrically conductive electrode that is contained by said at least one flexible leg portion;
• at least one lead wire in electrical contact with said at least one electrically conductive electrode;
• a pulse generator that is electrically connected to said at least one lead wire;
• and
• wherein said pulse generator is mounted on said body.

A control system for periodically producing stimulation pulses to an eyelid, said system comprising:

• at least one implantable eyelid stimulator having at least one leaflet body and an electode lead body suitable for implantation proximal to an eyelid;
• at least one electrode in said at least one leaflet body;
• at least one electric pulse generator coupled to said at least one electrode adapted to provide a stimulation pulse;
• and
• master control unit means for triggering said at least one electric pulse generator to provide a stimulation pulse to said at least one electrode, wherein said mater control unit means receives signals from a functioning eyelid and transmits signals to trigger said electric pulse generator, aid signal being an RF signal.

A control system for periodically roducing stimulation pulses to an eyelid, said system comprising:

• at least one implantable eyelid stimulator having at least one leaflet body and an electrode lead body suitable for implantation proximal to an eyelid;
• at least one electrode in said at least one leaflet body;
• at least one electric pulse generator coupled to said at least one electrode adapted to provide a stimulation pulse;
• and
• master control unit means for triggering said at least one electric pulse generator to provide a stimulation pulse to said at least one electrode, wherein said master control unit means receives signals from a functioning eyelid and transmits signals to trigger said electric pulse generator, said signal being a propagated radio signal.

A method of controlling operation of an implantable electronic device proximal to a nerve in living tissue, said method comprising:

• detecting a signal from a functioning eyelid with a first sensing device;
• wirelessly transmitting said detected signal to a stimulating device;
• generating a stimulating electric signal in said stimulating device in response to said detected signal;
• and
• providing said stimulating electric signal to living tissue.