Electrical tissue stimulation apparatus and method
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorGary William King
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An implantable lead for electrical stimulation of tissue has wire-like extendable members whose tips curl back upon themselves in open tissue spaces to form 2- or 3-dimensional electrodes. The electrodes may be positioned axially or in other directions from the lead body. Traction on the lead body or extendable members allows easy withdrawal as the member tip electrodes uncurl, allowing removal without major surgery. This apparatus and method is useful for minimally invasive insertion of electrodes or electrode arrays, especially through a narrow body lumen or Tuohy needle, providing therapeutic stimulation of nervous tissue, muscle or organs.
Claims25
A kit comprising:
- a needle;
- and
- an implantable lead for stimulation of nerve tissue, muscle or organs, wherein the implantable lead is adapted to be passed through the needle, the lead comprising:
- an elongate lead body having an axis, a tip, and a channel, wherein the channel has an asymmetric cross section;
- and
- at least one extendable member having a distal portion adapted to curl upon itself when not-constrained to form an electrode, a proximal portion, and an asymmetric cross section that engages the asymmetric cross section of the channel to hold the extendable member against rotation relative to the lead body, the extendable member received at least in part within the lead body for axial movement between:
- a retracted position in which the distal and proximal portions are constrained within the lead body;
- and
- an extended position in which the proximal portion is retained within the lead body and the distal portion is deployed out the tip of the lead body such that the distal portion curls upon itself to form an electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.