Distributed neuro-modulation system with auxiliary stimulation-recording control units
AssigneeThe Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
InventorsBryan McLaughlin, John Lachapelle, Tirunelveli S. Sriram, Brian Smith
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Abstract
Systems and methods for modulating a physiological process are provided to enable precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site. The systems may comprise an implantable device and an electrical lead body. The electrical lead body may comprise a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to an end of the electrical lead body, and a control unit positioned within the lead body in close proximity to the plurality of transducer contacts.
Claims29
A physiological electrical lead body comprising:
- a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to an end of the electrical lead body;
- and
- a control unit positioned within the lead body in close proximity to and in communication with the plurality of transducer contacts, the control unit constructed and arranged to enable precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site and comprising:
- at least one electrical input contact;
- and
- a plurality of electrical output contacts configured to deliver a plurality of output signals, wherein a quantity of the electrical output contacts is greater than a quantity of the electrical input contacts,
- the control unit configured to modulate the plurality of output signals from the control unit in response to an input signal from the plurality of transducer contacts.
A system for modulating a physiological process, comprising:
- an implantable device comprising an energy source, the implantable device constructed and arranged to provide a signal;
- and
- an electrical lead body connected to the implantable device and comprising:
- a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to an end of the electrical lead body;
- a control unit positioned within the lead body in close proximity to the plurality of transducer contacts and constructed and arranged to enable precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site, the control unit comprising:
- at least one electrical input contact;
- and
- a plurality of electrical output contacts configured to deliver a plurality of output signals, wherein a quantity of the electrical output contacts is greater than a quantity of the electrical input contacts,
- the control unit configured to modulate the plurality of output signals from the control unit in response to an input signal from the plurality of transducer contacts.
A method of treating a condition in a subject, comprising:
- generating a first input signal from an implantable device;
- transmitting the first input signal from the implantable device to at least one electrical input contact of a control unit positioned in an electrical lead body comprising a first end and a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to the first end, wherein a quantity of the plurality of transducer contacts is greater than a quantity of the electrical input contacts;
- generating a plurality of output signals based on the first input signal from the implantable device and on a control function of the control unit;
- and
- transmitting the plurality of output signals from the control unit to the plurality of transducer contacts to provide a precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.