Implantable wireless microstimulator for peripheral nerves

US10603502B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Stuart F. Cogan · Sudbury, US
• Daniel K. Freeman · Reading, US
• Jonathan Michael O'Brien · Tampa, US
• Mario Romero-Ortega · Arlington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 2017
• Grant date: Mar 31, 2020
• Expiry date: Dec 17, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/37217
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In one aspect, implantable wireless microstimulators are described herein. In some embodiments, a microstimulator described herein includes an energy harvesting circuit configured to receive an input signal and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. The microstimulator further comprises a diode rectifier in series with the energy harvesting circuit. The diode rectifier is configured to rectify the electrical signal. The energy harvesting circuit and the diode rectifier can be encapsulated within a biocompatible electrically insulating material. Additionally, in some cases, an electrical interface is exposed through the biocompatible electrically insulating material. A microstimulator described herein can also include a nerve cuff. The nerve cuff can be configured to receive a monophasic neural stimulation pulse through the electrical interface of the micro stimulator. Moreover, the nerve cuff can be placed around a targeted peripheral nerve to provide a monophasic stimulation pulse to the peripheral nerve.