Structure and method of manufacture of an implantable microstimulator
US5193540A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37205
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implantable microstimulator has a structure which is manufactured to be substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body, by expulsion through a hypodermic needle. The internal structure of the microstimulator comprises a coil adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer and receive power and control information. Circuit means, including control electronics, a capacitor and electrodes are provided. The electrodes, which may be made one of iridium and the other of tantalum and placed on opposite ends of the microstimulator, or alternatively, an iridium electrode at each end of the microstimulator, are at least partially exposed and provide electrical, stimulating pulses to the body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.