Slowly penetrating inter-fascicular nerve cuff electrode and method of using
US5400784A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49117
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A self-curling sheet of a non-conductive material is biased to curl into a tight cylinder. Inwardly extending conductive members are disposed on the surface of the sheet forming the inside of the cylinder. Circumferentially separated longitudinal slices are made in the cylinder adjacent the conductive members forming spring members such that, as the sheet relaxes over time, the electrodes on the spring members engage and pierce a nerve surrounded by the cuff. The conductive segments may be electrically conductive for applying electrical impulses or fluid conductive for infusing medications. In use, a first edge of the self-curling sheet is disposed adjacent a nerve trunk which is to receive the cuff therearound. The self-curling sheet is controllably permitted to curl around the nerve into its original cylindrical shape. Over a period of a few days, electrodes riding on spring members formed by longitudinal slices into the cylinder are embedded in the nerve without damage to the perineurium membrane surrounding the nerve axons. The electrodes displace the fascicles rather than damaging them by piercing the perineurium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.