Patent · US Expired

Structure and method of manufacture of an implantable microstimulator

US5405367A · kind A · utility

684Cited by
11References
40Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 3, 1993
Grant dateApr 11, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 3, 2013

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. 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.