Implantable stimulator that prevents DC current flow without the use of discrete output coupling capacitors
US6035237A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36125
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implantable living tissue stimulator avoids the use of conventional coupling capacitors in its output stage, yet still prevents an average dc current flow from flowing through living tissue in electrical contact with the stimulator. The output stage generates and applies a biphasic stimulating current pulse to selected paired output terminals. The terminals, in turn, are electrically connected to respective electrodes which are positioned so as to contact the living tissue to be stimulated. In one embodiment, special circuitry is employed within the output stage to block dc current flow through the living tissue and to balance the electrical charge that is delivered to the living tissue. In another embodiment, the electrodes themselves are made from a material that allows them to function as a capacitor. In yet an additional embodiment, the coupling capacitors are integrated into the leads that connect the output terminals of the output stage with the electrodes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.