Implantable, expandable, multicontact electrodes and insertion needle for use therewith
US6415187B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0558
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A paddle-type electrode or electrode array is implantable like a percutaneously inserted lead, i.e., without requiring major surgery. Once implanted, the electrode array provides a platform for many electrode configurations. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode array is provided on a flexible, foldable or compressible, subcarrier or substrate. Such subcarrier or substrate folds or compresses during implantation, thereby facilitating its insertion using an insertion needle. Once implanted, such subcarrier or substrate expands, thereby placing the electrodes in a desired spaced-apart positional relationship, and thus achieving a desired electrode array configuration. The insertion needle has a lumen with a non-circular cross-sectional shape, e.g., having a width greater than its height, to facilitate sliding the folded or compressed paddle-type electrode array therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.