Patent · US Expired

Electrical tissue stimulation apparatus and method

US6745079B2 · kind B2 · utility

207Cited by
61References
108Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 7, 2001
Grant dateJun 1, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 24, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/056
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An implantable lead for electrical stimulation of tissue has wire-like extendable members whose tips curl back upon themselves in open tissue spaces to form 2- or 3-dimensional electrodes. The electrodes may be positioned axially or in other directions from the lead body. Traction on the lead body or extendable members allows easy withdrawal as the member tip electrodes uncurl, allowing removal without major surgery. This apparatus and method is useful for minimally invasive insertion of electrodes or electrode arrays, especially through a narrow body lumen or Tuohy needle, providing therapeutic stimulation of nervous tissue, muscle or organs.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.