Microcontact structure for neuroprostheses for implantation on nerve tissue and method therefor

US6970746B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Intelligent Implants Limited · IE

Inventors

• Rolf Eckmiller · Bonn, DE
• Ralph Hünermann · Cologne, DE
• Michael Becker · Knittlingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 26, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 29, 2005
• Expiry date: Jul 30, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/0558
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a spatially adaptive, implanted microcontact structure for neuroprostheses suitable for treating functional disorders of the nervous system for the purpose of reversible anchorage on nerve tissue. The spatially adaptive microcontact structure (RAM) is characterized in particular in that an optimum contact or active connection to nerve tissue is ensured. The implanted microcontact structure comprises subareas that are movable relative to one another and that can be brought into at least two permanent desired positions relative to one another and that can be brought into a desired position during implantation for the purpose of mechanical anchorage to the nerve tissue to be contacted and can also be brought out of one desired position into another during explantation to release the anchorage.