Lead set for nerve stimulator and method of operation thereof
US8812114B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3752
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Single-use electrical leads for a nerve stimulator are disclosed. The leads include a status flag element such as a fuse, which is deliberately blown after use of the leads has begun to indicate that the leads are not to be reused. The nerve stimulator has a “test mode” that determines a current value for treatment, and a “therapy mode” that administers treatment with the chosen current value. If the fuse in the electrical leads is blown (not conducting), then the stimulator assumes that the leads have already been used and does not enter therapy mode, and optionally may not enter test mode. If the fuse in the electrical leads is intact (conducting), or not blown, then the stimulator assumes that the leads are as yet unused, and allows the user to enter either test mode or therapy mode. The fuse is deliberately blown after a particular amount of time spent in therapy mode. After the fuse is blown, the user may still complete the therapy mode, even though the fuse is non-conducting, although the user may not initiate another therapy mode (and optionally may not initiate another test mode) using the blown leads. Preferably the fuse is electrically isolated from the leads that contact…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.