Apparatus and method for coupling therapeutic and/or monitoring equipment to a patient

• US 20010021869A1
• Filed: 12/29/2000
• Published: 09/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Meagan Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Meagan Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Leonard, Paul C., Bishay, Jon M., Miazga, Jay M.
• Granted Patent: US 6,912,424 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/116
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0502 Skin piercing electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 for treatment of pain

Abstract

A method and apparatus for supporting couplers for therapy administration and/or monitoring. The apparatus can include a support member configured to rest on a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area. The support member can include a first coupler location configured to removably carry a first coupler proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient. A second coupler location of the support member is configured to removably carry a second coupler proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient. The first and second coupler locations can be arranged to guide the practitioner to connect the couplers properly to the body. For example, the first coupler location can be positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position. Accordingly, practitioners can be more likely to connect the first and second couplers to the correct coupling position on the body of the recipient.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during therapy administration and/or recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member having a first coupler location proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient, the support member further having a second coupler location proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient, the first coupler location being configured to removably carry a first coupler, the second coupler location being configured to removably carry a second coupler, the support member being spaced apart from the first and second coupling positions when resting on the body of the recipient.

2. The apparatus of

claim 1

, further comprising:

a first engagement member depending from the support member at the first coupler location and configured to removably carry the first coupler; and

a second engagement member depending from the support member at the second coupler location and configured to removably carry the second coupler.

3. The apparatus of

claim 1

, further comprising the first and second couplers.

4. The apparatus of

claim 1

, further comprising:

the first coupler, wherein the first coupler is moveable relative to the first coupler location between an attached position with the first coupler engaged with the support member at the first coupler location, a detached position with the first coupler disengaged from the first coupler location, and a coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position, the first coupler having an electrical contact positioned to connect to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the patient; and

a flexible cable connected between the first coupler and the support member, the cable remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from the attached position to the detached position and the coupled position.

5. The apparatus of

claim 1

, further comprising the first coupler and wherein the first coupler is configured to transmit electrical signals to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.

6. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

7. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the coupler locations defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.

8. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the first coupler location is positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling location.

9. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during therapy administration and/or recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member being elongated along a support member axis and having a first coupler location proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient when the support member rests on the body of the recipient, the support member further having a second coupler location proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient when the support member rests on the body of the recipient, the first coupler location being configured to removably carry a first coupler, the second coupler location being configured to removably carry a second coupler, the first coupler location being positioned closer than the second coupler location to the support member axis.

10. The apparatus of

claim 9

, further comprising:

a first engagement member depending from the support member at the first coupler location and configured to removably carry the first coupler; and

a second engagement member depending from the support member at the second coupler location and configured to removably carry the second coupler.

11. The apparatus of

claim 9

, further comprising the first and second couplers.

12. The apparatus of

claim 9

, further comprising:

the first coupler, wherein the first coupler is moveable relative to the first coupler location between an attached position with the first coupler engaged with the support member at the first coupler location, a detached position with the first coupler disengaged from the first coupler location, and a coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position, the first coupler having an electrical contact positioned to connect to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the patient; and

a flexible cable connected between the first coupler and the support member, the cable remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from the attached position to the detached position and the coupled position.

13. The apparatus of

claim 9

, further comprising the first coupler and wherein the first coupler is configured to transmit electrical signals to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.

14. The apparatus of

claim 9

wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

15. The apparatus of

claim 9

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the coupler locations defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.

16. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during therapy administration and/or recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member having a first coupler location proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient, the support member further having a second coupler location proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient, the first coupler location being configured to removably carry a first coupler, the second coupler location being configured to removably carry a second coupler, the first coupler location being positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position of the body of the recipient.

17. The apparatus of

claim 16

, further comprising:

a first engagement member depending from the support member at the first coupler location and configured to removably carry the first coupler; and

a second engagement member depending from the support member at the second coupler location and configured to removably carry the second coupler.

18. The apparatus of

claim 16

, further comprising the first and second couplers.

19. The apparatus of

claim 16

, further comprising:

the first coupler, wherein the first coupler is moveable relative to the first coupler location between an attached position with the first coupler engaged with the support member at the first coupler location, a detached position with the first coupler disengaged from the first coupler location, and a coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position, the first coupler having an electrical contact positioned to connect to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the patient; and

a flexible cable connected between the first coupler and the support member, the cable remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from the attached position to the detached position and the coupled position.

20. The apparatus of

claim 16

, further comprising the first coupler and wherein the first coupler is configured to receive electrical signals from the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.

21. The apparatus of

claim 16

, further comprising the first coupler, and wherein the first coupler is configured to provide liquid medicament to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.

22. The apparatus of

claim 16

, further comprising the first coupler and wherein the first coupler is configured to transmit electrical signals to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.

23. The apparatus of

claim 16

wherein the support member includes a cavity at the first coupler location positioned to receive at least a portion of the first coupler.

24. The apparatus of

claim 16

wherein the support member includes a column at the first coupler location positioned to be received in an aperture of the first coupler.

25. The apparatus of

claim 16

wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

26. The apparatus of

claim 16

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the coupler locations defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.

27. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during therapy administration and/or recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:

a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient proximate to a coupling region, the support member having a first engagement location proximate to a first coupling position on the body of the recipient and a second engagement location proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient;

a first engagement member configured to removably carry a first coupler at the first engagement location of the support member; and

a second engagement member configured to removably carry a second coupler at the second engagement location of the support member, the first engagement member being positioned closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position.

28. The apparatus of

claim 27

, further comprising:

the first coupler, wherein the first coupler is moveable relative to the support member between an attached position with the first coupler engaged with the first engagement member, a detached position with the first coupler disengaged from the first engagement member, and a coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position, the first coupler having an electrical contact positioned to connect to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the patient; and

a flexible cable connected between the first coupler and the support member, the cable remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from the attached position to the detached position and the coupled position.

29. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the support member has a central axis, a first elongated portion positioned along the central axis, a second elongated portion extending transversely to the central axis on first and second sides of the central axis, and a third elongated portion positioned between the first and second elongated portions and s extending transversely to the central axis on the first and second sides of the central axis, further wherein the first and second engagement members are positioned on one of the elongated portions, with the first engagement member including a post positioned on the first side of the central axis and the second engagement member including a post positioned on the second side of the central axis.

30. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first coupler is configured to receive electrical signals from the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.

31. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first coupler is configured to provide liquid medicament to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.

32. The apparatus of

claim 27

, further comprising:

the first coupler, wherein the first coupler is moveable relative to the support member between an attached position with the first coupler engaged with the first engagement member, a detached position with the first coupler disengaged from the first engagement member, and a coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position; and

a flexible link connected between the first coupler and the support member, the link remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from the attached position to the detached position and the coupled position.

33. The apparatus of

claim 32

wherein the link includes an electrical cable configured to be coupled to a source of electrical pulses to transmit percutaneous electrical stimulation pulses to the first coupler.

34. The apparatus of

claim 32

wherein the link includes an electrical cable configured to be coupled to a signal monitor to monitor electrical signals received at the first coupler from the recipient.

35. The apparatus of

claim 32

wherein the link includes a length of tubing configured to be coupled to a source of liquid medicament.

36. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first coupler has an aperture and wherein the first engagement member includes a column projecting away from the support member and positioned to be received in the aperture of the first coupler.

37. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the support member is flexible and resilient to conform to a surface of the body.

38. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

39. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first engagement member has a cavity positioned to receive at least a portion of the first coupler.

40. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein an arrangement of the first and second engagement members corresponds at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.

41. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second engagement members are two of a larger plurality of engagement members, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the engagement members defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.

42. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions located on first and second sides of a central axis, and wherein the first and second engagement members are two of a larger plurality of engagement members arranged in two rows on opposite sides of the central axis.

43. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first and second coupling positions each have a longitudinal location along a body longitudinal axis and a lateral location transverse to the body longitudinal axis, and wherein the support member has a central support member axis generally aligned with body longitudinal axis during operation, further wherein the first engagement member has a longitudinal location and a lateral location relative to the central support member axis that correspond to the longitudinal and lateral locations of the first coupling position relative to the body longitudinal axis, still further wherein the second engagement member has a longitudinal location and a lateral location relative to the central support member axis that correspond to the longitudinal and lateral locations of the second coupling position relative to the body longitudinal axis.

44. The apparatus of

claim 27

, further comprising the first and second couplers.

45. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein at least a portion of the first engagement member has a first color and at least a portion of the second engagement member has a second color different than the first color.

46. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first engagement member has a visual indicator corresponding to the first coupling position.

47. The apparatus of

claim 27

, further comprising the first coupler and wherein the first coupler includes an electrical connector positioned to make electrical contact with a percutaneous probe at the first coupling position.

48. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the support member includes a flexible, bio-compatible material.

49. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the support member includes a generally flat, rigid material.

50. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive clamp.

51. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive alligator clip.

52. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the first coupler includes an actuator tool to insert a percutaneous electrode in the recipient.

53. An apparatus for supporting a plurality of percutaneous probe couplers in position for removable coupling to a recipient, comprising:

a flexible support member configured to rest on a body of a recipient and conform to a curvature of the body proximate to a location where the couplers are to be coupled to the body;

a first engagement member depending from the support member and configured to removably engage a first coupler proximate to a first coupling position on the body;

a first coupler removably engaged with the first engagement member;

a first electrical cable attached between the first coupler and the support member;

a second engagement member depending from the support member body and configured to removably engage a second coupler proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient, the first engagement member being positioned closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position, the second engagement member being positioned closer than the first engagement member to the second coupling position;

a second coupler removably engaged with the first engagement member; and

a second electrical cable attached between the second coupler and the support member.

54. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the first electrical cable is attached to the support member at a first attachment location, and the second electrical cable is attached to the support member at a second attachment location, and further wherein the first and second electrical cables are bundled together within the support member and exit the support member adjacent to each other at a third attachment location.

55. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the first coupler includes an actuator tool to insert a percutaneous electrode in the recipient.

56. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive clamp.

57. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive alligator clip.

58. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the first and second electrical cables have approximately the same length.

59. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the first electrical cable has a first length and the second electrical cable has a second length different than the first length.

60. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the support member has a central axis, a first elongated portion positioned along the central axis, a second elongated portion extending transversely to the central axis on first and second sides of the central axis, and a third elongated portion positioned between the first and second elongated portions and extending transversely to the central axis on the first and second sides of the central axis, further wherein the first and second engagement members are positioned on one of the elongated portions, with the first engagement member including a column positioned on the first side of the central axis and the second engagement member including a column positioned on the second side of the central axis.

61. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the first coupler has an aperture and wherein the first engagement member includes a column projecting away from the support member and positioned to be received in the aperture of the first coupler.

62. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

63. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein an arrangement of the first and second engagement members corresponds at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.

64. The apparatus of

claim 53

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second engagement members are two of a larger plurality of engagement positions, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the engagement members defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.

65. An apparatus for supporting a plurality of percutaneous probe couplers in position for removable coupling to a recipient, comprising:

a flexible support member configured to rest on a body of a recipient and conform to a curvature of the body proximate to a coupling location where the couplers are to be coupled to the body, the support member having a central axis;

a first engagement member depending from the support member and positioned on a first side of the central axis, the first engagement member being configured to removably engage a first coupler proximate to a first coupling position on the body of the recipient, the first coupling position located on the first side of the central axis;

a first coupler removably engaged with the first engagement member;

a first electrical cable attached between the first coupler and the support member;

a second engagement member depending from the support member and positioned on a second side of the central axis opposite the first side of the central axis, the second engagement member being configured to removably engage a second coupler proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient, the second coupling position located on the second side of the central axis;

a second coupler removably engaged with the first engagement member; and

a second electrical cable attached between the second coupler and the support member.

66. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the first electrical cable is attached to the support member at a first attachment location, and the second electrical cable is attached to the support member at a second attachment location, and further wherein the first and second electrical cables are bundled together within the support member and exit the support member adjacent to each other at a third attachment location.

67. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the first coupler includes an actuator tool to insert a percutaneous electrode in the recipient.

68. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive clamp.

69. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive alligator clip.

70. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the first and second electrical cables have approximately the same length.

71. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the first electrical cable has a first length and the second electrical cable has a second length different than the first length.

72. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the support member has a first elongated portion positioned along the central axis, a second elongated portion extending transversely to the central axis on first and second sides of the central axis, and a third elongated portion positioned between the first and second elongated portions and extending transversely to the central axis on the first and second sides of the central axis.

73. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the first coupler has an aperture and wherein the first engagement member includes a post projecting away from the support member and positioned to be received in the aperture of the first coupler.

74. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

75. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein an arrangement of the first and second engagement members corresponds at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.

76. The apparatus of

claim 65

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second engagement members are two of a larger plurality of engagement positions, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the engagement members defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.

77. An apparatus for supporting a plurality of percutaneous probe couplers in position for removable coupling to a recipient, comprising:

a flexible support member configured to rest on a back of a recipient and conform to a curvature of the back proximate to a coupling region of the back, the support member having a central axis, a first elongated portion positioned along the central axis a second elongated portion extending transversely to the central axis on first and second sides of the central axis and a third elongated portion between the first and second elongated portions and extending transversely to the central axis on the first and second sides of the central axis;

five pairs of engagement posts depending from the support member, engagement posts of a first pair positioned on opposite sides of the central axis toward an end of the first elongated portion, engagement posts of a second pair positioned at opposite ends of the second elongated portion, engagement posts of a third pair positioned at opposite ends of the third elongated portion, engagement posts of a fourth pair positioned on opposite sides of the central axis between the first and second pair, and engagement posts of a fifth pair positioned on opposite sides of the central axis between the second and third pair;

five pairs of couplers, each having an aperture with aperture walls removably engaged with one of the engagement posts; and

five pairs of electrical cables with each electrical cable attached between one of the couplers and the support member.

78. The apparatus of

claim 77

wherein each cable enters the support member at a separate entry point and exits the support member at a common exit point, the cables being bundled together external to the exit point and connected to a single connector.

79. The apparatus of

claim 77

wherein the first coupler includes an actuator tool to insert a percutaneous electrode in the recipient.

80. The apparatus of

claim 77

wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive clamp.

81. The apparatus of

claim 77

wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive alligator clip.

82. The apparatus of

claim 77

wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the engagement members defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.

83. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during therapy administration and/or recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:

support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member having a first coupler location proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient, the support member further having a second coupler location proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient, the first coupler location being configured to carry a first coupler, the second coupler location being configured to carry a second coupler, the first coupler location being positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position on the body of the recipient;

a first coupler configured to be operatively coupled to the body and removably supported at the first coupler location;

a second coupler configured to be operatively coupled to the body and removably supported at the second coupler location;

a recipient care unit configured to deliver therapy and/or monitor a condition of the recipient; and

a first link between the care unit and the first coupler and a second link between the care unit and the second coupler.

84. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein the recipient care unit includes a source of electrical current.

85. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein the recipient care unit includes a source of medicament.

86. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein the recipient care unit includes a Monitor of electrical signals.

87. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein the fi rst coupler is move able relative to the support member between an attached position with the first coupler engaged with the support member at the first coupler location, a detached position with the first coupler disengaged from the first coupler location, and a coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position, the first coupler having an electrical contact positioned to connect to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the patient, and further wherein the first link includes a flexible electrical cable.

88. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein the support member has a central axis, a first elongated portion positioned along the central axis, a second elongated portion extending transversely to the central axis on first and second sides of the central axis, and a third elongated portion positioned between the first and second elongated portions and extending transversely to the central axis on the first and second sides of the central axis, further wherein the first and second coupler locations are positioned on one of the elongated portions, with the first coupler location including a post positioned on the first side of the central axis and the second coupler location including a post positioned on the second side of the central axis.

89. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein the first coupler has an aperture and wherein the support member includes a post at the first coupler location positioned to be received in the aperture of the first coupler.

90. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein the support member is flexible and resilient to conform to a surface of the body.

91. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

92. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein an arrangement of the first and second coupler locations corresponds at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.

93. The apparatus of

claim 83

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the coupler locations defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.

94. A method for coupling therapy and/or monitoring equipment to a recipient, comprising:

positioning a support member against a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area of the body and spaced apart from first and second coupling positions in the coupling area;

supporting a first coupler relative to the body at a first coupler location of the support member proximate to the first coupling position;

supporting a second coupler relative to the body at a second coupler location of the support member proximate to the second coupling position;

removing the first coupler from the first coupler location of the support member and coupling the first coupler to the body at the first coupling position; and

removing the second coupler from the second coupler location of the support member and coupling the second coupler to the body at the second coupling position.

95. The method of

claim 94

wherein positioning the support member includes positioning a first elongated portion of the support member along a longitudinal axis of the coupling area, positioning a second elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis, and positioning a third elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis between the first and second elongated portions.

96. The method of

claim 94

wherein coupling the first coupler to the body includes electrically coupling the first coupler to the body, and wherein the method further includes transmitting electrical signals to the body.

97. The method of

claim 94

wherein supporting the first coupler includes supporting the first coupler closer than the second coupler to the first coupling position.

98. The method of

claim 94

, further comprising conforming the support member to a curved surface of the body.

99. The method of

claim 94

wherein positioning the support member against the body includes positioning the support member against at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

100. The method of

claim 94

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations and wherein the method further comprises orienting the support member with an outline of the coupler locations being generally similar to an outline defined by the coupling positions.

101. The method of

claim 94

wherein coupling the first coupler includes coupling the first coupler to a percutaneous probe at the first coupling position.

102. A method for coupling therapy and/or monitoring equipment to a recipient, comprising:

positioning a support member against a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area of the body, the support member being elongated along a support member axis;

supporting a first coupler relative to the body at a first coupler location of the support member proximate to a first coupling position of the body;

supporting a second coupler relative to the body at a second coupler location of the support member proximate to a second coupling position of the body with the first coupler positioned closer than the second coupler to the support member axis;

removing the first coupler from the first coupler location of the support member and coupling the first coupler to the body at the first coupling position; and

removing the second coupler from the second coupler location of the support member and coupling the second coupler to the body at the second coupling position.

103. The method of

claim 102

wherein positioning the support member includes positioning a first elongated portion of the support member along a longitudinal axis of the coupling area, positioning a second elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis, and positioning a third elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis between the first and second elongated portions.

104. The method of

claim 102

wherein coupling the first coupler to the body includes electrically coupling the first coupler to the body, and wherein the method further includes transmitting electrical signals to the body.

105. The method of

claim 102

wherein supporting the first coupler includes supporting the first coupler closer than the second coupler to the first coupling position.

106. The method of

claim 102

, further comprising conforming the support member to a curved surface of the body.

107. The method of

claim 102

wherein positioning the support member against the body includes positioning the support member against at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

108. The method of

claim 102

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations and wherein the method further comprises orienting the support member with an outline of the coupler locations being generally similar to an outline defined by the coupling positions.

109. The method of

claim 102

wherein coupling the first coupler includes coupling the first coupler to a percutaneous probe at the first coupling position.

110. A method for coupling therapy and/or monitoring equipment to a recipient, comprising:

positioning a support member against a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area;

supporting a first coupler relative to the body at a first coupler location of the support member proximate to a first coupling position on the body;

supporting a second coupler relative to the body at a second coupler location of the support member proximate to a second coupling position on the body, the first coupler location being positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position;

removing the first coupler from the first coupler location of the support member and coupling the first coupler to the body at the first coupling position; and

removing the second coupler from the second coupler location of the support member and coupling the second coupler to the body at the second coupling position.

111. The method of

claim 110

wherein positioning the support member includes positioning a first elongated portion of the support member along a longitudinal axis of the coupling area, positioning a second elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis, and positioning a third elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis between the first and second elongated portions.

112. The method of

claim 110

wherein coupling the first coupler to the body includes electrically coupling the first coupler to the body, and wherein the method further includes transmitting electrical signals to the body.

113. The method of

claim 110

wherein coupling the first coupler to the body includes electrically coupling the first coupler to the body, and wherein the method further includes receiving electrical signals from the body.

114. The method of

claim 110

wherein the first coupler is configured to provide liquid medicament to the recipient and wherein the method further comprises delivering liquid medicament to the first coupler and the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.

115. The method of

claim 110

wherein removing the first coupler includes removing the first coupler from an aperture of the support member.

116. The method of

claim 110

wherein removing the first coupler includes removing the first coupler from a post of the support member.

117. The method of

claim 110

, further comprising conforming the support member to a curved surface of the body.

118. The method of

claim 110

wherein positioning the support member against the body includes positioning the support member against at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

119. The method of

claim 110

wherein positioning the support member includes orienting the support member with an arrangement of the first and second coupler locations corresponding at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.

120. The method of

claim 110

wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations and wherein the method further comprises orienting the support member with an outline of the coupler locations being generally similar to an outline defined by the coupling positions.

121. The method of

claim 110

wherein coupling the first coupler includes coupling the first coupler to a percutaneous probe at the first coupling position.

122. The method of

claim 110

wherein coupling the first coupler includes clamping the first coupler to a percutaneous electrode inserted in the recipient.

123. A method for administering percutaneous electrical therapy to a recipient, comprising:

aligning a flexible support member with a body of a recipient;

positioning the support member against the body proximate to a coupling area;

conforming the support member to a curvature of the body supporting a first coupler relative to the body at a first coupler location of the support member proximate to a first coupling position of the body;

supporting a second coupler relative to the body at a second coupler location of the support member proximate to a second coupling position of the body with the first coupler location positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position;

removing the first coupler from the first coupler location of the support member and electrically coupling the first coupler to a first percutaneous probe positioned in the body at the first coupling position;

removing the second coupler from the second coupler location of the support member and electrically coupling the second coupler to a second percutaneous probe in the body at the second coupling position; and

electrically coupling the first and second couplers to a source of electrical potential.

124. The method of

claim 123

, further comprising actuating the first coupler to insert the first percutaneous probe in the recipient.

125. The apparatus of

claim 123

wherein the support member has a central axis, a first elongated portion positioned along the central axis, a second elongated portion extending transversely to the central axis on first and second sides of the central axis, and a third elongated portion positioned between the first and second elongated portions and extending transversely to the central axis on the first and second sides of the central axis, further wherein the first and second coupler locations are positioned on one of the elongated portions, with the support member including a post positioned at the first coupler location on the first side of the central axis and the support member further including a post positioned at the second coupler location on the second side of the central axis.

126. The method of

claim 123

wherein the first coupler has an aperture and wherein removing the first coupler includes disengaging the aperture with a post of the support member.

127. The method of

claim 123

, further comprising resting the support member on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.

128. The method of

claim 123

, further comprising orienting the support member with an arrangement of the first and second coupler locations corresponding at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.

129. A method for administering percutaneous electrical therapy to a recipient, comprising:

aligning a flexible support member with a body of a recipient by aligning a first elongated portion of the support member with a spine of the recipient and positioning second and third elongated portions of the support member transverse to the spine;

conforming the support member to the body proximate to a coupling area;

removing five pairs of electrical couplers from the support member and connecting the electrical couplers to percutaneous probes inserted into the recipient while the electrical couplers remain connected to the support member with electrical cables, wherein removing the five pairs of electrical couplers includes removing couplers of a first pair positioned toward an end of the first elongated portion, removing couplers of a second pair positioned at opposite ends of the second elongated portion, removing couplers of a third pair positioned at opposite ends of the third elongated portion, removing couplers of a fourth pair positioned between the first and second pair, and removing couplers of a fifth pair positioned between the second and third pair; and

electrically connecting each coupler to an electrically conductive percutaneous probe inserted in the body.

130. The method of

claim 129

, further comprising electrically coupling each coupler to a source of electrical potential.