Implantable microdevice with extended lead and remote electrode

• US 20030114905A1
• Filed: 01/27/2003
• Published: 06/19/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Kuzma, Janusz A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,949,395 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/116
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0558 Anchoring or fixation means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula

Abstract

An implantable microdevice includes at least one electrode detachably connected to electronic circuitry housed in an hermetically-sealed micro housing. The micro housing has a length no more than about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the electrode is located at a distal end of an electrode lead, and a proximal end of the electrode lead is removably inserted into a connector that forms part of the micro housing.

Claims

1. An implantable device comprising:

a microdevice implantable through an opening in skin of no more than about 5 to 10 mm;

a connector fitted on the microdevice, which connector is adapted for removable attachment to the microdevice;

at least one lead with a proximal end and a distal end, which at least one lead is, at a proximal end, removably attached and electrically connected to the microdevice via the connector fitted on the microdevice; and

at least one electrode at the distal end of the at least one lead, which at least one electrode is electrically connected to the microdevice via the at least one lead.

2. The implantable device of claim 1 further comprising:

means within the microdevice for electromagnetically receiving power; and

means within the microdevice for electromagnetically receiving control signals.

3. The implantable device of claim 1 further comprising multiple electrodes spaced along the at least one lead.

4. The implantable device of claim 1 further comprising means for anchoring the at least one electrode.

5. The implantable device of claim 1 wherein the microdevice is at least one of a sensor and a stimulator.

6. An implantable device comprising:

a microdevice implantable through an opening in skin of no more than about 5 to 10 mm;

at least one extended and insulated lead with a proximal end and a distal end, which at least one lead is, at a proximal end, attached and electrically connected to the microdevice; and

at least one electrode at the distal end of the at least one lead, which at least one electrode is electrically connected to the microdevice via the at least one lead and which at least one electrode provides stimulation and/or sensing at a site remote from the microdevice.

7. The implantable device of claim 6 further comprising:

a connector fitted on the microdevice, which connector provides means for removably attaching the at least one lead to the microdevice.

8. The implantable device of claim 6 further comprising:

means within the microdevice for electromagnetically receiving power; and

means within the microdevice for electromagnetically receiving control signals.

9. The implantable device of claim 6 further comprising multiple electrodes spaced along the at least one lead.

10. The implantable device of claim 6 further comprising means for anchoring the at least one electrode.

11. The implantable device of claim 6 wherein the microdevice is at least one of a sensor and a stimulator.

12. A method of implanting an implantable device in a body, comprising:

making an opening in the skin of no more than about 5 to 10 mm;

inserting through the incision an implantable device comprising a microdevice, an extended lead attached to the microdevice, and at least one electrode on the lead;

implanting the microdevice of the implantable device near a skin surface;

implanting the at least one electrode of the implantable device at a site remote from the microdevice;

implanting and positioning the extended lead of the microdevice with slack between the at least one electrode and the microdevice.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein implanting the at least one electrode at a site remote from the microdevice comprises implanting the at least one electrode deep within the body.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising attaching the at least one electrode to muscle or nerve fibers.

15. The method of claim 12 further comprising implanting at least part of the implantable device through a hypodermic needle.

16. The method of claim 12 further comprising implanting at least part of the implantable device using conventional tunneling and surgical techniques.

17. The method of claim 12 further comprising replacing a portion of the implantable device, including:

disconnecting the microdevice from the lead;

removing the microdevice from the body;

inserting a replacement microdevice through the incision; and

connecting the replacement microdevice to the lead.