Techniques for positioning therapy delivery elements within a spinal cord or brain

• US 20040236388A1
• Filed: 06/30/2004
• Published: 11/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Rise, Mark T., King, Gary W., Schendel, Michael, Starkebaum, Warren, Gielen, Frans, Petersen, Daryle
• Granted Patent: US 7,191,018 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/045 for filling, e.g. for filling reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0693 Brain, cerebrum
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1003 Spinal column
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0531 Brain cortex electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0534 Electrodes for deep brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0539 Anchoring of brain electrode systems, e.g. within burr hole
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0553 Paddle shaped electrodes, e.g. for laminotomy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0558 Anchoring or fixation means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/056 Transvascular endocardial electrode systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain

Abstract

Apparatus and techniques to address the problems associated with lead migration, patient movement or position, histological changes, neural plasticity or disease progression. Disclosed are techniques for implanting a lead having therapy delivery elements, such as electrodes or drug delivery ports, within a vertebral or cranial bone so as to maintain these elements in a fixed position relative to a desired treatment site. The therapy delivery elements may thereafter be adjusted in situ with a position control mechanism and/or a position controller to improve the desired treatment, such as_electrical stimulation and/or drug infusion to a precise target. The therapy delivery elements may be positioned laterally in any direction relative to the targeted treatment site or toward or away from the targeted treatment site. A control system maybe provided for open- or closed-loop feedback control of the position of the therapy delivery elements as well as other aspects of the treatment therapy.

Claims

1. A method for providing treatment therapy to a targeted tissue by means of a therapy delivery device and at least one therapy delivery element coupled to the therapy delivery device, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) implanting at least one lead having at least one therapy delivery element so that the therapy delivery element lies in communication near the targeted tissue;

(b) coupling a proximal end of the lead to the therapy delivery device;

(c) operating the therapy delivery device to provide treatment therapy to the targeted tissue via the implanted therapy delivery element; and

(d) adjusting at any time after the step of implanting, the position of at least one implanted therapy delivery element relative to the targeted tissue.