Percutaneous electrode array
First Claim
1. A method of producing a percutaneous electrode array comprising:
- micromachining a master mold of a perctaneous electrode array having a substrate and a plurality of electrodes from silicon using semiconductor lithographic processing;
creating a replica mold by electroplating thin film silver followed by nickel onto the master mold;
heating, softening, and rolling a polymeric film;
forcing the film into the replica mold using pressure to form an array structure; and
cooling the array structure and removing the structure from the replica mold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of producing percutaneous electrode array is disclosed for applying therapeutic electrical energy to a treatment site in the body of a patient. The array comprises a plurality of electrode microstructures which are inserted into the epidermis, thereby overcoming the inherent electrical impedance of the outer skin layers and obviating the need to prepare the skin surface prior to an electro-therapy treatment. The array preferably includes an adhesion layer to help keep the electrode microstructures inserted into the epidermis during the duration of the therapeutic treatment, and temperature and condition monitoring devices to ensure proper treatment and enhance patient safety.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of producing a percutaneous electrode array comprising:
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micromachining a master mold of a perctaneous electrode array having a substrate and a plurality of electrodes from silicon using semiconductor lithographic processing;
creating a replica mold by electroplating thin film silver followed by nickel onto the master mold;
heating, softening, and rolling a polymeric film;
forcing the film into the replica mold using pressure to form an array structure; and
cooling the array structure and removing the structure from the replica mold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of introducing therapeutic electrical energy to body tissues in a treatment site beneath the epidermis of a patient, comprising:
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providing an electro-therapy apparatus comprising;
a signal generator configured to produce first and second signals; and
a first and second percutaneous electrode array;
positioning the first array on a first portion of the patient'"'"'s body and positioning the second array on a second portion of the patient'"'"'s body such that the first and second arrays are positioned on the tissue of the patient, and the treatment site is located between the first and second arrays;
forming a therapeutic signal from said first and second signals; and
introducing the therapeutic signal through the first and second arrays.
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Specification