Implantable system and methods for acquisition and processing of electrical signals from muscles and/or nerves and/or central nervous system tissue

• US 20050277844A1
• Filed: 06/10/2005
• Published: 12/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc. (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: NDI Medical, Inc. (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Strother, Robert B., Mrva, Joseph J., Thrope, Geoffrey B.
• Granted Patent: US 7,283,867 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/546
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0209 adapted for power saving
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/389 Electromyography [EMG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/395 Details of stimulation, e.g. nerve stimulation to elicit EMG response
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7232 involving compression of the physiological signal, e.g. to extend the signal recording period
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36003 of motor muscles, e.g. for walking assistance
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37235 Aspects of the external programmer
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37247 User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/904 Telephone telemetry

Abstract

Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide an MES processor for acquisition and processing of myoelectric signals from muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The MES processor is sized and configured to be implanted subcutaneous a tissue region. The MES processor includes an electrically conductive case of a laser welded titanium material. Control circuitry is located within the case, the control circuitry including a rechargeable power source, a receive coil for receiving an RF magnetic field to recharge the power source, and a microcontroller for control of the MES processor. Improved assemblies, systems, and methods also provide an acquisition and processing system for sensing myoelectric signals from muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The acquisition and processing system provides at least one electrically conductive surface, a lead connected to the electrically conductive surface, and an MES processor electrically connected to the lead.

Claims

1. A system for acquiring and processing myoelectric signals (MES) comprising:

at least one electrically conductive surface sized and configured for implantation in a targeted neural or muscular tissue region to acquire MES,

a lead electrically coupled to the electrically conductive surface, the lead sized and configured to be positioned subcutaneous a tissue surface,

an MES processor sized and configured to be positioned subcutaneous a tissue surface remote from the at least one electrically conductive surface to process the MES.

2. A system according to claim 1

wherein the MES processor includes a rechargeable power source to power the MES processor.

3. A system according to claim 1

wherein the MES processor includes wireless telemetry circuitry, the wireless telemetry circuitry being functional within arms reach of the patient and being adapted for programming and interrogation of the MES processor.

4. A system according to claim 3

Wherein the MES processor includes an antenna coupled to the MES processor for transmission and reception of wireless telemetry signals.

5. A system according to claim 3 further including:

a clinician programmer adapted to download program stimulus parameters and stimulus sequence parameters into the MES processor, and to upload operational data from the MES processor, the clinician programmer acting as the master and utilizing wireless telemetry to communicate with the MES processor.

6. A system of claim 5

wherein the clinician programmer employs the conduit connection employed by hand-held devices to transfer patient data to a host computer or server for electronic processing and archiving.

7. A system according to claim 1

wherein the MES processor includes a lead connection header coupled to the MES processor for electrically coupling the lead to the MES processor, the lead connection header enabling reliable replacement of the MES processor.

8. A system according to claim 1

wherein the MES processor provides stimulus pulses for the treatment of urinary incontinence, or fecal incontinence, or micturition/retention, or defecation/constipation, or restoration of sexual function, or pelvic floor muscle activity, or pelvic pain, or deep brain stimulation in the treatment of (i) Parkinson'"'"'s disease;

(ii) multiple sclerosis;

(iii) essential tremor;

(iv) depression;

(v) eating disorders;

(vi) epilepsy;

(vii) minimally conscious state, or pain management by interfering with or blocking pain signals from reaching the brain in the treatment of (i) peripheral neuropathy;

(ii) cancer, or obstructive sleep apnea.

9. A method of using the system defined in claim 1.