Multiple-pronged implantable stimulator and methods of making and using such a stimulator

• US 20060195143A1
• Filed: 02/25/2005
• Published: 08/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Haller, Matthew I., McClure, Kelly H., Daulton, Jay
• Granted Patent: US 8,165,696 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0534 Electrodes for deep brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0543 Retinal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36038 Cochlear stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37229 Shape or location of the implanted or external antenna
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source

Abstract

An implantable stimulator includes a base, two prongs extending from the base and an electrode disposed on each of the prongs. This stimulator may be part of a system that includes an external device for transcutaneously communicating with the implanted stimulator. A method of using the implantable stimulator includes generating a current gradient between the electrodes on the two prongs to stimulate a target site in a patient. A method of making the implantable stimulator includes coating electrode material on the prongs except where the electrode surfaces are to be formed.

Claims

1. An implantable stimulator comprising:

a base;

two prongs extending from said base; and

an electrode disposed on each of said prongs.

2. The stimulator of claim 1, wherein said base is a curved connector giving said stimulator a U-shape.

3. The stimulator of claim 1, wherein said prongs extend parallel to each other.

4. The stimulator of claim 1, wherein said electrodes are disposed at ends of said prongs.

5. The stimulator of claim 1, wherein said electrodes are disposed along respective lengths of said prongs.

6. The stimulator of claim 1, further comprising at least one suture loop.

7. The stimulator of claim 1, wherein said prongs comprise a ceramic material.

8. The stimulator of claim 1, wherein said electrodes comprise titanium.

9. The stimulator of claim 1, wherein said base comprises titanium housing.

10. The stimulator of claim 1, wherein said stimulator is configured to output dual-channel bipolar stimulation using said electrodes on said two prongs.

11. A method of using an implantable stimulator comprising two prongs extending from a base with an electrode disposed on each said prong, said method comprising generating a current gradient between electrodes on said two prongs to stimulate a target site in a patient.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising placing tissue that is to receive stimulation between said two prongs of said stimulator.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising placing said prongs parallel to a nerve or blood vessel to be stimulated.

14. A method of making an implantable stimulator having two prongs, each supporting an electrode, said method comprising:

applying an electrode material over said prongs; and

selectively applying an insulating coating over said prongs except where said electrodes are to be located.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming said prongs of a ceramic material.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising machining a titanium cover for each of said prongs.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein applying an insulating coating comprises applying a parylene coating.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising vapor depositing said parylene coating over said electrode material, said electrode material being masked over those portions which are to be used as electrode surfaces.

19. An implantable stimulator system comprising:

an external device for transcutaneously communicating with an implanted stimulator; and

a stimulator comprising;

a base;

two prongs extending from said base; and

an electrode disposed on each of said prongs,

wherein said base houses a circuit for communicating with said external device.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said base is a curved connector giving said stimulator a U-shape.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein said prongs extend parallel to each other.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein said electrodes are disposed at ends of said prongs.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein said electrodes are disposed along respective lengths of said prongs.