Stimulator system with electrode array and the method of making the same

• US 20070219595A1
• Filed: 03/14/2006
• Published: 09/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation (Sonova Holding AG)
• Inventors: He, Tom
• Granted Patent: US 8,175,710 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/36
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/375 Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators

Abstract

An implantable microstimulator can include a housing with a surface containing a metal region. The housing defines an exterior and an interior. At least one conductive electrode is disposed on the exterior of the housing over the metal region of the housing. Adhesive is disposed between the metal region of the housing and the conductive electrodes. An electronic subassembly is disposed in the interior of the housing and coupled to the conductive electrodes through the housing.

Claims

1. An implantable microstimulator, comprising:

a housing comprising a surface with a metal region, the housing defining an exterior and an interior;

at least one conductive electrode disposed on the exterior of the housing over the metal region of the housing;

adhesive disposed between the metal region of the housing and the at least one conductive electrode; and

an electronic subassembly disposed in the interior of the housing and coupled to the at least one conductive electrode through the housing.

2. The implantable microstimulator of claim 1, further comprising at least one conductive via extending from the interior to the exterior of the housing, wherein the electronic subassembly is coupled to the at least one conductive electrode through the at least one conductive via.

3. The implantable microstimulator of claim 2, wherein at least one conductor couples the at least one conductive via to the at least one conductive electrode.

4. The implantable microstimulator of claim 1, wherein a layer of adhesive between the electrode and the metal region of the housing is of a substantially uniform thickness.

5. The implantable microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a plurality of spacer particles.

6. The implantable microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrode is disposed on only one side of the housing.

7. The implantable microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the conductive electrodes are disposed on each of the at least two opposing sides of the housing.

8. The implantable microstimulator of claim 1, further comprising a battery.

9. A method of making an implantable microstimulator, the method comprising:

disposing an electronic subassembly in a housing, the housing comprising a surface with a metal region and defining an exterior and an interior;

attaching at least one conductive electrode to the metal region on the exterior of the housing using an adhesive; and

coupling the electronic subassembly to at least one conductive electrode through the housing.

10. The method of making an implantable microstimulator of claim 9, further comprising coupling at least one conductive via to the at least one conductive electrode.

11. The method of making an implantable microstimulator of claim 9, wherein attaching at least one conductive electrode to the metal region of the housing comprises attaching at least one conductive electrode to the metal region of the housing using an adhesive comprising a plurality of spacer particles.

12. The method of making an implantable microstimulator of claim 9, wherein attaching at least one conductive electrode to the metal region of the housing comprises attaching at least one conductive electrode to the metal region of the housing using a layer of adhesive of a substantially uniform thickness.

13. The method of making an implantable microstimulator of claim 9, further comprising:

disposing the at least one conductive electrode onto a mold; and

applying adhesive to the at least one conductive electrode,

wherein disposing the at least one conductive electrode onto a mold and applying adhesive to the at least one conductive electrode occur before attaching the at least one conductive electrode to the metal region of the housing using the adhesive.

14. The method of making an implantable microstimulator of claim 13, further comprising removing the mold from the exterior surface of the housing using a solvent.

15. The method of making an implantable microstimulator of claim 13, wherein disposing the at least one conductive electrode onto a mold comprises using a mold that has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the housing.

16. The method of making an implantable microstimulator of claim 13, wherein disposing the at least one conductive electrode onto a mold comprises using a mounting material.

17. The method of making an implantable microstimulator of claim 9, further comprising:

disposing at least one conductive electrode onto a core; and

using the core to form a mold, onto which the at least one conductive electrode is transferred.

18. The method of making an implantable microstimulator of claim 17, wherein attaching at least one conductive electrode comprises attaching the at least one conductive electrode to the metal region on the exterior of the housing using an adhesive and then removing the mold.

19. A method of using an implantable microstimulator, comprising:

implanting an implantable microstimulator comprising a housing having an exterior surface with a metal region, the housing defining an exterior and an interior;

at least one conductive electrode disposed over the metal region of the housing;

adhesive disposed between the metal region of the housing and the at least one conductive electrode; and

an electronic subassembly disposed in the interior of the housing and coupled to the at least one conductive electrode; and

providing an electrical signal to the at least one conductive electrode to stimulate a tissue.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing an electrical signal to the at least one conductive electrode to stimulate a tissue comprises providing the electrical signal independently to the conductive electrodes.