METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SPINAL CORD STIMULATION USING EXPANDABLE ELECTRODE
First Claim
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1. A device for delivering electrical energy to a patient, comprising:
- an enclosure having a longitudinal axis and an outer wall being movable between a collapsed configuration for introduction into the patient wherein the outer wall extends laterally outward from the longitudinal axis by a first distance and an expanded configuration for treating the patient wherein the outer wall extends laterally outward from the longitudinal axis by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance;
an electrode coupled to at least a portion of the outer wall of the enclosure; and
a source of electrical energy coupled to the electrode for delivering an electrical impulse to the electrode in the expanded configuration.
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Abstract
The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. More specifically, systems and methods are provided for introducing a spinal cord stimulation electrode device into a patient'"'"'s epidural space through a small portal, such as a percutaneous penetration, and then expanding the electrode device once inside the epidural space to achieve a larger footprint of contact on the dura. This substantially prevents migration of the electrode within the epidural space and provides for more efficient and effective treatment.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. A device for delivering electrical energy to a patient, comprising:
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an enclosure having a longitudinal axis and an outer wall being movable between a collapsed configuration for introduction into the patient wherein the outer wall extends laterally outward from the longitudinal axis by a first distance and an expanded configuration for treating the patient wherein the outer wall extends laterally outward from the longitudinal axis by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; an electrode coupled to at least a portion of the outer wall of the enclosure; and a source of electrical energy coupled to the electrode for delivering an electrical impulse to the electrode in the expanded configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for treating an ailment in a patient comprising:
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introducing an enclosure through a percutaneous penetration of a patient to a target location adjacent to or near a spine of the patient, the enclosure having a longitudinal axis; expanding an outer wall of the enclosure in a lateral direction from the longitudinal axis; contacting a tissue of the patient at the target location with at least a portion of the outer wall; and applying electrical energy to an electrode coupled to the portion of the outer wall to modulate one or more nerves within the spine of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A method for treating a temporary arrest of intestinal peristalsis in a patient comprising:
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introducing an electrode to a target location adjacent to or near a spine of the patient; expanding the electrode in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the electrode; and applying an electrical impulse to the electrode sufficient to increase intestinal motility of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35)
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Specification