Array of Joined Microtransponders for Implantation

• US 20120296399A1
• Filed: 07/31/2012
• Published: 11/22/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: MicroTransponder Inc., Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Original Assignee: MicroTransponder Inc., Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Inventors: Cauller, Lawrence, Weiner, Richard
• Application Number:
  US13/562,973
• Publication Number:
  US 20120296399A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/60
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0219 of externally powered implanted units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/028 Microscale sensors, e.g. electromechanical sensors [MEMS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6849 in combination with a needle set
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• 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

A wireless microtransponder array constructed as a single structure of joined microtransponders. The microtransponders can be configured as a linear array strip with connective material in between. The microtransponders can also be entirely embedded within a strip of material, or joined by a single, common substrate structure.

Claims

1. A microtransponder array, comprising:

an array comprising a plurality of neurostimulators,

wherein each neurostimulator includes electrodes,

wherein the neurostimulators are physically joined such that the electrodes of each neurostimulator are held at a fixed distance apart from the electrodes of every other neutorstimulator, and

wherein each neurostimulator is wirelessly interfaced.

2. The array of claim 1, wherein the array includes a biodegradable scaffold and comprises a material selected from the group consisting of:

protein-based polymers, sugar-based polysaccharides, poly-glyolic acids (PGA), and poly-lactic acids (PLA).

3. The array of claim 1, wherein the array is coated with material that comprises a material selected from the group consisting of:

polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly-lactic acids (PLA), biomimetic coating, and trillium biosurface.

4. The array of claim 1, wherein the neurostimulators expose superior and inferior electrodes through windows.

5. The array of claim 1, further comprising:

an ion permeable material that resists ingrowth of surrounding tissue, wherein the neurostimulators are completely embedded within the ion permeable material.

6. The array of claim 1, wherein the neurostimulators are configured to stimulate one or more components of a peripheral nervous system.

7. The array of claim 1, wherein the neurostimulators are configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals, wherein each neurostimulator is configured to be independently controlled by an external receiver unit, and wherein the external receiver unit is configured to supply power to the neurostimulators via radio frequency.

8. The array of claim 7 further comprising:

an outer subcutaneous transfer coil; and

an inner subcutaneous transfer coil coupled to the outer subcutaneous transfer coil by one or more electrical leads,

wherein the outer transfer coil is configured to wirelessly interface with the external receiver unit.

9. The array of claim 7, wherein one or more of the neurostimulators comprise an external signal demodulator, and wherein the external signal demodulator is configured to wirelessly interface with the external receiver unit.

10. The array of claim 1, wherein the electrodes of each neurostimulator is held at a fixed position relative to the electrodes of every other neurostimulator.