Method and means to adjust the positioning of stimulating neural and muscular electrode
First Claim
1. A method of adjusting the positioning of an electrical stimulating device configured to be implanted in an animal comprising:
- providing a first supporting structure (SUPP1) configured to be attached to the animal;
providing an electrode supporting structure with a proximal extremity, a distal extremity, a surface and an inner lumen;
providing a plurality of electrodes at the surface of the distal extremity of the electrode supporting structure;
providing a connecting structure attached to the SUPP1 which is configured to support the electrode supporting structure;
the connecting structure comprises a translation structure for engaging and supporting the electrode support structure, and for providing motion to the electrode supporting structure, in such a way that the plurality of electrodes at the surface of the electrode supporting structure adopt new positions with respect to the intended target tissue of the animal;
the translation structure comprises a central aperture configured to accept insertion of the electrode support structure, wherein the aperture includes tapped screw threads for engaging corresponding tapped screw threads located on the surface of the proximal extremity of the electrode support structure, and facilitating advancement of the electrode support structure to the target tissue due to the motion provided by the connecting structure.
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Abstract
An electric stimulator for brain, heart, skin and internal organs in animals and plants where the electrodes are distributed on a supporting structure. The supporting structure may be adapted for brain, heart, skin or other internal organs, as for DBS, heart pacemaker, TENS, etc. The invention discloses also a plurality of electrodes at the surface of the supporting structure, from which electrically stimulating currents can be injected into the organism. Moreover, turning off an electrode while turning on a neighboring electrode, has the effect of moving the stimulation within the body of the organism from one point to a neighboring point, with the same effect but with less spent energy than physically moving the whole electrode support. We call this electrode shifting. Rotational and translational electrode shifting are possible.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of adjusting the positioning of an electrical stimulating device configured to be implanted in an animal comprising:
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providing a first supporting structure (SUPP1) configured to be attached to the animal; providing an electrode supporting structure with a proximal extremity, a distal extremity, a surface and an inner lumen; providing a plurality of electrodes at the surface of the distal extremity of the electrode supporting structure; providing a connecting structure attached to the SUPP1 which is configured to support the electrode supporting structure; the connecting structure comprises a translation structure for engaging and supporting the electrode support structure, and for providing motion to the electrode supporting structure, in such a way that the plurality of electrodes at the surface of the electrode supporting structure adopt new positions with respect to the intended target tissue of the animal; the translation structure comprises a central aperture configured to accept insertion of the electrode support structure, wherein the aperture includes tapped screw threads for engaging corresponding tapped screw threads located on the surface of the proximal extremity of the electrode support structure, and facilitating advancement of the electrode support structure to the target tissue due to the motion provided by the connecting structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 15)
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7. An electrical stimulation apparatus, comprising;
- a first supporting structure SUPP1 configured to provide fixed attachment to an animal;
an electrode supporting structure with a proximal extremity, a distal extremity, an inner lumen and a surface;a plurality of electrodes located at the surface of the distal extremity of the electrode supporting structure; and means for moving the electrode supporting structure with respect to the SUPP1 when attached to the animal, the means for moving the electrode supporting structure comprises translation means for engaging and supporting the electrode support structure, and for providing motion to the electrode supporting structure, in such a way that the plurality of electrodes at the surface of the distal extremity of the electrode supporting structure adopt new positions with respect to the intended target tissue of the animal; the translation means comprising a central aperture configured to accept insertion of the electrode support structure, wherein the aperture includes tapped screw threads for engaging corresponding tapped screw threads located on the surface of the proximal extremity of the electrode support structure, and facilitating advancement of the electrode support structure to the target tissue due to the motion provided by the connecting structure. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
- a first supporting structure SUPP1 configured to provide fixed attachment to an animal;
Specification