IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODES FOR THE STIMULATION OF THE SCIATIC NERVE

• US 3,738,368 A
• Filed: 12/14/1970
• Issued: 06/12/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: James S. Wepsic, Roger E. Avery
• Original Assignee: James S. Wepsic, Roger E. Avery
• Inventors: Avery, Roger E., Wepsic, James S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US05/097,987
• Time in Patent Office: 911 Days
• Field of Search: 128/2.6E,2.1E,404,411,410,418,419C,DIG.4
• US Class Current: 607/117
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0553 Paddle shaped electrodes, e.g. for laminotomy

Abstract

An electrode for the stimulation of the sciatic nerve is disclosed, the electrode being comprised of a pair of physiologically inert plastic strips each of which has a plurality of contact means fixed thereto. The contact or electrode means which preferably are formed of platinum comprise a plurality of buttons positioned on opposite sides the sciatic nerve and are oriented by the surgeon with respect to each other to achieve optimum pain inhibition. When properly placed, the two plastic members are suitably secured to each other. External power means that are electrically coupled to the contact buttons by conductive leads provide selective stimulation of the sciatic nerve in order to relieve pain. The conductive leads for the contact buttons that are not coupled to the source of electrical power are severed. The aforementioned abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

1. A device implantable within a living body for the electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve, said device comprising the combination of:

a. a first and second relatively thin strips of flexible, electrically insulating material that is inert to body fluids and tissues, each of said strips being defined by a pair of longitudinally spaced end sections and a central section therebetween, said central section being in a plane different from at least one of said end sections, said respective end sections of said first and said second strips, in use, being secured to each other and said opposed central sections defining a recess therebetween having an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said strips, said recess being adapted to accommodate the sciatic nerve therein;

b. a plurality of substantially flat, button-like electrically conductive electrode means secured to said central section of each of said strips in said recess defined by the combination of said opposed central sections whereby at least one of said electrode means of each of said strips is adapted to directly contact the sciatic nerve when said device is implanted; and

c. a plurality of conductive lead means secured to said central section of each of said strips, said lead means being electrically and physically coupled to said electrode means.

2. The device In accordance with claim 1 wherein each said lead means is comprised of a platinum section secured to said electrode means and a stainless steel section secured to said platinum section.

3. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said electrode means are each comprised of a cup-shaped member and means for securing said cup-shaped member to said strip.

4. The device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said means for securing said cup-shaped member to said strip comprises a staple welded to said cup, said staple being crimped to said strip of insulating material.

5. The device in accordance with claim 4 wherein each said strip comprises a first layer to which said staple is crimped and a second layer sealingly covering said first layer and the legs of said staple, said second layer being remote from said electrode means, said lead means extending through said first and second layers for making electrical contact with said staple.

6. The device in accordance with claim 5 wherein said lead means are encapsulated in an electrically insulating material that is inert to body fluids and tissues, said encapsulating means extending through at least said layer that is remote from said electrode means.

7. The device in accordance with claim 6 further including sealing means positioned about said encapsulating material in the area at which said encapsulating material passes through said remote layer.

8. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said electrode means are rectangular in shape.

9. The device in accordance with claim 8 wherein said electrode means are oriented with the longer dimension thereof at an angle with respect to the length dimension of said strips.

10. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said strips are molded with the end sections thereof in a common plane and the central portion thereof intermediate said end section being in a different plane.

11. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said lead means are encapsulated in a flexible, electrically insulated material that is inert to body fluids and tissues.

12. The device in accordance with claim 1 further including color coding means for said lead means.

13. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said lead means leave said strip at an angle with respect to the length dimension thereof.