Stimulation of cauda-equina spinal nerves
First Claim
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1. A nerve-stimulating electrode assembly for delivering stimulating signals through body fluid to spinal nerves within the lower end of the vertebral column, comprising:
- an elongated core;
a first spiral-wound coil of insulated wire on the core between the core ends, the ends of the wire being uninsulated and wound over the respective ends of the coil to form a pair of first electrodes at opposite ends of the core; and
means for enabling charge injection through a body fluid to a group of nerves, while deterring direct electrode contact with a nerve surface;
said enabling means comprising a plurality of insulating spacers on the core on opposite sides of each electrode, said spacers being larger in outside dimension than said electrodes, whereby said electrodes are recessed between said spacers.
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Abstract
A nerve-stimulating electrode assembly for installation within or adjacent the lower end of the dura mater to enable regaining of at least partial control over lower-body functions directed by nerves emerging from the end of the spinal cord. In one form, the electrode assembly has an internal passage enabling injection of fluids, whereby electrical stimulation, chemical treatment, or both forms of therapy may be used either intra- or extradurally.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A nerve-stimulating electrode assembly for delivering stimulating signals through body fluid to spinal nerves within the lower end of the vertebral column, comprising:
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an elongated core; a first spiral-wound coil of insulated wire on the core between the core ends, the ends of the wire being uninsulated and wound over the respective ends of the coil to form a pair of first electrodes at opposite ends of the core; and means for enabling charge injection through a body fluid to a group of nerves, while deterring direct electrode contact with a nerve surface;
said enabling means comprising a plurality of insulating spacers on the core on opposite sides of each electrode, said spacers being larger in outside dimension than said electrodes, whereby said electrodes are recessed between said spacers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A nerve-stimulating electrode assembly for delivering stimulating signals through body fluid to spinal nerves within the lower end of the vertebral column, comprising:
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a slender, elongated core having an inner end for insertion adjacent nerves to be stimulated, and an outer end for connection to a source of electrical signals, the core having a recess adjacent the inner end; an electrode disposed around the core in the recess; means for enabling charge injection through body fluid to a group of nerves, while deterring direct electrode contact with a nerve surface, said enabling means comprising radially extending portions of the core on opposite sides of the electrode, said portions being larger in outside dimension than the electrode to provide a space between the electrode and surrounding nerves for body fluid, and to deter electrode-nerve contact; and
means for electrically connecting the electrode to the outer end of the core. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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Specification