Implantable neural electrode
First Claim
1. A neural electrode capable of being implanted in operative relation with neural structure in a body, comprising:
- a flexible electrical conductor, insulated except for a predetermined area, for conducting an electrical signal between a predetermined location within said body and predetermined point outside said body;
a biologically inert electrically insulative structure defining an interior cavity and having at least one opening into the cavity, said insulative structure surrounding at least said predetermined area of said conductor and electrically substantially isolating said conductor from points other than said predetermined within said body; and
a nerve segment separate from the neural structure, said nerve segment being disposed in electroconductive relation with the predetermined area and being at least partially within the insulative structure so as to facilitate the growth, within said insulative structure, of neurites associated with the neural structure,whereby the electrical conductor is capable of receiving electrical signals from the body or transmitting electrical signals to the body.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrode implantable in the brain or other area of neural activity to provide long term recording of electrical signals. The electrode comprises (a) a conducting wire, being insulated along its length except for a pre-determined area, for conducting an electrical signal to or from the body from or to an extracorporeal transmitter or receiver; and (b) an open hollow insulating structure surrounding at least a portion of an exposed portion of the conducting wire for electrically isolating signal within the structure from that outside the structure. A method is disclosed for implanting the electrode. Also disclosed is the use of a viable nerve segment dissected from a remote part of the body, such as the sciatic nerve, to serve as an anchor for neurite growth from the brain into the insulator and in proximity to or contacting the exposed end of the wire.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A neural electrode capable of being implanted in operative relation with neural structure in a body, comprising:
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a flexible electrical conductor, insulated except for a predetermined area, for conducting an electrical signal between a predetermined location within said body and predetermined point outside said body; a biologically inert electrically insulative structure defining an interior cavity and having at least one opening into the cavity, said insulative structure surrounding at least said predetermined area of said conductor and electrically substantially isolating said conductor from points other than said predetermined within said body; and a nerve segment separate from the neural structure, said nerve segment being disposed in electroconductive relation with the predetermined area and being at least partially within the insulative structure so as to facilitate the growth, within said insulative structure, of neurites associated with the neural structure, whereby the electrical conductor is capable of receiving electrical signals from the body or transmitting electrical signals to the body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 6)
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4. The electrode 2, wherein said insulative structure comprises a hollow cone having a least one opening, and said electrical conductor extends into said opening.
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7. A method for receiving or transmitting electrical signals relative to neural structure of a body, comprising:
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(a) implanting an electrode within said body, said electrode prepared by the steps comprising; (i) preparing a conducting means insulated except for a predetermined area and operative for conducting an electrical signal between a predetermined location within said body and a predetermined point outside said body; (ii) surrounding at least said predetermined are of said conducting means with an insulating means for electrically isolating said conducting means from points other than said predetermined location within said body; and (iii) placing a nerve segment separate from the neural structure in electroconductive relation with the predetermined area and at least partially within the insulating means, so as to facilitate the growth of neurites within the insulating means; and (b) receiving electrical signals from said body or transmitting electrical signals to said body by way of said electrode and said nerve segment,w which bridges said conducting means to at least one of said neurites. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for receiving or transmitting electrical signals from or to a body, comprising:
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(a) making an incision in said body; (b) placing an electrode in proximity to viable neurons, said electrode prepared by the steps comprising; (i) preparing a conducting means insulated except for a predetermined area for conducting an electrical signal between a predetermined location within said body and a predetermined point outside said body; (ii) surrounding at least said predetermined are of said conducting means with an insulating means for electrically isolating said conducting means from points other than said predetermined location within said body; and (iii) placing a nerve segment separate from the body in electroconductive relation with the predetermined location and at least partially within the insulating means, so as to facilitate the growth of neurites within the insulating means; and (c) securing said electrode in a biocompatible manner so as to favor the growing of neurites within said electrode; (d) closing said incision so that a portion of said electrode extends extracorporeally; and (e) using said extracorporeally extending portion of the electrode for receiving said electrical signals produced by said body or transmitting said electrical signals to said body. - View Dependent Claims (11, 18, 19)
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20. A neural electrode capable of being implanted in a body, comprising:
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(a) signal generating means for generating signals in response to nerve fiber activity proximate thereto; (b) an insulative structure having at least one opening and an interior cavity having a nerve fiber segment separate from the body disposed therein in proximity to said signal generating means; (c) an electrical wire connected to said signal generating means for conducting said signals between said signal generating means within said body and a predetermined point outside said body; and (d) a portion of said signal generating means is in proximity to said nerve fiber segment within said insulative structure, so as to facilitate the growth of neurites within the insulative structure. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification