Bidirectional helical electrode for nerve stimulation
First Claim
1. An electrode assembly for implantation on a nerve, comprising:
- a flexible supporting matrix of dielectric material, the matrix forming a pair of spaced-apart and oppositely directed helical portions, each helical portion extending circumferentially at least 360 degrees and less than 720 degrees;
a flexible, conductive electrode secured to an inner surface of one of the helical portions; and
a flexible connection means connected to the electrode and extending from the matrix for connection to an electronic device;
the assembly having a central passage longitudinally therethrough and sized to conform to the external dimension of the nerve, whereby a tool can be inserted in the passage to expand the helical portions to open a lateral passage along the full length of the assembly to enable the assembly to be fitted over and closed upon the nerve.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A circumneural electrode assembly having a pair of spaced-apart and oppositely directed helical portions which can be opened by an insertion tool to fit the assembly over a peripheral or cranial nerve. One or more conductive electrodes on the inner surfaces of the helical portions intimately contact the nerve surface to deliver electrical stimulating signals, or alternatively, to block nerve conduction or to sense evoked potentials. The surgically implanted assembly is stable in position on the nerve, and is installed with a minimum of nerve manipulation and possible resulting trauma. The assembly preserves the advantages of previously disclosed spiral electrodes, while greatly simplifying installation, particularly in a nerve which is deeply recessed in overlying muscle or arteries.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An electrode assembly for implantation on a nerve, comprising:
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a flexible supporting matrix of dielectric material, the matrix forming a pair of spaced-apart and oppositely directed helical portions, each helical portion extending circumferentially at least 360 degrees and less than 720 degrees; a flexible, conductive electrode secured to an inner surface of one of the helical portions; and a flexible connection means connected to the electrode and extending from the matrix for connection to an electronic device; the assembly having a central passage longitudinally therethrough and sized to conform to the external dimension of the nerve, whereby a tool can be inserted in the passage to expand the helical portions to open a lateral passage along the full length of the assembly to enable the assembly to be fitted over and closed upon the nerve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. The combination comprising:
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an electrode assembly for implantation on a nerve, the assembly comprising; a flexible supporting matrix of dielectric material, the matrix forming a helix with at least one turn and less than two turns, the helix having a central passage longitudinally therethrough and sized to conform to the external dimension of the nerve; a flexible conductive electrode secured to an inner surface of the matrix helix; a flexible connection means connected to the electrode and extending from the matrix for connection to an electronic device; and an insertion tool having a portion which is fitted and expanded within the central passage to expand the helical portion and thereby to form a laterally open passage along the length of the assembly so the assembly can be fitted over and closed upon the nerve upon removal of the tool portion. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for installing a flexible and hollow helical electrode assembly around a nerve, the helical assembly having non-overlapping turns, comprising the steps of:
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a. expanding the electrode assembly to open a lateral passage generally parallel to a central axis of the assembly, the passage being of sufficient size to accommodate the nerve; b. moving the expanded assembly in a direction toward the nerve so the nerve passes through the passage; c. permitting the electrode assembly to return to a helical configuration around the nerve. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification