Apparatus and method for expanding a stimulation lead body in situ
First Claim
1. An implantable medical device comprising:
- at least one implantable lead for providing delivery of therapy to a body comprising an elongate central portion having an axis, the implantable lead further comprising at least one extendable member having an end, the extendable member depending from the central portion and being adapted to assume a range of positions, including a compact position, in which the end is disposed in close proximity to the central portion, and an extended position, in which the end is disposed at a location distal from the central portion, the implantable lead further comprising at least one therapy delivery element disposed on the extendable member for delivering therapy to the body, and means for position adjustment of the extendable member throughout the range of positions at any time in situ after surgical implant, wherein the means for position adjustment of the extendable member comprises an implantable motor operatively connected to the extendable member to cause movement of the extendable member, wherein the means for position adjustment further comprises a linkage assembly comprising at least one actuating member operatively connected to the implantable motor and the extendable member to cause movement of the extendable member with movement of the at least one actuating member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable lead is provided with at least one extendable member to position therapy delivery elements, which may be electrodes or drug delivery ports, after the lead has been inserted into the body. The lead may formed as a resilient element which is contained in a retainer tube that may be removed to permit the lead to deploy. Alternatively, a non-resilient lead may be provided with a slotted retainer tube. A series of mechanical linkages for expanding and retracting the lead within the human body may be actuated with various mechanisms. A control system may be provided for closed-loop feedback control of the position of the extendable members. The invention also includes a method for expanding an implantable lead in situ.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An implantable medical device comprising:
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at least one implantable lead for providing delivery of therapy to a body comprising an elongate central portion having an axis, the implantable lead further comprising at least one extendable member having an end, the extendable member depending from the central portion and being adapted to assume a range of positions, including a compact position, in which the end is disposed in close proximity to the central portion, and an extended position, in which the end is disposed at a location distal from the central portion, the implantable lead further comprising at least one therapy delivery element disposed on the extendable member for delivering therapy to the body, and means for position adjustment of the extendable member throughout the range of positions at any time in situ after surgical implant, wherein the means for position adjustment of the extendable member comprises an implantable motor operatively connected to the extendable member to cause movement of the extendable member, wherein the means for position adjustment further comprises a linkage assembly comprising at least one actuating member operatively connected to the implantable motor and the extendable member to cause movement of the extendable member with movement of the at least one actuating member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification