Multiplexed electrode array extension
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for selectively interacting with electrically excitable tissue of a patient, said apparatus comprising:
- an extension unit adapted to be electrically connected to an implantable pulse generator having a number of output sources to an implantable electrode array having a number of electrodes, wherein the number of electrodes is greater than the number of output sources, the extension unit comprising;
an array of programmable switches, each switch being connected between one output source and at least a portion of the electrodes, wherein at least one switch is configured to simultaneously trigger a plurality of electrodes.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for selectively interacting with electrically excitable tissue of a patient are provided. The apparatus includes an implantable pulse generator having a number of output sources that transmit pulse signals. An extension unit couples the implantable pulse generator to an implantable electrode array. The implantable electrode array has a number of electrodes, wherein the number of electrodes is greater than the number of output sources. The extension unit is configured to electrically connect the output sources to a portion of the electrodes.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. An apparatus for selectively interacting with electrically excitable tissue of a patient, said apparatus comprising:
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an extension unit adapted to be electrically connected to an implantable pulse generator having a number of output sources to an implantable electrode array having a number of electrodes, wherein the number of electrodes is greater than the number of output sources, the extension unit comprising; an array of programmable switches, each switch being connected between one output source and at least a portion of the electrodes, wherein at least one switch is configured to simultaneously trigger a plurality of electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An extension unit that electrically connects a distant diagnostic device having a number of input sources to an array of biomedical sensors, wherein the number of biomedical sensors is greater than the number of input sources, the extension unit comprising:
an array of programmable switches, each of the switches capable of being connected between one input source of the distant diagnostic device and at least a portion of the biomedical sensors, wherein at least one of the switches is configured to simultaneously trigger a plurality of said sensors. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. An extension unit for electrically connecting an insulated set of conductors that extends from a distant housing of an implantable pulse generator having a number of output sources to a lead including an implantable electrode array having a number of electrodes, wherein the number of electrodes in the implantable electrode array is greater than the number of output sources of the implantable pulse generator, the extension unit comprising:
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input lines for receiving input signals from the output sources of the distant implantable pulse generator via the set of conductors; output lines for electrical connection with the electrodes of the implantable electrode array; an array of programmable switches, each switch being connected between one input line and at least a portion of the output lines, wherein the switches are configured to simultaneously trigger a plurality of electrodes; and wherein the extension unit comprises an extension unit housing not in contact with the distant housing of the implantable pulse generator, whereby the extension unit enables a distant implantable pulse generator having a number of output sources to be used with a lead having an electrode array with a number of electrodes greater than the number of output sources. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. An extension unit for electrically connecting a set of conductors extending from an implantable pulse generator having a number of output sources to a lead including an implantable electrode array having a number of electrodes, wherein the number of electrodes in the implantable electrode array is greater than the number of output sources of the implantable pulse generator, the implantable pulse generator having a housing, the extension unit comprising:
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a first housing, the housing not in contact with the implantable pulse generator housing; input lines for receiving input signals from the output sources of the implantable pulse generator via the set of conductors; output lines for electrical connection with the electrodes of the implantable electrode array; and an array of programmable switches positioned in the first housing, each switch being selectively connected between one input line and at least a portion of the output lines, wherein the switches are configured to simultaneously trigger a plurality of electrodes, whereby the extension unit enables a distant implantable pulse generator having a number of output sources to be used with a lead having an electrode array with a number of electrodes greater than the number of output sources. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34)
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Specification