Method of placing an implantable device proximate to neural/muscular tissue

• US 7,450,998 B2
• Filed: 11/21/2003
• Issued: 11/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
• Original Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
• Inventors: Schulman, Joseph H., Mandell, Lee J., Zilberman, Yitzhak, Davis, Ross
• Primary Examiner(s): Sykes; Angela D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): STOKLOSA, JOSEPH A
• Application Number:
  US10/718,836
• Publication Number:
  US 20050113894A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,817 Days
• Field of Search: 607/1, 607/2, 607/36, 607/116, 607/118, 600372-373, 600/386
• US Class Current: 607/118
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0556 Cuff electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0558 Anchoring or fixation means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators

Abstract

A method for facilitating placement of an implantable device configured for implantation beneath a patient'"'"'s skin for the purpose of tissue, e.g., nerve or muscle, stimulation and/or parameter monitoring and/or data communication. A placement structure is shown for facilitating placement of the implantable device proximate to neural/muscular tissue.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating placement of an implantable device having at least two electrodes proximate to neural/muscular tissue using a placement structure comprised of a holder having a hollow cavity formed within for holding and retaining the implantable device within and at least one set of elastic wings for capturing neural/muscular tissue, said method comprising the steps of:

snapping the implantable device within the holder portion of the placement structure;

folding the elastic wings inward toward the implantable device within the holder portion;

inserting the placement structure with inwardly folded wings within the hollow portion of a laparoscopic type insertion device;

placing the distal end of the laparoscopic type insertion device proximate to a desired neural/muscular pathway;

ejecting the placement structure from the distal end of the laparoscopic type insertion device;

capturing the desired neural/muscular pathway with the unfolded elastic wings; and

removing the laparoscopic type insertion device.