Multiple-pronged implantable stimulator and methods of making and using such a stimulator

• US 8,165,696 B2
• Filed: 02/25/2005
• Issued: 04/24/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: McClure, Kelly H., Haller, Matthew I., Daulton, Jay
• Primary Examiner(s): Bertram, Eric D.
• Application Number:
  US11/066,968
• Publication Number:
  US 20060195143A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,615 Days
• Field of Search: 607/118, 607/116
• US Class Current: 607/116
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0534 Electrodes for deep brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0543 Retinal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36038 Cochlear stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37229 Shape or location of the implanted or external antenna
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source

Abstract

An implantable stimulator includes a base, two prongs extending from the base and an electrode disposed on each of the prongs. This stimulator may be part of a system that includes an external device for transcutaneously communicating with the implanted stimulator. A method of using the implantable stimulator includes generating a current gradient between the electrodes on the two prongs to stimulate a target site in a patient. A method of making the implantable stimulator includes coating electrode material on the prongs except where the electrode surfaces are to be formed.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

an implantable stimulator comprising;

a base comprising a housing;

two ceramic prongs extending laterally from a same side of said base; and

an electrode disposed on each of said prongs,

wherein said housing houses electrical components of the implantable stimulator, the electrical components being configured to generate an electrical potential for output by the electrodes,

wherein at least one of the ceramic prongs comprises;

a solid ceramic member;

an electrical conductor covering at least a portion of the solid ceramic member, wherein the electrical conductor is electrically connected to a one of the electronic components of the stimulator in the base; and

an electrically insulating material insulating at least a portion of the electrical conductor.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said base is a curved connector giving said stimulator an overall U-shape.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein a thickness of the device is substantially uniform along the U-shape of the stimulator.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said prongs extend parallel to each other and side-by-side.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said electrodes are discrete elements disposed at ends of said prongs.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said electrodes are discrete elements disposed along respective lengths of said prongs.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one suture loop fixedly attached to the implantable stimulator.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said electrodes comprise titanium electrodes.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a titanium housing.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said stimulator comprises electrical circuitry configured to output dual-channel bipolar stimulation using said electrodes on said two prongs.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor comprises a covering over the entirety of the solid member.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the two prongs comprise generally parallel, solid elongate elements that extend outwardly from the base to define a channel therebetween, wherein the channel is dimensioned to receive a nerve to be stimulated.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a curved solid member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a first of said prongs and the second end is connected to a second of said prongs.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the implantable stimulator is implantable as a unit beneath a patient'"'"'s skin.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein said housing houses a battery and a coil.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the base comprises an elongate housing; and

the prongs extend laterally from said base.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the implantable stimulator is implantable as a unit beneath a patient'"'"'s skin;

the housing comprises an elongate housing;

the electrical components are configured to generate a potential suitable for stimulating a nerve;

the two prongs are spaced apart to define a channel therebetween;

the electrodes are electrically coupled to the electrical components housed within the elongate housing for output the electrical potential from the implantable stimulator; and

the channel is dimensioned to receive a nerve to be stimulated by the electrical potential output from the electrodes.

18. A device comprising:

an implantable stimulator comprising;

a base comprising a housing;

two ceramic prongs extending laterally from a same side of said base; and

an electrode disposed on each of said prongs,

wherein said housing houses electrical components of the implantable stimulator, the electrical components being configured to generate an electrical potential for output by the electrodes,

wherein at least one of the ceramic prongs comprises;

a solid member;

an electrical conductor covering at least a portion of the solid member, wherein the electrical conductor is electrically connected to a one of the electronic components of the stimulator in the base, wherein the electrical conductor comprises a conductive cover dimensioned to slidably receive the solid member; and

an electrically insulating material insulating at least a portion of the electrical conductor.