Devices with cannula and electrode lead for brain stimulation and methods of use and manufacture

• US 8,271,094 B1
• Filed: 09/30/2005
• Issued: 09/18/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Moffitt, Michael A., Meadows, Paul Milton
• Primary Examiner(s): Getzow, Scott
• Assistant Examiner(s): Patton, Amanda
• Application Number:
  US11/241,156
• Time in Patent Office: 2,545 Days
• Field of Search: 607/116, 600/378, 606/129, 606/130
• US Class Current: 607/116
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3468 for implanting or removing devices, e.g. prostheses, implants, seeds, wires devices for implanting seeds A61M37/0069
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0529 Electrodes for brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0534 Electrodes for deep brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36025 for treating a mental or cerebral condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

A device for brain stimulation includes a cannula configured and arranged for insertion into a brain of a patient; at least one cannula electrode disposed on the cannula; and an electrode lead for insertion into the cannula, the electrode lead comprising at least one stimulating electrode.

Claims

1. A device for brain stimulation, comprising:

a cannula, defining a central lumen, the cannula configured and arranged for temporary insertion into a brain of a patient;

at least one cannula electrode disposed on the cannula; and

an electrode lead configured and arranged for insertion into the cannula, wherein the cannula is configured and arranged to insert and implant the electrode lead in a patient'"'"'s brain and wherein the cannula is configured and arranged to be removable from the electrode lead leaving the electrode lead in the patient'"'"'s brain, wherein the cannula has sufficient length to receive, and encompass simultaneously within the central lumen, the entire portion of the electrode lead that is to be inserted into the patient'"'"'s brain, the electrode lead comprising at least one stimulating electrode, wherein the electrode lead is substantially less rigid than the cannula.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one cannula electrode comprises a plurality of cannula electrodes.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of cannula electrodes are disposed around the circumference of the cannula.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of cannula electrodes are disposed in regular intervals around the circumference of the cannula.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein, upon insertion into the cannula, the at least one stimulating electrode aligns with the at least one cannula electrode.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one recording electrode disposed on the electrode lead.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the cannula comprises a rigid material.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrode lead comprises a plurality of stimulating electrodes.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a control unit to receive signals from the at least one cannula electrode.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a control unit to provide stimulation signals to the at least one stimulating electrode.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cannula electrodes are disposed circumferentially around the cannula to form a plurality of rings of electrodes around the circumference of the cannula body, wherein each ring of electrodes comprises at least two of the cannula electrodes and wherein the rings of electrodes are spaced apart from each other at different lateral distances from a tip of the cannula body.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the cannula further comprises a wall and at least one conductor coupled to the at least one cannula electrodes, wherein the at least one conductor is disposed in, and passes through, material forming the wall of the cannula.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the stimulating electrodes of the electrode lead is not ring-shaped.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cannula electrodes are disposed in a helical arrangement around the cannula body.