Cortical electrode array and method for stimulating and recording brain activity
First Claim
1. An electrode array assembly for providing electrical communication with tissue including dura mater which is within a cranium having a thickness, a recess therein, a layer of the cranium, a plurality of through holes in the cranium and an outer lamella layer of the cranium, the assembly comprising:
- a base having an outer surface and having a structure enabling the base to be received in the recess formed in the cranium, the recess having a shape which is complementary to the base and a depth for the base which is less than the thickness of the cranium such that the layer of the cranium is provided between the base and the tissue and the outer surface of the base having a smooth transition with the outer lamella layer exposed to an environment outside the cranium;
a plurality of electrode assemblies mounted directly underneath and to the base, each electrode assembly mounted at a respective first end to the base and extending in a generally outward direction away from the base toward a respective second end, each individual one of the electrode assemblies having a structure to be received within a respective one of the plurality of through holes in the layer of the cranium provided between the base and the tissue, thereby providing a substantial fit for each of the electrode assemblies to the respective one of the plurality of through holes and each electrode assembly including a conductive element for providing electrical communication between a respective portion of the tissue and a respective electrical conductor associated with the base and corresponding to the respective electrode assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrode device and a method of installing the electrode device in the vicinity of the brain. The electrode device includes a plurality of electrode assemblies, each with at least one electrode lead, extending from a common base. The base is configured to be positioned on an outside of the patient'"'"'s cranium with each electrode assembly projecting individually through a hole in the patient'"'"'s cranium such that the electrode lead is in the vicinity of the brain. The method of installation includes carving a recess out of the patient'"'"'s cranium and inserting the base therein. Each of the electrode assemblies are placed in their respective holes in order to stimulate, monitor or record neurological activity. The electrode device may be used over long periods of time for chronic treatment or recording.
38 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An electrode array assembly for providing electrical communication with tissue including dura mater which is within a cranium having a thickness, a recess therein, a layer of the cranium, a plurality of through holes in the cranium and an outer lamella layer of the cranium, the assembly comprising:
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a base having an outer surface and having a structure enabling the base to be received in the recess formed in the cranium, the recess having a shape which is complementary to the base and a depth for the base which is less than the thickness of the cranium such that the layer of the cranium is provided between the base and the tissue and the outer surface of the base having a smooth transition with the outer lamella layer exposed to an environment outside the cranium; a plurality of electrode assemblies mounted directly underneath and to the base, each electrode assembly mounted at a respective first end to the base and extending in a generally outward direction away from the base toward a respective second end, each individual one of the electrode assemblies having a structure to be received within a respective one of the plurality of through holes in the layer of the cranium provided between the base and the tissue, thereby providing a substantial fit for each of the electrode assemblies to the respective one of the plurality of through holes and each electrode assembly including a conductive element for providing electrical communication between a respective portion of the tissue and a respective electrical conductor associated with the base and corresponding to the respective electrode assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of treating a patient with an electrode array assembly for providing electrical communication with tissue including dura mater inside the patient'"'"'s cranium having a recess with a plurality of through holes and an outer lamella layer, the method comprising:
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providing an electrode array assembly including a base with an outer surface and a plurality of electrode assemblies mounted directly underneath and to the base, each electrode assembly having a first end adjacent the base and extending in a generally outward direction away from underneath the base to a respective second end, and each electrode assembly including a conductive element; forming a recess in an outer surface of the patient'"'"'s cranium, the recess having a shape complementary to the base and a depth which is less than a thickness of the cranium such that a recessed portion of the cranium is provided within the recess and the outer surface of the base having a smooth transition with the outer lamella layer of the patient'"'"'s cranium exposed to an environment outside the cranium; boring a plurality of the through holes through the recess of the cranium; inserting the base into the recess; disposing each electrode assembly in a respective one of the plurality of the through holes in the recess of the cranium such that the second end of each electrode assembly is disposed in a vicinity of a respective portion of the tissue and each electrode of the electrode assembly having a substantial fit and complementary shape for the respective one of the plurality of through holes which receives each of the electrodes; and conducting electrical communication between the conductive element of each electrode assembly and the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification