Multi-branch stimulation electrode for subcutaneous field stimulation
First Claim
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1. An implantable electrode array system, comprising:
- (a) a multi-branch electrode array, the multi-branch electrode array comprising a plurality of elongated branches extending along an insertion axis, wherein each branch includes at least one electrode contact and a blunt dissecting distal tip;
(b) a plurality of removable stiffening components configured to bias the plurality of elongate branches toward a deployed configuration, wherein the plurality of stiffening components are linked by a stiffening element hub, wherein each of the plurality of stiffening components extends through at least a portion of one of the plurality of elongated branches; and
(c) an implantation cartridge for moving the multi-branch electrode array from a retracted position to a deployed position, wherein the branches are maintained in a retracted configuration when the multi-branch electrode array is in the retracted position, wherein, when in the retracted position, the branches are positioned proximally relative to the implantation cartridge, and, wherein, when in the deployed position, the branches are in the deployed configuration and extend distally and laterally outwardly along a first transverse orientation, relative to the insertion axis, from the implantation cartridge a further distance than in the retracted configuration;
wherein, when in the deployed configuration, the branches are positioned with a first branch disposed between a second branch and a third branch, and a fourth branch disposed between the second branch and the first branch so that the electrode array is distributed along a thin surface.
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Abstract
A multi-branch stimulation electrode is disclosed herein. The multi-branch stimulation electrode can include a plurality of branches that extend from a hub. The branches can each include one or several stimulation contacts that can deliver an electrical current to tissue contacting the stimulation contacts. The stimulation contacts can be electrically connected with the lead. The lead can extend from the hub and can be connected with the pulse generator. The branches can include features to facilitate implantation including, for example, one or several removable stiffening elements.
282 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An implantable electrode array system, comprising:
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(a) a multi-branch electrode array, the multi-branch electrode array comprising a plurality of elongated branches extending along an insertion axis, wherein each branch includes at least one electrode contact and a blunt dissecting distal tip; (b) a plurality of removable stiffening components configured to bias the plurality of elongate branches toward a deployed configuration, wherein the plurality of stiffening components are linked by a stiffening element hub, wherein each of the plurality of stiffening components extends through at least a portion of one of the plurality of elongated branches; and (c) an implantation cartridge for moving the multi-branch electrode array from a retracted position to a deployed position, wherein the branches are maintained in a retracted configuration when the multi-branch electrode array is in the retracted position, wherein, when in the retracted position, the branches are positioned proximally relative to the implantation cartridge, and, wherein, when in the deployed position, the branches are in the deployed configuration and extend distally and laterally outwardly along a first transverse orientation, relative to the insertion axis, from the implantation cartridge a further distance than in the retracted configuration; wherein, when in the deployed configuration, the branches are positioned with a first branch disposed between a second branch and a third branch, and a fourth branch disposed between the second branch and the first branch so that the electrode array is distributed along a thin surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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4. An implantable electrode array system, comprising:
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(a) a multi-branch electrode array, the multi-branch electrode array comprising a plurality of elongated branches extending along an insertion axis, wherein each branch includes at least one electrode contact and a blunt dissecting distal tip; and (b) an implantation cartridge for deploying the multi-branch electrode array from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration, wherein, when in the retracted configuration, the branches are positioned proximally relative to the implantation cartridge, and, wherein, when in the deployed configuration, the branches extend distally and laterally outwardly along a first transverse orientation, relative to the insertion axis, from the implantation cartridge a further distance than in the retracted configuration; and wherein, when in the deployed configuration, the branches are positioned with a first branch disposed between a second branch and a third branch, and a fourth branch disposed between the second branch and the first branch so that the electrode array is distributed along a thin surface, wherein at least some of the branches include stiffening components configured to increase the stiffness of the branches to facilitate blunt dissecting by the branches, and wherein the stiffening component comprises a biodegradable outer layer on at least some of the branches.
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Specification