METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTRACRANIAL NEUROSTIMULATION AND/OR SENSING

• US 20090292344A1
• Filed: 07/24/2009
• Published: 11/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Thompson, Gene, Lowry, David Warren, Fowler, Brad
• Granted Patent: US 8,718,777 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/116
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0531 Brain cortex electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0534 Electrodes for deep brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0539 Anchoring of brain electrode systems, e.g. within burr hole
• 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

Abstract

Methods and systems for intracranial neurostimulation and/or sensing are disclosed. An intracranial signal transmission system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a generally electrically insulating body having a head portion configured to be positioned at least proximate to an outer surface of a patient'"'"'s skull, and a shaft portion configured to extend into an aperture in the patient'"'"'s skull. The system can further include at least one electrical contact portion integrated with the support body. The at least one electrical contact portion can be positioned to transfer electrical signals to, from, or both to and from the patient'"'"'s brain via an aperture in the patient'"'"'s skull.

Claims

1. An intracranial device electrode, comprising:

a head contoured to be positioned adjacent to an outer portion of a patient'"'"'s skull, the head being made of electrically insulating material;

a shaft extending from the head, the shaft for insertion into a hole of the skull, the shaft being made of electrically insulating material; and

a conductive member internal to and integrally formed with the head and the shaft, the conductive member for transmitting electrical signals between an external controller electrically connected to the device and brain tissue of the patient.

2. The intracranial device of claim 1, further comprising an electrical contact connected to the conductive member, said electrical contact being internal to the electrically insulating material of the shaft.

3. A brain stimulating electrode, comprising:

a body, the body being made of an electrically insulating material, the body including a head and a shaft;

the head being contoured to be positioned adjacent to an outer portion of a patient'"'"'s skull;

the shaft extending from the head, the shaft for insertion into a hole in the patient'"'"'s skull; and

a conductive member internal to and integrally formed with the body, the conductive member for transmitting electrical signals between an external controller electrically connected to the electrode and brain tissue of the patient.

4. The brain stimulating electrode of claim 3, further comprising an electrical contact connected to the conductive member, said electrical contact being internal to the electrically insulating material of the shaft

5. A brain stimulating electrode, comprising:

a body, the body being made of an electrically insulating material, the body including a head and a shaft;

the head being contoured to be positioned adjacent to an outer portion of a patient'"'"'s skull;

the shaft extending from the head, the shaft for insertion into a hole in the patient'"'"'s skull; and

first and second electrically conductive contacts integrated within the body, the first and second electrically conductive contacts for transmitting electrical signals between an external controller electrically connected to the first and second contacts and brain tissue of the patient.

6. The brain stimulating electrode of claim 5, wherein one of the first and second electrically conductive contacts is integrated in the head of the body.

7. The brain stimulating electrode of claim 5, wherein one of the first and second electrically conductive contacts in integrated in the shaft of the body.

8. The brain stimulating electrode of claim 5, wherein one of the first and second electrically conductive contacts is integrated in the head of the body and further wherein the other of the first and second electrically conductive contacts in integrated in the shaft of the body.