MULTI-BRANCH STIMULATION ELECTRODE FOR SUBCUTANEOUS FIELD STIMULATION

• US 20160346532A1
• Filed: 08/09/2016
• Published: 12/01/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
• Original Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
• Inventors: Shelton, Brian M., Hansen, Morten
• Granted Patent: US 10,029,090 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0504 Subcutaneous electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36125 Details of circuitry or electric components
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections

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.

Claims

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; 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.

2. The implantable electrode array system of claim 1, 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.

3. The implantable electrode array system of claim 2, wherein the stiffening components comprise a plurality of elongate members that are connected by a stiffening element hub.

4. The implantable electrode array system of claim 2, wherein at least some of the branches are configured to receive the stiffening elements.

5. The implantable electrode array system of claim 2, wherein the stiffening element comprises a biodegradable outer layer on at least some of the branches.

6. The implantable electrode array system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the branches include an integrated stiffening element.

7. An implantable electrode array, comprising:

(a) a multi-branch electrode array, the multi-branch electrode array comprising a plurality of elongated branches, wherein each branch includes at least one electrode contact and a blunt dissecting distal tip;

wherein, when in the deployed configuration, the branches are arranged in a substantially planar fan-shaped or rake-shaped arrangement.

8. The implantable electrode array of claim 7, 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.

9. The implantable electrode array of claim 8, wherein the stiffening components comprise a plurality of elongate members that are connected by a stiffening element hub.

10. The implantable electrode array of claim 8, wherein at least some of the branches are configured to receive the stiffening elements.

11. The implantable electrode array of claim 8, wherein the stiffening element comprises a biodegradable outer layer on at least some of the branches.

12. The implantable electrode array of claim 7, wherein at least some of the branches include an integrated stiffening element.

13. A method of implanting a neurostimulation system, comprising:

(a) pushing a plurality of branches of an electrode array into a subcutaneous tissue including or proximate nerve tissue such that distal tips of the plurality of branches pierce through the subcutaneous tissue and such that the plurality of branches branch outwardly into a substantially planar arrangement in which outer branches on a first side of the electrode array extend away from a center of the electrode array in a first direction and outer branches on a second side of the electrode array extend away from the center in a second direction that is opposite the first direction; and

(b) connecting the electrode array to a neurostimulation pulse generator configured to stimulate the nerve tissue.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising inserting an implantation cartridge through an incision, wherein the implantation cartridge holds the plurality of branches of the electrode array.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising separating the plurality of branches from the implantation cartridge and extracting the implantation cartridge from the incision.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising removing a stiffening element from at least one of the branches.

17. The method of claim 16 comprising plugging any void left by the removing of the stiffening element from the at least one of the branches.