Case Western Reserve University

Avram Scheiner

J Thomas Mortimer

Thomas P Kicher

Ernest B Marsolais

E Byron Marsolais

A subcutaneously implantable device is provided for either electrically stimulating skeletal musculature or sensing electrical potential at its surface without directly contacting the musculature. The implantable device comprises an electrode constructed from a single generally planar sheet of electrically conductive material and having a first surface adapted to face the skeletal musculature and an opposite surface adapted to face away from the skeletal musculature. A flexible casing covers at least a substantial portion of the opposite surface of the electrically conductive sheet. At least one electrical lead is attached at one end to the electrically conductive sheet and is attachable at an opposite end to an electrical current source. The generally planar electrically conductive sheet is preferably comprised of a noble metal, such as platinum, and has a surface area sufficiently large to distribute the charge required to stimulate the targeted muscle. The electrical leads are preferably constructed from lengths of stranded stainless steel wire which are coiled in helical fashion to increase their capacity for elongation.

Subcutaneous electrode for stimulating skeletal musculature

First and second electrical wires (10), (12) are wrapped helically around a polyprolene core (22). Along a single helical portion (A), a sheath (24) is placed over the spiral wound wires and core. In an open double helix portion (B), the core with spiral wound wires is wrapped into an open helix. At an electrical stimulation portion (C), insulation is removed from the wires such that bare conductors (14), (16) are wrapped spirally around the core. The core with the spiral wrapped conductors is wrapped in an open helix. A plurality of barbs (32) are mechanically connected along the entire length of the exposed electrical conductor surface. The core extends beyond the end of the electrical conductor surface to facilitate insertion into a selected site with a cannula (64).

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University Heights, OH, United States of America

Avram Scheiner