Medtronic, Inc.

Harry G Friedman

Robert W Wickham, Jr

A body implantable electrical stimulator including stimulation impulse developing circuitry and an output system, including active and indifferent electrodes, for delivering the impulses to stimulate a desired body site. The indifferent electrode is formed as an annular member having a regular electrode-forming surface. The annular member may be electrically closed or open, the distal end being insulated in the latter case. In a preferred embodiment, the impulse developing circuitry is housed in an encapsulant and the annular member is partially imbedded in the encapsulant at the periphery of the housing. Two or more annular members may be employed in a multi-channel device to provide isolation between channels.

Body implantable electrode

A system for the treatment of ocular misalignment by electrical stimulation of ocular recti. A body implantable unit develops an electrical stimulation signal and delivers that signal to an ocular rectus without restricting its contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the implanted unit includes a receiving member which cooperates with an external transmitting unit, the external transmitting unit establishing the stimulation signal parameters. Preferably, the stimulation signal is a periodically interrupted train of pulses, the repetition rate of the stimulation signal pulses being within the range of 50 to 100 pulses per minute. The interruption of the pulse train results in a stochastic stimulation with the pulse train being delivered for approximately 1 to 5 seconds with the interval between stimulation signals being from approximately 5 to 25 seconds. The pulse amplitude may be selectively established in the range from about 0.8 to 15 volts with the pulses having a pulse width of approximately 0.22 milliseconds. During stimulation, a divergence movement is attained to correct the ocular misalignment while chronic stimulation results in a histological and anatomical change in the stimulated rectus which also tends to overcome the ocular misalignment.

Electro-ocular stimulation system

A system for the electrical treatment of spinal curvature through the exercise of selected spinal muscles. A probe having a blunt, muscle-penetrating tip is fitted with a sleeve such that its tip extends from the sleeve. A helical electrode is mounted on an elongated tool capable of imparting a rotational force to the electrode while allowing a disengagement with the electrode in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The probe is inserted in the paraspinal muscles and is removed while leaving the sleeve within the muscle. The electrode-tool assembly is inserted through the sleeve and the electrode secured in the paraspinal muscles by a rotational force applied to the tool. After electrode securement, the tool is withdrawn from the sleeve and the sleeve withdrawn from the muscle leaving the electrode secured within the muscle. Needle electrodes may be employed to stimulate the paraspinal muscles at several sites to establish those sites at which the induced muscle contraction provides maximum correction of the spinal curvature and the blunt probe tip may be provided with an electrode for muscle stimulation at varied penetration depths to establish the optimum depth for securement of the helical electrode. The electrodes are connected by leads to a receiver circuit implantable beneath the patient's skin and operable to receive RF modulated stimulation impulses transmitted through the skin. The impulses are developed by a patient operated RF transmitter with a cyclic on and off stimulation and rest periods so that stimulation of the muscles may take place while the patient relaxes or sleeps.

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Plymouth, MN, United States of America

Harry G Friedman