Advanced Bionics Corporation

Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation

Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research

Other

Cochlear Limited

Advanced Bionics Ag

Janusz A Kuzma

Todd K Whitehurst

James P McGivern

William Vanbrooks Harrison

Lani A Smith

Anne Margaret Pianca

Chuladatta Thenuwara

Thomas H R Lenarz

Thomas J Balkany

Tom Xiaohai He

Carla M Mann

Rafael Carbunaru

Alfred E Mann

Matthew Isaac Haller

Chuladatta Thenawara

Kerry A Bradley

Joseph H Schulman

Michael Allen Faltys

Paul Milton Meadows

Carla Mann Woods

John Charles Gord

Charles L Byers

Albert A Maltan

Michael Steven Colvin

Glen A Griffith

William George Orinski

Yitzhak Zilberman

Richard P Malmgren

Robert Dan Dell

Kate E Fey

Rolf-Dieter Battmer

Tae W Hahn

W Gary Sokolich

Steven A Hazard

Kirsten N Jaax

Steve J Blomquist

Johannes H M Frijns

Jeroen Johannes Briaire

Chuladdatta Tehnuwara

Juergen Strutz

Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) with programmably configurable electrodes allow, among other things, steering of the electric fields created. In addition, the microstimulators are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs).

Implantable microstimulators with programmable multielectrode configuration and uses thereof

Exemplary loading tools configured to facilitate loading of a pre-curved electrode array onto a stylet include a docking assembly, a channel assembly, and a connecting member configured to connect the channel assembly to the docking assembly and maintain a distance therebetween. The docking assembly is configured to couple to the stylet. The channel assembly includes a channel configured to receive and allow passage therethrough of the pre-curved electrode array. The channel is aligned with the docking assembly such that when the stylet is coupled to the docking assembly, the stylet is located at least partially within the channel.

Pre-curved electrode array loading tools

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an insertion tool that affords steerability of the paddle-style electrode during implantation without causing damage to the insulation and/or the contacts of the paddle-style electrode. One embodiment is described as having a 'pin fork' configuration; another a 'shovel' configuration; and yet another has tabs or a lumen on the paddle-style electrode for facilitating the insertion of a stylet. The various embodiments for the insertion tool allow for adjustments of the paddle-style electrode in both the medial/lateral and inferior/superior directions allowing the surgeon to steer the paddle-style electrode to the desired stimulation site within the epidural space of the spinal column.

Insertion tool for paddle-style electrode

A stimulation lead assembly for making a lead includes a lead body defining a central lumen extending along the lead body and multiple conductor lumens disposed circumferentially around the central lumen and extending along the lead body; electrically conductive contacts disposed along an end of the lead body with a portion of each of the conductor lumens disposed radially underneath the conductive contacts conductor wires disposed in the conductor lumens with at least one of the conductor wires electrically connected to each conductive contact; and a solid, non-conductive material disposed, at least in part, radially underneath the conductive contacts within portions of the conductor lumens not occupied by conductor wire.

Electrode array assembly and method of making same

A method of manufacturing a stimulation lead includes providing a lead body having an insulation section that defines a central lumen extending along the insulation section and conductor lumens extending along the insulation section and arranged around, and external to, the central lumen. The lead body also includes conductive contacts located along an axial end of the lead body and conductor wires with each conductor wire disposed within one of the conductor lumens and each of the conductor lumens having at least one of the conductor wires disposed therein. After providing the lead body, conductively at least one of the conductor wires to each of the conductive contacts; and placing non-conductive material into a portion of at least one of the conductor lumens of the lead body. A portion of the conductor lumens and at least a portion of the non-conductive material are disposed radially beneath the conductive contacts.

Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation.

Implantable microstimulators and methods for unidirectional propagation of action potentials

An electrode system includes an implantable electrode having at least one electrode contact, an insertion tool, and a technique or method that allows the electrode contact to be positioned within soft tissue at a selected target stimulation site.

Implantable electrode, insertion tool for use therewith, and insertion method

An electrode array design is provided which is intended for deep insertion into a human cochlea. The distal most portion of the lead can be very thin and flexible and have a wider arc than the remainder of the curved electrode array portion of the lead, which has a more aggressive arc. As a result, the distal most portion of the electrode array can be laterally positioned in a selected cochlear duct, whereas, concurrently, the remaining, more proximal part of the electrode array may be positioned medially (perimodiolar) within the cochlear duct.

Cochlear lead

A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making a curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond its originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature.

Implantable cochlear lead

An insertion kit for implanting an electrode in a patient can include a handle; an insertion member coupled to the handle at a proximal end of the insertion member and configured and arranged to be inserted into a patient; an alignment member coupled to the handle and disposed over the distal end of the insertion member; and an electrode configured and arranged to be inserted into the patient using the insertion member. In some instances, the insertion kit may also include one or more of a marker that cooperates with the alignment member to mark a position of the electrode on the skin of the patient; a pointer that cooperates with the alignment member to find the marked position on the skin of the patient; and a second electrode and a second insertion member configured and arranged for detachably coupling to the handle in place of the insertion member.

Implantable electrodes and insertion methods and tools

An implantable microdevice includes at least one electrode detachably connected to electronic circuitry housed in an hermetically-sealed micro housing. The micro housing has a length no more than about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the electrode is located at a distal end of an electrode lead, and a proximal end of the electrode lead is removably inserted into a connector that forms part of the micro housing.

Method of implanting microdevice with extended lead and remote electrode

Implantable electrode leads, e.g. cochlear, spinal cord stimulation, or any type of neurostimulation leads, used in a patient's body to stimulate muscle or nerve tissue, provide enhanced stimulation for treating, e.g., hearing loss or chronic pain. One such lead includes, an implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, which lead provides improved stability of electrode contact direction. In-line electrodes are spaced-apart along one side of a flexible carrier having non-conductive bumps coated with a bioresorbable material spaced apart between each electrode contact. Over time the bioresorbable material is absorbed thereby reducing chronic placement pressure caused during the insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The bioresorbable material may also serve as a carrier for drugs or other materials that would improve performance of the electrode for any type of lead.

Coated electrode array having uncoated electrode contacts

Implantable microdevice with extended lead and remote electrode

Growing community of inventors

Parker, CO, United States of America

Janusz A Kuzma