University of Virginia Patent Foundation

University of Iowa Research Foundation

Robert Shurig

George T Gillies

Matthew A Howard

Steven E Scott

Randall S Nelson

Timothy Brennan

Marcel Utz

Brian Dalm

This invention provides an device for electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The device has an electrode assembly with a sufficiently thin profile to be implanted between the pial surface of the spinal cord and the dura mater, and secured to the dura. Electrodes on the electrode assembly are directed towards the surface of the spinal cord, and connected through the dura to a signal generator located outside the dura. Following implantation, the subject is treated by transmitting electrical signals from the signal generator through the leads to the electrodes, stimulating the subject's spinal cord.

Medical device that applies electrical stimulation to the spinal cord from inside the dura for treating back pain and other conditions

A method for treating intractable pain via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Remote, non-contact stimulation of a selected region of spinal cord is achieved by placement of a transceiver patch directly on the surface of that region of spinal cord, with said patch optionally being inductively coupled to a transmitter patch of similar size on either the outer or inner wall of the dura surrounding that region of the spinal cord. By inductively exchanging electrical power and signals between said transmitter and transceiver patches, and by carrying out the necessary electronic and stimulus signal distribution functions on the transceiver patch, the targeted dorsal column axons can be stimulated without the unintended stray stimulation of nearby dorsal rootlets. Novel configurations of a pliable surface-sheath and clamp or dentate ligament attachment features which realize undamaging attachment of the patch to the spinal cord are described.

Implanting an electrode array against the spinal cord inside the dura for stimulating the spinal cord and treating pain

Electrode array device configured for placement inside the dura for direct spinal cord stimulation

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Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Robert Shurig