Apparatus and method for optimum electrode placement in the treatment of

Abstract

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 After electrode securement, the tool is withdrawn from the sleeve and the sleeve withdrawn from the muscle leaving the electrode secured within the muscle.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.