Abstract: An electrode for establishing electrical contact with nerve tissue. The electrode is chronically implantable. The outer substrate of the electrode is a semi-rigid, body compatible, insulating material such as a chronically implantable polymer. The outer substrate is molded as a single structure having a central spine along the longitudinal axis of the electrode. A plurality of fingers extend orthogonally from the central spine, and are bent circularly about a radius of curvature approximating that of the nerve to be contacted. Each of the plurality of fingers is of sufficient length to extend approximately one-half of the distance around the outer circumference of the nerve tissue. The plurality of fingers extend from the central spine in one of two opposite directions causing the electrode structure to encompass a hollow cylinder having an inside diameter the same as the nerve.

Abstract: An implantable electrode system for establishing electrical contact with nerve tissue. The outer substrate of the electrode is a semi-rigid, body compatible, insulating material such as a chronically implantable polymer. The outer substrate is molded as a single structure having a central spine along the longitudinal axis of the electrode. A plurality of fingers extend orthogonally from the central spine, and are bent circularly about a radius of curvature approximating that of the nerve to be contacted. The fingers of the electrode are spread by the retractable channel of the insertion tool during the implant procedure. The retractable channel is placed over the selected nerve and a retraction knob on the handle of the insertion tool is moved in a proximal direction causing the electrode to be ejected on to the nerve. The handle of the insertion tool is curved to require a minimum of exposure of the nerve tissue.

Abstract: An electrode for establishing electrical contact with nerve tissue. The electrode is chronically implantable. The outer substrate of the electrode is a semi-rigid, body compatible, insulating material such as a chronically implatable polymer. The outer substrate is molded as a single structure having a central spine along the longitudinal axis of the electrode. A plurality of fingers extend orthogonally from the central spine, and are bent circularly about a radius of curvature approximating that of the nerve to be contacted. Each of the plurality of fingers is of sufficient length to extend approximately one-half of the distance around the outer circumference of the nerve tissue. The plurality of fingers extend from the central spine in one of two opposite directions causing the electrode structure to encompass a hollow cylinder having an inside diameter the same as the nerve.