Abstract: A multicontact electrode array suitable for implantation in living tissue includes a distal end having multiple spaced-apart ring contacts or a pattern of spaced-apart electrode contacts carried on a flexible carrier. Each electrode contact is resistance welded to a respective wire that is wound helically inside a silicon tube. The center of the helix defines a lumen wherein a positioning stylet, or other suitable positioning tool, may be removably inserted when the electrode array is implanted. The electrode array is made using a method that includes, as an initial step, winding lead wires around a suitable mandrel forming a helix configuration. Next, a non-conductive silicone tube jacket is placed around the wound wires, exposing the distal lead ends of the wires at a distal end of the tube. A welding process is then used to bond each wire tip to a corresponding metal electrode contact which has been preassembled by resistance welding to a metal foil structural carrier.

Abstract: A hybrid cochlear implant hearing aid sytem (10) provides low frequency acoustic energy boost, if needed, and high frequency direct neural stimulation. Tinnitus suppression may also be provided. The neurons responsible for sensing high frequency sounds are located at the basal end of the cochlea. A short basal electrode (52) that extends into the cochlea only at the basal region allows direct stimulation of these neurons by an appropriately-controlled cochlear stimulator (50). The basal electrode array typically has from four to eight electrode contacts (54). The design of the electrode array allows the surgeon to place the array using minimally invasive surgical techniques and requires no cochleostomy. The electrode array is thin, and can typically be inserted directly through the round window membrane to make contact with, or to be positioned in close proximity to, the modiolus wall in the basal region of the cochlea.

Abstract: A connector system for Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing devices provides a means to detachably connect a plurality of earhooks, which earhooks include special earhooks providing auxiliary functions. The connector system includes a coaxial connector mounted on the BTE device, which coaxial connector provides both an earhook mounting fixture, and an electrical connector for auxiliary functions. The auxiliary functions include a telecoil, an auxiliary microphone positioned proximal to an ear canal, an FM receiver, and an input jack for miscellaneous devices. The earhook mounting fixture also accepts standard off-the-shelf earhooks. A friction fit is provided between the earhook and the BTE device so that the angular position of the earhook may be adjusted for a comfortable fit.

Abstract: A fixed frequency external power source having an external coil is inductively coupled with an implanted coil of an implanted medical device. The implant device has an electronic impedance transformer as part of its load circuit. Such electronic impedance transformer sets a proper voltage and current ratio (impedance) so that the coil set, i.e., the external coil and the implanted coil, are loaded with an optimal load. Such optimal loading, in turn, significantly minimizes any mismatch loss from the inductive link between the external coil and the implant coil, and allows wide ranges in the voltage and load resistance and coil separation, while at the same time maintaining an optimal load condition. The impedance transformer is especially applicable to fully implantable cochlear stimulation systems wherein, during one mode of operation, a relatively large power level must be transferred for charging the implanted power storage element, e.g.

Abstract: A moveable contact connector system provides easy lead insertion, lead retention, and reliable electrical connection for implantable devices. The connector system may be used with in-line leads commonly found in such applications. Moveable contacts are provided in the connector, which contacts are placed in a first position for easy lead insertion, and in a second position for lead retention. The second position also provides a good electrical connection between the moveable connector contacts and the lead contacts. Multiple means for moving said at least one moveable contact between the first and second positions are described. A first embodiment uses a rotatable cam which is rotated to align the cam lodes with said at least one moveable contact, pushing the movable contacts against the lead contacts. The second and third embodiments use a sliding key to force said at least one moveable contact against the lead contacts.

Abstract: An implantable microphone assembly for use with a hearing prosthesis, such as a fully implantable cochlear stimulation system, includes a diaphragm mounted to an outside surface of an hermetically sealed case. The mounting is made, in one of various embodiments, by way of an hermetic weld around the diaphragm circumference. A gap is created on the underside of the diaphragm when the diaphragm is lifted with internal pressure. An acoustic channel or groove is formed in the wall of the hermetic case to which the diaphragm is mounted. A first end of the channel or groove opens into the gap at a location that is at or near the center of the underside of the diaphragm. A second end of the channel or groove opens to the interior of the hermetic case at a location that is near the periphery of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A method and system for treatment of incontinence and/or pelvic pain includes the injection or laparoscopic implantation of one or more battery- or radio frequency-powered microstimulators (10) beneath the skin of the perineum and/or adjacent the tibial nerve. The devices are programmed using radio-frequency control via an external controller (20, 30)) that can be used by a physician to produce patterns of output stimulation pulses judged to be efficacious by appropriate clinical testing to diminish symptoms. The stimulation program is retained in the microstimulator device (10) or external controller (20) and is transmitted when commanded to start and stop by a signal from the patient or caregiver.

Abstract: A small implantable stimulator(s) includes at least two electrodes for delivering electrical stimulation to surrounding tissue and/or a pump and at least one outlet for delivering a drug or drugs to surrounding tissue. One electrochemotherapy method disclosed includes delivery of electrical stimulation in the form of a direct electric current and/or a periodic waveform that locally potentiates the cytotoxic effects of a systemically and/or locally administered chemotherapy agent(s). Open- and closed-loop systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A small implantable stimulator(s) with at least two electrodes is small enough to have the electrodes located adjacent to a nerve structure at least partially responsible for headache and/or facial pain. The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve structure(s) when desired, and may be implanted via a minimal surgical procedure.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system allows the magnitude of electrical stimuli generated by the system to be programmed to a desired level greater than or equal to a minimum perceived threshold and less than or equal to a maximum tolerable perceived threshold. The electrical stimuli are applied through selected groupings of individual electrode contacts of a multi-electrode-contact electrode array attached to pulse generation circuitry as either cathodes or anodes. The electrode array is implanted so that the individual electrode contacts are in contact with the body tissue to be stimulated. Stimulating electrical current pulses, defined by a prescribed set of stimulus parameters are generated and applied to the selected electrode contacts so as to flow from the anode electrodes to the cathode electrodes. The perceived magnitude of the applied stimuli is equalized in order to enable quick, automated, and/or interactive programming of the values of the stimulation parameters.

Abstract: An envelope based amplitude mapping achieves the signal compression required to provide a natural sound level without the high processor loading or waveform alteration. In a preferred embodiment, the output of a family of parallel bandpass filters is processed by an envelope detector, followed by decimation. The resulting reduced data rate envelope is log mapped to produce a scaling factor for the original high data rate bandpass filter output sequence. The resulting scaled signal determines the current level for stimulation of the cochlea for each frequency band, which stimulation achieves a log mapping of the sound amplitude effect similar to natural hearing, while reducing processor load, and preserving waveform shape.

Abstract: A tool-less connector with multiple contacts and a compact design is provided. Therefore, a connector that is normally tunneled through body tissue will now require only a minimally invasive subcutaneous tunnel, which should reduce tissue healing time, patient discomfort, and risk of infection. In addition, providing additional contacts allows enhanced stimulation protocols. One embodiment of the present invention provides a connector pin containing multiple in-line contacts. Each “line” consists of a row of independent contacts arranged in a linear array running along the long axis of the pin. In other embodiments of the invention, the mating receptacle of the connector allows for multiple contacts while minimizing the space required for the increased number of contacts. Additional embodiments provide features that, for instance, prevent the contacts on the connector pin to touch the contacts in the receptacle until all contacts are appropriately aligned.

Abstract: An activity monitoring system measures the effectiveness of pain management using using data from motion or activity sensors attached to the patient's body to compute measures of exertion level of a patient. Increased levels of exertion are an indication of successful pain management. The patient's walking gait smoothness and walking gait stability are also graded as indicators of pain management effectiveness. The motion or activity sensors may be part of a temporary stimulation system used during percutaneous trials, part of a permanent implanted system, or an independent sensor package carried on the patient's body. The particular location and axes of the motion or activity sensors may be chosen based on the location of the pain being treated. The effectiveness of a particular pain management stimulation parameter set is based on the statistics accumulated over a period of time, for example one hour.

Abstract: An insertion needle facilitates the implantation of an electrode array carried on a flexible, foldable or compressible, subcarrier or substrate. Such subcarrier or substrate folds or compresses during implantation, thereby facilitating its insertion using the insertion needle. Once implanted, such subcarrier or substrate expands, thereby placing the electrodes in a desired spaced-apart positional relationship, and thus achieving a desired electrode array configuration. The insertion needle has a lumen with a non-circular cross-sectional shape, e.g., having a width greater than its height, to facilitate sliding the folded or compressed paddle-type electrode array therein, and further includes a longitudinal slit.

Abstract: A rechargeable hearing aid eliminates the requirement for frequent replacement of a disposable hearing aid battery. The rechargeable hearing aid features inductive recharging using a charging reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, a lithium-ion battery is used with a Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aid. The CIC hearing aid is inserted into a reservoir throat of the charging reservoir. In a preferred embodiment a primary coil of the inductive recharger is wound around the reservoir throat, and a secondary coil of the hearing aid is wound around the diameter of the body of the CIC hearing aid, thus providing coupling of the primary and secondary coils that is independent of the rotation of the hearing aid in the charger throat.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s) with at least two electrodes, which is small enough to have the electrodes located adjacent to a cavernous nerve(s) or other nerve(s) innervating the reproductive organs, uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a battery is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides means of stimulating a nerve(s) when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open-and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: An implantable microphone system senses “sound” by sensing motion of middle ear components using a linear-variable-differential transformer. The transformer has a movable floating core that is affixed to one or more of the movable middle ear components, such as the tympanic membrane, incus, malleus, stapes, or oval window membrane. Motion of the middle ear component is sensed by applying out-of-phase signals to primary windings of the transformer while monitoring the signal magnetically induced through the movable core on a secondary winding of the transformer. In another embodiment, a capacitor has a movable plate affixed to the movable middle ear component, and motion of the middle ear component is sensed by applying out-of-phase signals to fixed plates of the capacitor.

Abstract: A voltage converter for use within small implantable electrical devices, such as a microstimulator, uses a coil, instead of capacitors, to provide a voltage step up and step down function. The output voltage is controlled, or adjusted, through duty-cycle modulation. Good efficiencies are achieved for virtually any voltage within the compliance range of the converter. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, applicable to implantable devices having an existing RF coil through which primary or charging power is provided, the existing RF coil is used in a time-multiplexing scheme to provide both the receipt of the RF signal and the voltage conversion function. This minimizes the number of components needed within the device, and thus allows the device to be packaged in a smaller housing, or frees up additional space within an existing housing for other circuit components.

Abstract: A threaded grommet, having an axial passageway therethrough, and made from a biocompatible material, such as titanium, is screwed into a cochleostomy made in the bony tissue adjacent the round window in order to provide a minimally-invasive access port into the cochlea. The threads included on the outside of the grommet engage the bony tissue and form a tight seal that holds the grommet securely in position. Such tight seal prevents cochlear fluids from escaping from inside of the cochlea. The axial passageway through the center of the grommet provides an opening, i.e., mechanical access, into the base end (the end of the cochlea nearest the round window) of the cochlea. Drugs, steroids, tissue-growth-inhibiting fluids, and the like, may be controllably delivered through the access hole into the cochlea, which access hole may be plugged when not needed. Additionally, an electrode array, e.g., a relatively short electrode array may, be inserted into the cochlea through the access hole.

Abstract: A patient and/or a clinician may program an implant device, e.g., an implanted spinal cord stimulator (SCS), through the use of a programming computer, or clinician programmer, linked with the implant device so that the paresthesia resulting from an applied electrical stimulus pattern is adjusted or programmed so as to match the area of perceived pain or other need. Data is initially stored in the computer that relates to known information regarding the anatomical relationships between the spine and the body. The body is divided into dermatomes and/or subdivisions of dermatomes, and a representation of the body, including its dermatomes and/or subdivisions of dermatomes are displayed on the screen (or other display device) associated with the computer. The patient moves a cursor over the regions of the body displayed on the computer screen to select the region of pain, or a region of paresthesia, by a click of a mouse or the press of a button.