Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s), small enough to be located near or within an area of the spine responsible for sensations in a region experiencing chronic pain uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue 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, it necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A method of making an implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, includes the steps of: (a) forming electrode contact pieces made from a precious, biocompatible material into a desired shape; (b) attaching the electrode contact pieces to a foil sheet made from a non-toxic but chemically-active metal; (c) connecting a wiring system to the metal contact pieces; (d) molding a flexible polymer carrier around the electrode contact pieces and wiring system while such are held in place by the foil sheet; and (e) etching away the foil sheet, leaving the electrode contact pieces exposed at a surface of the molded polymer carrier. The exposed electrode contacts are made so as to have a shape, geometry, or makeup that aids in controlling the current flow and current density associated with the electrode contact as a function of position on the electrode contact.

Abstract: One or more implantable system control units (SCU) apply one or more stimulating drugs and/or electrical pulses to a spinal section responsible for innervating the male reproductive organs. The SCU uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. If necessary, periodic recharging of such a battery is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The SCU provides means of stimulating a tissue(s) with electrical and/or infusion pulses 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 SCU(s) and/or 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: A combination, voltage converter circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a coil, instead of capacitors, to provide a voltage step up and step down conversion functions. The output voltage is controlled, or adjusted, through duty-cycle modulation. 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. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the voltage up/down converter circuit is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) low power control circuit.

Abstract: One or more implantable system control units (SCU) apply one or more stimulating drugs and/or electrical pulses to one or more predetermined areas affecting circulatory perfusion. The SCU preferably includes a programmable memory for storing data and/or control parameters, and preferably uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. If necessary, periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The SCU provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue with electrical and/or infusion pulses 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 SCU(s) and/or for the transmission of power. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation.

Abstract: An implantable neural stimulation system, such as an auditory Fully Implantable System (FIS), includes: (1) an implanted device capable of providing desired tissue or nerve stimulation; and (2) a remote control unit that provides a mechanism for readily controlling the implant device, i.e., for selectively adjusting certain stimulation parameters associated with the tissue stimulation of the implanted device. The remote control unit uses a first signal path to send signals to the implant device, and a second signal path to receive signals from the implant device. The combination of these two signal paths provides a full-duplex channel between the remote control unit and the implant device through which air appropriate control and status signals may be sent and received. In one embodiment, the first signal path comprises an audio signal path through which audio control signals, e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the pancreas and/or nerve fibers innervating the pancreas to treat or prevent diabetes and/or to modulate pancreatic endocrine secretions uses at least one system control unit (SCU) producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulating drug(s) are delivered via one or more pumps and infusion outlets.

Abstract: A fully implantable cochlear prosthesis includes (1) an implantable hermetically sealed case wherein electronic circuitry, including a battery and an implantable microphone, are housed, (2) an active electrode array that provides a programmable number of electrode contacts through which stimulation current may be selectively delivered to surrounding tissue, preferably through the use of appropriate stimulation groups, and (3) a connector that allows the active electrode array to be detachably connected with the electronic circuitry within the sealed case. The active electrode array provides a large number of both medial and lateral contacts, any one of which may be selected to apply a stimulus pulse through active switching elements included within the array. The active switching elements included within the array operate at a very low compliance voltage, thereby reducing power consumption.

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 epileptic seizures. 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 hearing aid module (60) is shaped for insertion into a tunnel (40) made through the soft tissue that connects the retro-auricular space (50) with the ear canal (30). A hollow tube (44) may first be chronically or acutely implanted in such tunnel, and the hearing aid module inserted into the tube. The tube or hearing aid module may have a coating (45) containing a steroid or drug adapted to minimize infection and/or inflammation. The hearing aid module contains a speaker (65), a battery or other power source (66) powering the module, signal processing circuitry (67), and a microphone (63). Telemetry circuitry (69) within the module allows the signal processing circuitry to be programmed with a desired frequency response or signal processing strategy using an external programming unit (74). A remote control unit (75) permits the user to make simple adjustments, such as volume and/or tone control.

Abstract: A system and method for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to treat mood and/or anxiety disorders uses an implantable system control unit (SCU), specifically an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) or microstimulator with two or more electrodes in the case of electrical stimulation, and an implantable pump with one or more catheters in the case of drug infusion. In cases requiring both electrical and drug stimulation, one or more SCUs are used. Alternatively and preferably, when needed, an SCU provides both electrical stimulation and one or more stimulating drugs. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A cochlear implant comprising a storage buffer in which sampling values derived from a sound signal are saved. The storage buffer is connected to a multichannel waveform generator, in which data for a stimulation strategy are saved. Reading and writing to the peak hold buffer occurs asynchronously.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In a preferred embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

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 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.