Abstract: In a method for implantation of a physically stabilized aggregate of living cells or tissue fragment is injected into a channel provided in soft tissue filled with an aqueous gel. Also discloses are methods of stabilizing such aggregates and fragments and of forming such channel in soft tissue as well as means for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: A microelectrode probe for implantation into soft tissue comprises an envelope of flexible polymer material divided by a wall into a distal and a proximal compartment filled with matrices of biocompatible material dissolvable or degradable in aqueous body fluid and comprising a centrally disposed electrically conducting core penetrating the wall and attached to it. The core is insulated at its proximal portion from which it extends to a holder for attachment to a tissue different from said soft tissue. The envelope and the core extending distally from the holder are embedded in an additional matrix of similar kind. Also disclosed is method for its manufacture, an array comprising two or more microelectrode probes and a microelectrode probe for incorporation into the array as well as method for the manufacture of the array.

Abstract: A method of providing a channel in nervous tissue filled with an aqueous gel for implantation of a microelectrode or other medical device lacking sufficient physical stability for direct implantation by insertion, comprises providing an apparatus comprising an oblong rigid pin covered by a dry gel forming agent; locating a target in the tissue; defining a straight insertion path a desired tissue insertion point and the target; aligning the pin with its end foremost with the insertion path; inserting the pin into the tissue to a position near or at the target; allowing sufficient time to pass for a gel to be formed around the pin, withdrawing the pin. Also disclosed is a corresponding channel; a method of implantation of a microelectrode or microprobe into nervous tissue via the channel; a corresponding method of implantation of living cells; a corresponding apparatus for forming the channel.

Abstract: A method for optimization of a stimulation specificity of implanted electrodes in excitable tissue of a patient; wherein it comprises the step of electrical stimulation of excitable tissue between one or more combinations of electrode pairs in a cluster of electrodes, or electrical stimulation between one or more combinations of electrode pairs in two or more clusters of electrodes, wherein the two electrodes of said electrode pairs do not belong to the same cluster, wherein the electrical stimulation between different combinations of electrode pairs in a cluster of electrodes, or the electrical stimulation between different combinations of electrode pairs in two or more clusters of electrodes, creates a directed electrical field; wherein the effect of the directed electrical field is assessed after each stimulation step by registering information provided from the patient in view of a therapeutic effect, or by assigning each electrode pair a value related to said information provided by the patient; and choo

Abstract: A method is provided for optimization of a stimulation specificity and an energy consumption of implanted electrodes in excitable tissue of a patient. The method may involve electrically stimulating excitable tissue between one or more combinations of electrode pairs in a cluster of electrodes, or electrically stimulating excitable tissue between one or more combinations of electrode pairs in two or more clusters of electrodes. The two electrodes of the electrode pairs may not belong to a same cluster. Each of the electrodes may be located on a physically separated entity, such that the tissue surrounds and separates each electrode from all other electrodes, thereby allowing tissue between the electrodes to be stimulated. An electrode pair or pairs which give rise to a lowest energy consumption while still giving a therapeutic effect may be chosen.

Abstract: A proto-device for implantation into soft tissue comprises an oblong device body, biodegradable microfibres adhesively attached to the body, a rigid matrix of biocompatible material enclosing the body and the microfibres. The biocompatible material is dissolvable and/or degradable in aqueous body fluid at a rate substantially superior to the rate of microfibre degradation. The proto-device is one of proto-microelectrode, proto-optical fibre, proto-polymer tube for drug delivery, proto-electrical lead, proto-encapsulated electronics. Also disclosed are uses of the proto-device and methods for its implantation and manufacture.

Abstract: A method for optimization of the stimulation pattern of a set of implanted electrodes in excitable tissue of a patient is disclosed, wherein it comprises the steps of: (a) choosing a first group of a certain number of from said set of implanted electrodes, (b) stimulating the excitable tissue electrically by said first group of electrodes, (c) registering information provided by the patient, (d) assigning each electrode of said first group of electrodes a value related to said information, wherein these steps are repeated for one or more further groups of said certain number of electrodes chosen from said set of implanted electrodes, wherein each electrode may be included in one or several groups, wherein the total assigned value for each electrode is calculated, and wherein electrodes having a total assigned value exceeding a predetermined value or a predetermined number of the electrodes having the highest total assigned value are chosen to be included in said stimulation pattern, as well as a method for tr

Abstract: A microelectrode array comprises three or more flexible oblong, electrically co-operating microelectrodes in wire and/or ribbon form disposed substantially in parallel. The microelectrodes are electrically insulated except for at a distal section thereof. The array further comprises electrically non-conducting microfibres connecting central portions of the microelectrodes in oblique directions in respect of the array axis. In a preferred array variety the microelectrodes are joined by a glue that is dissolvable or degradable in aqueous body fluid. Also disclosed is a combination of two or more arrays of the invention.

Abstract: A method is provided for optimization of a stimulation specificity and an energy consumption of implanted electrodes in excitable tissue of a patient. The method may involve electrically stimulating excitable tissue between one or more combinations of electrode pairs in a cluster of electrodes, or electrically stimulating excitable tissue between one or more combinations of electrode pairs in two or more clusters of electrodes. The two electrodes of the electrode pairs may not belong to a same cluster. Each of the electrodes may be located on a physically separated entity, such that the tissue surrounds and separates each electrode from all other electrodes, thereby allowing tissue between the electrodes to be stimulated. An electrode pair or pairs which give rise to a lowest energy consumption while still giving a therapeutic effect may be chosen.

Abstract: A method for optimization of the stimulation pattern of a set of implanted electrodes in excitable tissue of a patient is disclosed, wherein it comprises the steps of: (a) choosing a first group of a certain number of from said set of implanted electrodes, (b) stimulating the excitable tissue electrically by said first group of electrodes, (c) registering information provided by the patient, (d) assigning each electrode of said first group of electrodes a value related to said information, wherein these steps are repeated for one or more further groups of said certain number of electrodes chosen from said set of implanted electrodes, wherein each electrode may be included in one or several groups, wherein the total assigned value for each electrode is calculated, and wherein electrodes having a total assigned value exceeding a predetermined value or a predetermined number of the electrodes having the highest total assigned value are chosen to be included in said stimulation pattern, as well as a method for tr

Abstract: A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use.

Abstract: A proto microelectrode from which a micro electrode is formed in situ upon insertion into soft tissue comprises a flexible oblong electrode body of electrically conducting material having a front end and a rear end. The electrode body having a metal or a metal alloy or an electrically conducting form of carbon or an electrically conducting polymer or a combination thereof. A first coat of a water soluble and/or swellable and/or degradable material is disposed on the electrode body and extends along is at least over a distal portion thereof. A second coat of electrically insulating, water insoluble flexible polymer material is disposed on the first coat. The second coat comprises one or more through openings at or near its front end. Also disclosed is a corresponding micro electrode and a method of manufacture.

Abstract: A method for optimization of a stimulation specificity of implanted electrodes in excitable tissue of a patient; wherein it comprises the step of electrical stimulation of excitable tissue between one or more combinations of electrode pairs in a cluster of electrodes, or electrical stimulation between one or more combinations of electrode pairs in two or more clusters of electrodes, wherein the two electrodes of said electrode pairs do not belong to the same cluster, wherein the electrical stimulation between different combinations of electrode pairs in a cluster of electrodes, or the electrical stimulation between different combinations of electrode pairs in two or more clusters of electrodes, creates a directed electrical field; wherein the effect of the directed electrical field is assessed after each stimulation step by registering information provided from the patient in view of a therapeutic effect, or by assigning each electrode pair a value related to said information provided by the patient; and choo

Abstract: A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use, which may be positioned on a face of a solid support.

Abstract: A method for optimization of the stimulation pattern of a set of implanted electrodes in excitable tissue of a patient is disclosed, wherein it comprises the steps of: (a) choosing a first group of a certain number of from said set of implanted electrodes, (b) stimulating the excitable tissue electrically by said first group of electrodes, (c) registering information provided by the patient, (d) assigning each electrode of said first group of electrodes a value related to said information, wherein these steps are repeated for one or more further groups of said certain number of electrodes chosen from said set of implanted electrodes, wherein each electrode may be included in one or several groups, wherein the total assigned value for each electrode is calculated, and wherein electrodes having a total assigned value exceeding a predetermined value or a predetermined number of the electrodes having the highest total assigned value are chosen to be included in said stimulation pattern, as well as a method for tr

Abstract: A method for optimization of the stimulation pattern of a set of implanted electrodes in excitable tissue of a patient is disclosed, wherein it comprises the steps of: (a) choosing a first group of a certain number of from said set of implanted electrodes, (b) stimulating the excitable tissue electrically by said first group of electrodes, (c) registering information provided by the patient, (d) assigning each electrode of said first group of electrodes a value related to said information, wherein these steps are repeated for one or more further groups of said certain number of electrodes chosen from said set of implanted electrodes, wherein each electrode may be included in one or several groups, wherein the total assigned value for each electrode is calculated, and wherein electrodes having a total assigned value exceeding a predetermined value or a predetermined number of the electrodes having the highest total assigned value are chosen to be included in said stimulation pattern, as well as a method for tr

Abstract: A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use.

Abstract: A device including at least one photovoltaic cell and at least one nanowire configured to electrically stimulate a biological material in response to radiation.

Abstract: A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use, which may be positioned on a face of a solid support.

Abstract: A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use.