Abstract: Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation.

Abstract: An electrode system includes an implantable electrode having at least one electrode contact, an insertion tool, and a technique or method that allows the electrode contact to be positioned within soft tissue at a selected target stimulation site.

Abstract: A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The method of making a multi-contact lead assembly comprises placing monofilament placed in the void spaces not occupied by the plurality of conductor wires and, in one embodiment, thermally fusing the monofilament to the like material spacer by applying heat just below the melting temperature of the monofilament and spacer material. Alternatively, the monofilament and spacer may be of different materials and heat is applied to cause at least one material to thermally reflow or melt. The conductive contacts may be located at either the distal end and/or proximal end of the lead. Oversized spacers may be used in order to provide extra material to fill voids during the thermal fusion/reflow process.

Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.

Abstract: Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) with programmably configurable electrodes allow, among other things, steering of the electric fields created. In addition, the microstimulators are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs).

Abstract: An impact resistant implantable antenna coil assembly comprising a flat antenna coil having a plurality of laterally separated turns of wire encapsulated with a non-orthogonal force absorbing coil reinforcement in a flexible biocompatible polymer and axially anchored with the reinforcement to a feedthrough case. Thus configured, non-orthogonal impact forces applied to the antenna coil assembly are absorbed and lateral components thereof that would otherwise be reflected as tensile forces in the plane of the coil are prevented from forming or from fracturing wire within the antenna coil.

Abstract: An electrode array design is provided which is intended for deep insertion into a human cochlea. The distal most portion of the lead can be very thin and flexible and have a wider arc than the remainder of the curved electrode array portion of the lead, which has a more aggressive arc. As a result, the distal most portion of the electrode array can be laterally positioned in a selected cochlear duct, whereas, concurrently, the remaining, more proximal part of the electrode array may be positioned medially (perimodiolar) within the cochlear duct.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an insertion tool that affords steerability of the paddle-style electrode during implantation without causing damage to the insulation and/or the contacts of the paddle-style electrode. One embodiment is described as having a “pin fork” configuration; another a “shovel” configuration; and yet another has tabs or a lumen on the paddle-style electrode for facilitating the insertion of a stylet. The various embodiments for the insertion tool allow for adjustments of the paddle-style electrode in both the medial/lateral and inferior/superior directions allowing the surgeon to steer the paddle-style electrode to the desired stimulation site within the epidural space of the spinal column.

Abstract: A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making a curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond its originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an insertion tool that affords steerability of the paddle-style electrode during implantation without causing damage to the insulation and/or the contacts of the paddle-style electrode. One embodiment is described as having a “pin fork” configuration; another a “shovel” configuration; and yet another has tabs or a lumen on the paddle-style electrode for facilitating the insertion of a stylet. The various embodiments for the insertion tool allow for adjustments of the paddle-style electrode in both the medial/lateral and inferior/superior directions allowing the surgeon to steer the paddle-style electrode to the desired stimulation site within the epidural space of the spinal column.

Abstract: An insertion kit for implanting an electrode in a patient can include a handle; an insertion member coupled to the handle at a proximal end of the insertion member and configured and arranged to be inserted into a patient; an alignment member coupled to the handle and disposed over the distal end of the insertion member; and an electrode configured and arranged to be inserted into the patient using the insertion member. In some instances, the insertion kit may also include one or more of a marker that cooperates with the alignment member to mark a position of the electrode on the skin of the patient; a pointer that cooperates with the alignment member to find the marked position on the skin of the patient; and a second electrode and a second insertion member configured and arranged for detachably coupling to the handle in place of the insertion member.

Abstract: A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making a curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond its originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature.

Abstract: An implantable microdevice includes at least one electrode detachably connected to electronic circuitry housed in an hermetically-sealed micro housing. The micro housing has a length no more than about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the electrode is located at a distal end of an electrode lead, and a proximal end of the electrode lead is removably inserted into a connector that forms part of the micro housing.

Abstract: A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The lead comprises a terminal, proximal end having a plurality of terminal contacts and material separating the terminal contacts. In one embodiment of the lead, the terminal contacts are separated by a preformed spacer, that may be made from various hard materials such as polyurethane, PEEK and polysulfone. Epoxy may be used to fill spaces at the proximal lead end, including between the spacer and terminal contacts. In one embodiment of the lead, the terminal contacts are separated by epoxy only. The lead may include a plurality of conductor lumens that contain conductors. The lead may also include a stylet lumen for accepting a stylet.

Abstract: An implantable microdevice includes at least one electrode detachably connected to electronic circuitry housed in an hermetically-sealed micro housing. The micro housing has a length no more than about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the electrode is located at a distal end of an electrode lead, and a proximal end of the electrode lead is removably inserted into a connector that forms part of the micro housing.

Abstract: An implantable microdevice includes at least one electrode detachably connected to electronic circuitry housed in an hermetically-sealed micro housing. The micro housing has a length no more than about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the electrode is located at a distal end of an electrode lead, and a proximal end of the electrode lead is removably inserted into a connector that forms part of the micro housing.

Abstract: Implantable electrode leads, e.g. cochlear, spinal cord stimulation, or any type of neurostimulation leads, used in a patient's body to stimulate muscle or nerve tissue, provide enhanced stimulation for treating, e.g., hearing loss or chronic pain. One such lead includes, an implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, which lead provides improved stability of electrode contact direction. In-line electrodes are spaced-apart along one side of a flexible carrier having non-conductive bumps coated with a bioresorbable material spaced apart between each electrode contact. Over time the bioresorbable material is absorbed thereby reducing chronic placement pressure caused during the insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The bioresorbable material may also serve as a carrier for drugs or other materials that would improve performance of the electrode for any type of lead.

Abstract: A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The method of making a multi-contact lead assembly comprises placing monofilament placed in the void spaces not occupied by the plurality of conductor wires and, in one embodiment, thermally fusing the monofilament to the like material spacer by applying heat just below the melting temperature of the monofilament and spacer material. Alternatively, the monofilament and spacer may be of different materials and heat is applied to cause at least one material to thermally reflow or melt. The conductive contacts may be located at either the distal end and/or proximal end of the lead. Oversized spacers may be used in order to provide extra material to fill voids during the thermal fusion/reflow process.

Abstract: A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making a curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond its originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature.

Abstract: Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation.