Abstract: An implantable device for stimulating body tissue that includes an electrode lead body and at least one stimulating electrode contact disposed on the electrode lead body. The electrode lead body may be a percutaneous electrode lead or an electrode paddle that is configured and arranged to be substantially stiff outside the patient's body and during insertion into the patient's body and then becomes non-stiff within the patient's body. The stiffness may be modified using, for example, resorbable materials, temperature sensitive materials, or a lumen within the lead body for introducing a pressurized gas or liquid to modify a stiffness of the lead body. In one embodiment, the lead body may have different acute and/or chronic shapes.

Abstract: An implantable device for stimulating body tissue that includes an electrode lead body and at least one stimulating electrode contact disposed on the electrode lead body. The electrode lead body may be a percutaneous electrode lead or an electrode paddle that is configured and arranged to be substantially stiff outside the patient's body and during insertion into the patient's body and then becomes non-stiff within the patient's body. The stiffness may be modified using, for example, resorbable materials, temperature sensitive materials, or a lumen within the lead body for introducing a pressurized gas or liquid to modify a stiffness of the lead body. In one embodiment, the lead body may have different acute and/or chronic shapes.

Abstract: A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A first injectable material is injected into the dura space to mechanically position the electrode array with respect to the spinal cord. Conjunctively for use with adhesives, or alternatively for use instead of the adhesives, a balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as an internal contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained.

Abstract: A system for delivering a therapeutic agent to biological tissue includes a surgically implantable lead to be inserted into the biological tissue. The surgically implantable lead includes a preformed cavity. A modular capsule is configured to be retained within the preformed cavity. The modular capsule includes a first therapeutic agent and a second therapeutic agent, wherein the first therapeutic agent elutes rapidly into the biological tissue and the second therapeutic agent elutes more slowly into the biological tissue.

Abstract: An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A first injectable material is injected into the dura space to mechanically position the electrode array with respect to the spinal cord. Conjunctively for use with adhesives, or alternatively for use instead of the adhesives, a balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as an internal contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained.

Abstract: A component assembly for use in living tissue comprises: a ceramic part; a metal part, e.g., a titanium metal; and a palladium (Pd) interlayer for bonding said ceramic part to the metal part. By applying sufficient heat to liquify a palladium-titanium interface, the Pd interlayer is used to braze the ceramic part to the titanium part to yield a hermetic seal.

Abstract: An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A first injectable material is injected into the dura space to mechanically position the electrode array with respect to the spinal cord. Conjunctively for use with adhesives, or alternatively for use instead of the adhesives, a balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as an internal contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained.

Abstract: A system for delivering therapeutic agents to biological tissue includes a surgically implantable lead configured to be inserted into the biological tissue, the surgically implantable lead including a preformed cavity; and a modular capsule containing a therapeutic agent which includes dexamethasone base; the modular capsule being secured within the preformed cavity; the modular capsule releasing the therapeutic agent into the biological tissue. A method of delivering therapeutic agents to biological tissue includes obtaining a surgically implantable lead with a preformed cavity; obtaining a modular capsule containing a therapeutic agent comprising dexamethasone base and securing it within the preformed cavity; and inserting the surgically implantable lead into the biological tissue.

Abstract: A method for delivering dexamethasone base (DXMb) via an implantable electrode includes coupling DXMb to the implantable electrode and inserting the implantable electrode into animal tissue, the DXMb eluting into the animal tissue. An implantable nerve stimulating device includes an elongated member having a distal end bearing at least one electrode; and DXMb coupled to the elongated member, the DXMb being eluted into tissue surrounding the elongated member.

Abstract: An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A first injectable material is injected into the dura space to mechanically position the electrode array with respect to the spinal cord. Conjunctively for use with adhesives, or alternatively for use instead of the adhesives, a balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as an internal contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained.

Abstract: A stylet is provided which has improved stiffness and buckling strength and can be easily manufactured at low cost. The stylet is comprised of a covering and a core, each of which have different mechanical properties. In one embodiment, the stylet is comprised of an outer tube and an inner rod with a circular cross-section, wherein the rod is inserted inside the tube. The tube can be made from a material which is more resistant to permanent deformation than the inner rod. The inner rod is made from a stiffer material which provides buckling strength. The combination of the stylet and associated stimulation lead may be used to make multiple insertions into body tissue.

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: An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A first injectable material is injected into the dura space to mechanically position the electrode array with respect to the spinal cord. Conjunctively for use with adhesives, or alternatively for use instead of the adhesives, a balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as a contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained.

Abstract: A component assembly for use in living tissue comprises: a ceramic part; a metal part; and a titanium palladium (Ti—Pd) interface layer for bonding said ceramic part to the metal part. In one embodiment, the interface layer may be formed from a single titanium layer in contact with a single palladium layer, or in other embodiments, may be at least a three layer laminate (Pd—Ti—Pd). A microstimulator housing comprising a ceramic part, a titanium or titanium alloy part sandwiching the Ti—Pd interlayer may be employed to create a eutectic bond that is strong and hermetic.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, e.g., an implantable pulse generator, having a non-metal sealed housing and method of making same. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes a replenishable power source, coupling electronic components configured to generate a pulse signal to the replenishable power source, and an inorganic coating covering the electronic components and the power source to seal, preferably hermetically, the electronic components and the power source from a body environment.

Abstract: An implantable enzyme-based monitoring system suitable for long term in vivo use to measure the concentration of prescribed substances such as glucose is provided. In one embodiment, the implantable enzyme-based monitoring system includes at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and having a window therein, and a polymeric window cover affixed to the outer membrane and covering the window. Preferably, the outer membrane of the monitoring system is silicone and the window cover is a polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N,N,-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MA). Also provided herein is an implantable enzyme-based monitoring system having at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and a coating affixed to the exterior surface of the outer membrane, wherein the coating resists blood coagulation and protein binding to the exterior surface of the outer membrane.

Abstract: A system for delivering therapeutic agents to biological tissue includes a surgically implantable lead configured to be inserted into the biological tissue, the surgically implantable lead including a preformed cavity; and a modular capsule containing a therapeutic agent which includes dexamethasone base; the modular capsule being secured within the preformed cavity; the modular capsule releasing the therapeutic agent into the biological tissue. A method of delivering therapeutic agents to biological tissue includes obtaining a surgically implantable lead with a preformed cavity; obtaining a modular capsule containing a therapeutic agent comprising dexamethasone base and securing it within the preformed cavity; and inserting the surgically implantable lead into the biological tissue.

Abstract: A method for delivering dexamethasone base (DXMb) via an implantable electrode includes coupling DXMb to the implantable electrode and inserting the implantable electrode into animal tissue, the DXMb eluting into the animal tissue. An implantable nerve stimulating device includes an elongated member having a distal end bearing at least one electrode; and DXMb coupled to the elongated member, the DXMb being eluted into tissue surrounding the elongated member.