Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to an implant, system and method using passive electrical conductors which route electrical current to either external or implanted electrical devices, to multiple target body tissues and to selective target body tissues. The passive electrical conductor extends from subcutaneous tissue located below either a surface cathodic electrode or a surface anodic electrode a) to a target tissue to route electrical signals from the target body tissue to devices external to the body; b) to implanted electrical devices to deliver electrical current to such devices, or c) to multiple target body tissues or to selective target body tissues to stimulate the target body tissues. The conductor has specialized ends for achieving such purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to an implant, system and method using passive electrical conductors which route electrical current to either external or implanted electrical devices, to multiple target body tissues and to selective target body tissues. The passive electrical conductor extends from subcutaneous tissue located below either a surface cathodic electrode or a surface anodic electrode a) to a target tissue to route electrical signals from the target body tissue to devices external to the body; b) to implanted electrical devices to deliver electrical current to such devices, or c) to multiple target body tissues or to selective target body tissues to stimulate the target body tissues. The conductor has specialized ends for achieving such purposes.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes inserting at least a distal end portion of an insertion tool within a body. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is coupled to an electronic implant having a stimulation portion, a terminal portion and a substantially flexible conductor disposed between the stimulation portion and the terminal portion. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is moved within the body such that the stimulation portion of the electronic implant is disposed adjacent a target location and the terminal portion of the electronic implant is disposed beneath a skin of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to an implant, system and method using passive electrical conductors which route electrical current to either external or implanted electrical devices, to multiple target body tissues and to selective target body tissues. The passive electrical conductor extends from subcutaneous tissue located below either a surface cathodic electrode or a surface anodic electrode a) to a target tissue to route electrical signals from the target body tissue to devices external to the body; b) to implanted electrical devices to deliver electrical current to such devices, or c) to multiple target body tissues or to selective target body tissues to stimulate the target body tissues. The conductor has specialized ends for achieving such purposes.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes inserting at least a distal end portion of an insertion tool within a body. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is coupled to an electronic implant having a stimulation portion, a terminal portion and a substantially flexible conductor disposed between the stimulation portion and the terminal portion. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is moved within the body such that the stimulation portion of the electronic implant is disposed adjacent a target location and the terminal portion of the electronic implant is disposed beneath a skin of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a percutaneous connection port configured to convey an electrical signal between an electrical device disposed outside of a body and an electrical member disposed within the body. The percutaneous connection port has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion includes a surface configured to be accessible from a region of the body. The distal portion includes an anchor configured to be disposed within the body. The anchor has a curved shape about an axis substantially parallel to a skin of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to an implant, system and method using passive electrical conductors which route electrical current to either external or implanted electrical devices, to multiple target body tissues and to selective target body tissues. The passive electrical conductor extends from subcutaneous tissue located below either a surface cathodic electrode or a surface anodic electrode a) to a target tissue to route electrical signals from the target body tissue to devices external to the body; b) to implanted electrical devices to deliver electrical current to such devices, or c) to multiple target body tissues or to selective target body tissues to stimulate the target body tissues. The conductor has specialized ends for achieving such purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to an implant, system and method using passive electrical conductors which route electrical current to either external or implanted electrical devices, to multiple target body tissues and to selective target body tissues. The passive electrical conductor extends from subcutaneous tissue located below either a surface cathodic electrode or a surface anodic electrode a) to a target tissue to route electrical signals from the target body tissue to devices external to the body; b) to implanted electrical devices to deliver electrical current to such devices, or c) to multiple target body tissues or to selective target body tissues to stimulate the target body tissues. The conductor has specialized ends for achieving such purposes.

Abstract: A device configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for the purpose of tissue, e.g., nerve or muscle, stimulation and/or parameter monitoring and/or data communication. Devices in accordance with the invention are comprised of a sealed housing, typically having an axial dimension of less than 60 mm and a lateral dimension of less than 6 mm, containing a power source for powering electronic circuitry within. A placement structure is shown for facilitating placement of the implantable device proximate to neural/muscular tissue.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes implanting an implant entirely under the subject's skin. The implant includes a passive electrical conductor of sufficient length to extend from subcutaneous tissue located below one of a surface cathodic electrode and a surface anodic electrode to the tibial nerve. The surface electrodes are positioned in spaced relationship on the subject's skin, with one of the electrodes positioned over the pick-up end of the electrical conductor such that the portion of the current is transmitted through the conductor to the tibial nerve, and such that the current flows through the tibial nerve and returns to the other of the surface cathodic electrode and the surface anodic electrode. An electrical current is applied between the surface cathodic electrode and the surface anodic electrode to cause the portion of the electrical current to flow through the implant to stimulate the tibial nerve.

Abstract: A method of removing an implantable electronic microdevice by an integral removal loop or circumferential ring to facilitate removal of the implanted microdevice without additional surgery. The device is removed by pulling it along the surgically created implantation path. Optionally a radio-opaque tether provides a method of locating the implantable microdevice without additional surgery and attachment of one end of the tether to a radio-opaque marker provides a method of locating the end of the tether to facilitate removal of the implantable microdevice from living tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to an implant, system and method using passive electrical conductors which route electrical current to either external or implanted electrical devices, to multiple target body tissues and to selective target body tissues. The passive electrical conductor extends from subcutaneous tissue located below either a surface cathodic electrode or a surface anodic electrode a) to a target tissue to route electrical signals from the target body tissue to devices external to the body; b) to implanted electrical devices to deliver electrical current to such devices, or c) to multiple target body tissues or to selective target body tissues to stimulate the target body tissues. The conductor has specialized ends for achieving such purposes.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes inserting at least a distal end portion of an insertion tool within a body. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is coupled to an electronic implant having a stimulation portion, a terminal portion and a substantially flexible conductor disposed between the stimulation portion and the terminal portion. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is moved within the body such that the stimulation portion of the electronic implant is disposed adjacent a target location and the terminal portion of the electronic implant is disposed beneath a skin of the body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes implanting an implant entirely under the subject's skin. The implant includes a passive electrical conductor of sufficient length to extend from subcutaneous tissue located below one of a surface cathodic electrode and a surface anodic electrode to the tibial nerve. The surface electrodes are positioned in spaced relationship on the subject's skin, with one of the electrodes positioned over the pick-up end of the electrical conductor such that the portion of the current is transmitted through the conductor to the tibial nerve, and such that the current flows through the tibial nerve and returns to the other of the surface cathodic electrode and the surface anodic electrode. An electrical current is applied between the surface cathodic electrode and the surface anodic electrode to cause the portion of the electrical current to flow through the implant to stimulate the tibial nerve.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electronic stimulator configured to be implanted within a body, and a flexible member coupled to the electronic stimulator by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the flexible member is formulated to be soluble when exposed to a bodily tissue.

Abstract: A system and related method for characterizing an effect of a rehabilitation therapy on a body. The apparatus includes a first device, which is configured to be coupled to the body at a first location, and a second device, which is configured to be coupled to the body at a second location that is separated from the first location by a distance. The first device is configured to generate a wireless signal. The second device is configured to detect the wireless signal and to generate data based on the detected wireless signal that is configured to be used to calculate the distance. The distance is used to characterize the effect of the rehabilitation therapy on the body.

Abstract: A method for facilitating placement of an implantable device configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for the purpose of tissue, e.g., nerve or muscle, stimulation and/or parameter monitoring and/or data communication. A placement structure is shown for facilitating placement of the implantable device proximate to neural/muscular tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a percutaneous connection port configured to convey an electrical signal between an electrical device disposed outside of a body and an electrical member disposed within the body. The percutaneous connection port has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion includes a surface configured to be accessible from a region of the body. The distal portion includes an anchor configured to be disposed within the body. The anchor has a curved shape about an axis substantially parallel to a skin of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fitting device and an actuator movably coupled to the fitting device. The fitting device is configured to be disposed about a portion of a body. An inner surface of the fitting device has an attachment portion configured to removably couple an electrode to the inner surface of the fitting device. The actuator is configured to decouple the electrode from the attachment portion of the fitting device when the fitting device is disposed about the portion of the body.

Abstract: An implantation device comprising a hollow tube for locating an electrode of a lead of a lead adjacent to or in contact with a nerve, muscle or organ in living tissue. The device includes an opening extending the length of the device adapted for introducing and releasing a lead from the tube. The distal end of the device includes a sharpened edge for penetrating through tissue and defines a recess adapted to retain the electrode as the device penetrates into tissue. The electrode is released from the device as it is withdrawn from the tissue. The electrode may be formed of metal having shape memory configured to wrap around a neuromuscular pathway.