Abstract: A lead assembly includes an implantable lead. Electrodes are disposed along a distal end of the lead in an electrode array. Terminals are disposed along a proximal end of the lead in a proximal-most terminal array and a medial terminal array. A terminal extension electrically couples to the medial terminal array. A port is defined in a connector at a first end of the terminal extension. The port has a first end and an opposing second end and forms a continuous passageway therebetween. The port receives the medial terminal array. A contact array includes connector contacts that are disposed within the port and that couple electrically with a terminal array disposed along a second end of the terminal extension. The contact array couples electrically with terminals of the medial terminal array of the lead when the medial terminal array is received by the port.

Abstract: Methods for automatically programming a signal generator in a patient therapy system and associated systems are disclosed. A representative method comprises retrieving data including therapy program parameters, level of efficacy, and medication use corresponding to a plurality of time periods; identifying from the data a target time period having a corresponding level of efficacy; determining from the data if medication was used during the target time period; determining from the data if medication was used during a prior time period immediately before the target time period; calculating a lead position confidence factor; and programming the signal generator to repeat therapy with the therapy program parameters corresponding to the target time period if the confidence factor is greater than a threshold value and medication was used during the prior time period and not during the target time period.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a paddle body, at least one lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length with the distal end of the lead body coupled to the paddle body. The lead further includes fixation elements and electrodes. The fixation elements are disposed entirely within the paddle body and the electrodes are disposed on the paddle body. Each of the electrodes includes a stimulating element with an exposed stimulation surface, and a piercing element extending from the stimulating element into the paddle body and making contact with at least one of the fixation elements. Further, the lead includes terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body and conductor wires electrically coupling the electrodes to the terminals. In addition, methods of making stimulation leads using sacrificial portions of electrodes are presented.

Abstract: A tissue tunneling device is configured to be delivered within the body. The tunneling device includes a shaft with a blunt distal end to prevent coring or other damage to tissue during the delivery of the tunneling device. In some arrangements, the shaft includes one or more lumen, through which medication or another fluid may be administered. An anesthetic or other pain relieving medication may be delivered through the lumen to lessen the discomfort of delivering the tunneling device to the desired anatomical site. The shaft may also include a retractable needle for facilitating the advancement of the tunneling device through skin or other tissue. The shaft may also be provided with an outer sheath, which may be left within the anatomy after the tunneling device has been removed. The shaft may be malleable for custom-shaping the tunneling device prior to and/or during delivery.

Abstract: Methods for processing a contact surface, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity or to modify the wetting properties on a medical device, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other contact surface processing stations or devices and a contact surface holder comprising a contact surface port are provided. An opening of the contact surface can be seated on the contact surface port. The interior contact surface of the seated contact surface can be processed via the contact surface port by the first and second processing stations or devices. contact surface barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated contact surfaces, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A contact surface processing system and contact surface inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An atraumatic detection/stimulation lead is disclosed. The lead includes at least one microcable having a core cable comprising a plurality of elementary metal strands. One of the microcables has provided at its distal end an atraumatic protection device. The atraumatic protection device includes a protective coating on the distal ends of the elementary strands of the microcable, and the protective coating is covered by a protective cap of deformable material. The protective cap may be a conical distal end adapted to deform and axially flatten out. The microcable may have an overall diameter less than or equal to 1.5 French (0.50 mm).

Abstract: A percutaneously implantable paddle lead includes an elongated lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal portion of the lead; a flexible paddle body coupled to the distal portion of the lead; and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the paddle body and electrically coupled to the terminals on the proximal portion of the lead. The percutaneously implantable paddle lead also includes a bonding material in contact with the paddle body and holding the paddle body in a compacted form prior to, and during, insertion into a percutaneous implantation tool. The bonding material is configured and arranged to release the paddle body during or soon after implantation into a patient so that the paddle body can deploy into its paddle-like form. Alternatively, at least one current-degradable fastener can be used instead of the binding material.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a housing tube having a housing tube distal end and a housing tube proximal end, a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness, a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the housing tube, and a cable disposed within the housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: Electrode devices having directional electrodes for use in deep brain stimulation or other uses. In one aspect, an electrode assembly comprises an elongate lead and a lead guide that are engageable with each other in a coaxial relationship. When the elongate lead and the lead guide are engaged with each other, the two components are rotationally fixed in relation to each other. In another aspect, an elongate lead comprises a radiologically-visible feature for indicating the orientation of the elongate lead. In yet another aspect, an electrode system is capable of determining the position and/or orientation of an electrode positioned within a body. In other aspects, methods for electrically stimulating a target site in the body are disclosed.

Abstract: Shields within implantable leads increase the torsional stiffness of the leads. The torsional stiffness may be reduced by cutting the shield axially to break the circumferential mechanical continuity of the shield. The circumferential shielding continuity of the shield may be re-established to preserve the shielding effect in various manners. The shield may overlap onto itself to close the slot created by the cut. A shield patch may be placed across the slot created by the cut. The shield may be located between two insulation layers of the lead. The shield may be cut and then the slot closed prior to application of the outer insulation layer. The outer insulation layer may then be added over the shield. The outer insulation layer may be compliant so that once covered, the circumferential mechanical continuity of the shield remains broken.

Abstract: Medical leads, such as medical electrical leads and medical neurological leads, that include a polymeric material that includes a silicone-urethane-containing polymer having improved hydrolytic stability.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes an anchor body having an outer surface, a top end, a front side, a first end, and a second end disposed opposite to the first end. The anchor body defines a longitudinal lead lumen extending from the first end of the anchor body to the second end of the anchor body. The lead lumen is configured and arranged to receive a portion of a lead. A transverse lumen extends from the top end of the anchor body and perpendicularly intersects the lead lumen. An adhesive is disposed within a shell. The adhesive and shell are disposed in the transverse lumen of the anchor body and are configured and arranged for fastening the received lead to the lead anchor by piercing the shell to release the adhesive so that the adhesive passes through the transverse lumen into the lead lumen and into contact with the received lead.

Abstract: An implantable lead is provided that comprises a lead body configured to be implanted in a patient, the lead body having a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends; a connector assembly provided at the proximal end of the lead body, the connector assembly configured to connect to an implantable medical device; an electrode provided along the lead body, the electrode configured to at least one of deliver stimulating pulses and sense electrical activity, the electrode having a length extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the electrode; a conductor cable located within the lead body and extending at least partially along a length of the lead body; and an connection node electrically connecting the cable to the electrode at an intermediate point along the length of the electrode. The connection node is disposed at a position intermediate between the proximal and distal ends of the electrode.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the invention, copolymers comprising styrene and isobutylene monomers are used in the construction of implantable and insertable medical devices for electrical stimulation, including, for example, electronic signal generating components and electrical leads for such devices.

Abstract: An extensible implantable electrical lead includes a lead body having a proximal region and a distal region. The lead body is formed of a polymeric material that is extensible between a first length and a second length. A first plurality of electrical conductors are disposed within the lead body and extend between the proximal region and the distal region. The first plurality of electrical conductors are each electrically insulated and spaced apart from each other and form a side-by-side co-planar first sigmoidal pattern between the proximal region and the distal region.

Abstract: An exemplary steerable stylet handle assembly includes a housing having first and second side walls defining a channel therebetween, a button in communication with the first and second side walls and configured to move distally and proximally within the channel, and a stylet subassembly having an inner stylet wire located at least partially within an outer tubing. The inner stylet wire has a pre-curved portion and is coupled to a proximal portion of the housing. The outer tubing is coupled to the button. Movement of the button within the channel is configured to selectively expose and cover at least a portion of the pre-curved distal portion of the inner stylet wire with the outer tubing.

Abstract: Systems for nerve modulation and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example system for nerve modulation may include a first elongate element having a distal end and a proximal end and having a helical guide having a proximal end and a distal end. The system may also include a second elongate element having a distal end and a proximal end and having a nerve modulation element proximate the distal end. A sheath may be disposed about both the first and second elongate elements. Pulling proximally on the proximal end of the first elongate element may cause simultaneous radial and longitudinal displacement of the nerve modulation element.

Abstract: A system of implanting electrode leads for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system provides efficient implantation of the leads, including the ability to verify deployment of anchoring mechanisms on the lead using an impedance assessment, such that the implanted lead may be secured within the patient and used to restore muscle function of local segmental muscles associated with the lumbar spine stabilization system.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead having a distal end for providing therapeutic electrical stimulation to tissue in a stimulation target area of a patient's brain, comprising an array of one or more stimulation elements and sensing elements located at the distal end of the lead; each of the one or more stimulation elements is capable of providing electrical stimulation to the brain tissue in the target area; and each of the one or more sensing elements is capable of detecting electrical signals produced by nerve cells within the brain; wherein after the first implantation of the lead into the brain along a trajectory that is pre-determined by non-surgical procedures, the array of stimulation and sensing elements is capable of facilitating the location of the target area and the determination for each of the stimulation elements of the required stimulation parameters needed to provide the therapeutic stimulation to the brain tissue in the stimulation target area, without requiri

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation device configured to treat multiple pelvic conditions of a patient includes a pulse generator, memory, first and second electrode leads comprising one or more electrodes, a switch and a controller. The switch has a first state, in which the first electrode lead is electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and a second state, in which the second electrode lead is electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The controller includes at least one processor that is configured to execute at least one stimulation program stored in the memory. The controller is also configured to selectively set the switch in the first or second state. Electrical stimulation pulses generated by the pulse generator responsive to the execution of the stimulation program are delivered to the first or second electrode lead depending on the state of the switch.

Abstract: A proximal end of an implantable lead may include a connector insulator having a center bore, a unitary connector pin rotatably disposed in the center bore of the connector insulator where the unitary connector pin includes a socket end configured for insertion into an electrical stimulation device and a conductor end electrically crimped to the first conductor, and a unitary ring connector having a band portion concentrically arranged around and insulated from the conductor end of the unitary connector pin and a crimp portion electrically crimped to the second conductor.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes an anchor body defining an open lead channel; and a rotatable locking element shaped as a portion of a ring and defining a central cavity, an entrance slit, and a protruding nodule extending into the central cavity. The anchor body further defines a locking element channel arranged perpendicular to the lead channel to receive the rotatable locking element. In an open position, the entrance slit of the locking element is aligned with the lead channel of the anchor body so that a lead can be loaded into the lead channel and, in a closed position, the entrance slit is not aligned with the lead channel to prevent a lead disposed in the lead channel from disengaging from the lead anchor. In the closed position, the nodule on the locking element engages the lead and resists rotation of the locking element to the open position.

Abstract: A triaxial microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The triaxial microwave antenna includes a feedline having an inner conductor, a central conductor disposed about the inner conductor and an outer conductor disposed about the central conductor and a radiating portion including a high frequency radiating section and a low frequency radiating section.

Abstract: An IMD may include a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) outer housing defining an outer surface of the IMD, an electrical feedthrough extending through the LCP outer housing to the outer surface, and an electrode structure disposed on the outer surface. The electrode structure may include a LCP substrate defining a first major surface and a second major surface substantially opposite the first major surface, a contact pad disposed on the first major surface, and an electrode disposed on the second major surface. The LCP substrate may be attached to the LCP outer housing and the contact pad may be electrically coupled to the electrical feedthrough.

Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body, electrodes disposed along a distal end of the lead body, terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body, and conductors coupling the terminals to the electrodes. The electrodes include a tip electrode having an electrode body with an outer stimulating surface. An internal lumen is defined in the electrode body and extends inwardly from an opening in a proximal end of the electrode body. Side apertures are formed between the outer stimulating surface and the internal lumen. A portion of the lead body is disposed within the internal lumen and side apertures through the opening in the proximal end of the electrode body. That portion of the lead body facilitates retention of the tip electrode on a distal tip of the lead body.

Abstract: A non-planner integrated circuit device comprising a flexible structure and at least one fixture structure bonded to the flexible structure is described. The flexible structure may be curved in a desired deformation. A plurality of contact areas may be included in the flexible structure. Circuitry may be embedded within the flexible structure to perform processing operations. In one embodiment, the fixture structure may be bonded with the fixture structure via the contact areas to provide holding constraints allowing the flexible structure to remain curved. The bonding pads can also be used to connect communications in electrical signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an ablation device used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation comprise an elongate shaft and a positioning mechanism adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The positioning mechanism is adapted to facilitate location of an anatomic structure and also to anchor the elongate shaft adjacent the anatomic structure. The positioning mechanism comprises an electrode for stimulating the anatomic structure as well as sensing electrical signals. Also, an energy delivery element is adjacent the distal end of the shaft and is adapted to stimulate the anatomic structure and create a zone of ablation that blocks abnormal electrical activity thereby reducing or eliminating atrial fibrillation in the patient.

Abstract: A pre-electrode for a stimulation lead includes a generally cylindrical body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. The body includes multiple segmented electrodes disposed along the body; connecting material disposed along the outer surface of the body and coupling each of the segmented electrodes to one another; and multiple cutouts defined between adjacent segmented electrodes. The body also includes one or more of the following 1) a end wall step section formed in the exterior surface of the body on either the distal end or the proximal end of the body; 2) an alignment feature selected from a slot or a notch extending inwardly from the exterior surface of the body, or 3) a longitudinal step section formed in the exterior surface of the body.

Abstract: An implantable device includes an electrode lead body and at least one stimulating electrode contact disposed on or within the electrode lead body, the lead body being configured and arranged to be self anchoring within body tissue. In addition, the invention is directed to methods of making and using such self anchoring implantable devices.

Abstract: A device for repositioning a device during an electropolishing process. A fixture is disclosed that is configured to reposition the device during the electropolishing process in order to more evenly electropolish a surface of the device.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a medical lead assembly that includes a lead body having a proximal end configured to couple to an implantable medical device and a distal end. The lead assembly further includes an electrode assembly located at the distal end of the lead body, the electrode assembly including a tip electrode, a conductive electrode shaft that is electrically coupled to the tip electrode and an energy dissipating structure that is coupled to at least a portion of the conductive electrode shaft at high frequencies to redirect at least a portion of the current induced in the lead by a high frequency signal from the tip electrode to the energy dissipating structure.

Abstract: A closed loop system is disclosed for monitoring patient movements, such as tremors, and for automatically controlling an implantable stimulator device on the basis of the detected movements. The system includes a motion sensor such as a wearable item that contains an accelerometer to monitor a patient's movements, such as a ring locatable proximate to a patient's hand tremor. The motion sensor periodically transmits a feedback signal to the implantable stimulator device instructing it to change the stimulation parameters, such as current amplitude, in an attempt to reduce the tremor. The motion sensor can additionally communicate with other system components such as an external controller. In a preferred embodiment, the motion sensor and the implantable stimulator device communicate using short range electromagnetic radio waves.

Abstract: An implant apparatus comprising a plurality of photo sensors, a plurality of micro electrodes and circuitry coupled to the photo sensors and the micro electrodes are described. The photo sensors may receive incoming light. The circuit may drive the micro electrodes to stimulate neuron cells for enabling perception of a vision of the light captured by the photo sensors. The apparatus may be implemented in a flexible material to conform to a shape of a human eyeball to allow the micro electrodes aligned with the neuron cells for the stimulation.

Abstract: A mountable device includes a bio-compatible structure embedded in a polymer that defines at least one mounting surface. The bio-compatible structure includes an electronic component having electrical contacts, sensor electrodes, and electrical interconnects between the sensor electrodes and the electrical contacts. The bio-compatible structure is fabricated such that it is fully encapsulated by a bio-compatible material, except for the sensor electrodes. In the fabrication, the electronic component is positioned on a first layer of bio-compatible material and a second layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the first layer of bio-compatible material and the electronic component. The electrical contacts are exposed by removing a portion of the second layer, a conductive pattern is formed to define the sensor electrodes and electrical interconnects, and a third layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the conductive pattern.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system facilitates lesioning deep tissue while preventing damage to superficial tissue and includes a probe having a distal end portion, at least one transducer carried on the distal end portion, and at least one acoustically transparent heat removal element thermally coupled to a target tissue within the beam path of the transducer. The transducer delivers acoustic energy to the tissue through the heat removal element in order to ablate the tissue; the heat removal element removes sufficient thermal energy from the tissue volume to prevent thermal necrosis in superficial tissue. The heat removal element may be a heat sink or a convective element. An optional temperature sensor provides advisory data to a practitioner and/or is coupled to a feedback control system operable to control delivery of acoustic energy to the tissue and/or a rate of thermal energy removal therefrom.

Abstract: A contact assembly of an electrical stimulation lead includes a body formed from an electrically-nonconductive, molded material. A first end of the body is configured for coupling to an end of an electrical stimulation lead. Side ports are defined along an outer side surface of the body. Each side port is longitudinally offset from the remaining side ports along a longitudinal length of the contact assembly. Conductor lumens are defined along the body. Each of the conductor lumens extends from the first end of the body and terminates with a different one of the side ports such that each of the conductor lumens has a different length than every other of the conductor lumens. A stylet lumen having a closed end is defined along the body. The stylet lumen extends longitudinally from the first end of body and terminates at the closed end.

Abstract: A medical device control handle has a first actuation assembly and a second actuation assembly, wherein each assembly has a shaft that is axially aligned but not rotationally coupled with the other shaft. The first actuation assembly includes a first actuation member and a clutch mechanism having a friction disk for generating frictional torque in rendering the first actuation member self-holding. The first actuation member has a cam portion adapted to impart translational motion and rotational motion for disengaging the clutch mechanism upon pivotation of the first actuation member, thus allowing rotation of the first shaft to manipulate a feature of the medical device, for example, deflection. The second actuation assembly includes a second actuation member and a translating member that is responsive to rotation of the second shaft so as to manipulate another feature of the medical device. The second actuation member is also self holding.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient, comprises at least one implantable neurostimulation lead configured for being implanted adjacent target tissue of the patient, and an implantable neurostimulator configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to the implantable neurostimulation lead(s) in accordance with a set of stimulation parameters capable, and monitoring circuitry configured for taking at least one measurement indicative of a three-dimensional migration of the neurostimulation lead(s) from a baseline position. The neurostimulation system further comprises at least one controller/processor configured for determining whether the three-dimensional migration of the neurostimulation lead(s) from the baseline position has occurred based on the measurement(s), and, based on the determined three-dimensional migration, generating a new set of stimulation parameters, and reprogramming the implantable neurostimulator with the new set of stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead may include a conductive electrode shaft located near the distal end within the lead body, a coiled conductor extending within the lead body from the proximal end and coupled to a first end of the conductive electrode shaft, and an electrode located near the distal end of the lead body and coupled to an opposite end of the conductive electrode shaft as the coiled conductor. The lead may also include an energy dissipating structure located near the distal end of the lead body and defining a lumen through which a portion of the coiled conductor extends. The energy dissipating structure may include a region having one or more protrusions extending toward a central axis of the lumen to push the coiled conductor off center relative to the central axis of the lumen.

Abstract: Leads having directional electrodes thereon. Also provided are leads having directional electrodes as well as anchoring prongs to secure the electrodes to the leads. Also provided are leads with directional electrodes where all the electrodes have the same surface area. Methods of treating conditions and selectively stimulating regions of the brain such as the thalamus and cerebellum are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. The perceptual response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the relationship between current and perceived brightness is often non-linear. It is necessary to determine this relationship to fit the prosthesis settings for each patient. It is advantageous to map the perceptual responses to stimuli. The method of mapping of the present invention is to provide a plurality of stimuli that vary in current, voltage, pulse duration, frequency, or some other dimension; measuring and recording the response to those stimuli; deriving a formula or equation describing the map from the individual points; storing the formula; and using that formula to map future stimulation.

Abstract: A multipolar lead evaluation device may be configured to easily permit electrical contact to be made between a pacing system analyzer and the terminal pin and each of the terminal contacts of an implantable lead without damaging the implantable lead. Alligator clips may be used to secure electrical conductors from the pacing system analyzer to spring contact clips disposed within the lead evaluation device.

Abstract: First contacts are disposed along a distal end portion or a proximal end portion of a lead body of an electrical stimulation lead. A contact assembly is disposed along the other of the distal end portion or the proximal end portion of the lead body. The contact assembly includes a tubular-shaped composite structure formed from multiple layered elements mechanically coupled together and rolled together into a tube. Each of the layered elements includes a first electrically-nonconductive substrate, a second electrically-nonconductive substrate, and micro-circuits laminated therebetween. Second contacts are disposed over the composite structure and electrically coupled to a first end portion of at least one of the micro-circuits. Lead-body conductors electrically couple the first contacts to the second contacts. Each of each of the lead-body conductors is attached to a second end portion of at least one of the micro-circuits.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of electrically stimulating percepts in a patient with a visual prosthesis, to induce a more controlled perception of light. In particular, the present invention is an improved electrode array to maximize retinal response. The array of the present invention is an array with a center section with no electrode, surrounded by a ring of small high density electrodes. Electrodes beyond to ring are gradually larger and more widely spaced.

Abstract: A transseptal catheter delivery system includes an elongate first tubular member and an elongate second tubular member receivable within the first tubular member. The first tubular member includes an adjustable portion adjacent a distal end. The second tubular member is adapted to receive an instrument to be placed in the left ventricle, and includes a curved portion adjacent its distal end in a relaxed state. The adjustable portion is deflectable toward the atrial septum to guide a puncturing tool and/or guide insertion of the second tubular member through a septal puncture into the left atrium. Within the left atrium, the curved portion is oriented toward the left ventricle to guide insertion of a guide wire, and subsequently the second tubular member, into the left ventricle. Methods of transvenously accessing a left ventricle are also provided.

Abstract: A combined dissection tool and blank for implanting a paddle lead having an electrode portion and a lead body. The combined dissection tool and blank includes a blank with a maximum cross-sectional area substantially equal to a maximum cross sectional area of the electrode portion of the paddle lead. An elongated body portion is attached to the blank. A guide wire extends through the body portion substantially to a distal end of the blank. The guide wire provides sufficient column strength to separate fatty tissue to create a space for receiving the paddle lead.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis apparatus including a video capture device for capturing a video image, a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns, and a stimulation system configured to stimulate subject's neural tissue based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the stimulation system provides a span of visual angle matched to the subject's neural tissue being stimulated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabrication of a stimulation lead for electrical stimulation of tissue of a patient, the method comprises: providing a substrate of non-conductive material for a stimulation portion of the stimulation lead; processing the substrate to create a plurality of recessed features into a surface of the substrate, wherein the plurality of recessed features comprise a plurality of paths for electrical traces and a plurality of surfaces for electrodes with each of the surfaces being connected to one of the traces; providing first conductive material over the surface of the substrate; subjecting the surface of the substrate to mechanical processing to remove conductive material from portions of the substrate disposed above the plurality of recessed features, wherein each respective connected electrode and trace is electrically isolated from the other electrodes and traces after the mechanical processing; electrically plating second conductive material over the first conductive material; pr