公开(公告)号：US07050858B1

公开(公告)日：2006-05-23

申请号：US10116464

申请日：2002-04-03

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Thomas J. Balkany ,  Chuladatta Thenawara

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Thomas J. Balkany ,  Chuladatta Thenawara

IPC分类号： A61N1/00

CPC分类号： A61N1/0541 ,  A61B17/3403 ,  A61B17/3468 ,  A61B2017/00787

摘要： An insertion tool uses a stylet wire to help guide an electrode system into a cochlea. The insertion tool includes three main elements or parts: a handle, a guide and a slider. The handle is made from light stainless steel tube flattened in front with a machined slot. The guide consists of a plurality of metal tubes, fixed to each other within a holding bracket. In one embodiment, the slider includes a stabilizer wire, a long stylet wire, and a short stylet wire. During the assembly process, the stabilizer and stylet wires are inserted into respective tubes of the guide and the end of the stabilizer wire is bent to form an offset. The electrode system is loaded onto the tool by inserting the short stylet wire into a holder that supports the electrode lead.

摘要翻译： 插入工具使用探针线来帮助引导电极系统进入耳蜗。 插入工具包括三个主要元件或部件：手柄，引导件和滑块。 手柄由轻质不锈钢管制成，前面带有加工槽。 引导件由多个金属管组成，其在固定支架内相互固定。 在一个实施例中，滑块包括稳定线，长针刺线和短探针线。 在组装过程中，将稳定器和探针线插入到引导件的相应管中，并且稳定线的端部弯曲以形成偏移。 通过将短的针刺线插入支撑电极引线的支架中，将电极系统装载到工具上。

公开(公告)号：US06871099B1

公开(公告)日：2005-03-22

申请号：US09929597

申请日：2001-08-13

申请人： Todd K. Whitehurst ,  James P. McGivern ,  Carla M. Mann ,  Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Todd K. Whitehurst ,  James P. McGivern ,  Carla M. Mann ,  Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61N1/34 ,  A61N1/18

CPC分类号： A61N1/36071

摘要： An implantable stimulator(s), small enough to be located near or within an area of the spine responsible for sensations in a region experiencing chronic pain uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, it necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

摘要翻译： 小到足以位于脊柱区域内的负责在慢性疼痛区域感觉的植入式刺激器使用诸如可再充电电池的电源/存储装置。 这样的电源/存储装置的定期再充电例如通过与外部电器的感应耦合来实现。 小刺激器提供了在需要时刺激神经或其他组织的手段，而不需要在刺激期间的外部器具。 必要时，必须使用外部设备将数据传送到和/或从激励器传输，并传输电力。 在优选实施例中，系统能够进行开环和闭环操作。 在闭环操作中，至少一个植入物包括至少一个传感器，并且所感测到的条件用于调整刺激参数。

公开(公告)号：US06733485B1

公开(公告)日：2004-05-11

申请号：US10133770

申请日：2002-04-26

申请人： Todd K. Whitehurst ,  James P. McGivern ,  Matthew I. Haller ,  Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Todd K. Whitehurst ,  James P. McGivern ,  Matthew I. Haller ,  Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61M3100

CPC分类号： A61M31/002 ,  A61M5/14276 ,  A61M2205/3523 ,  A61N1/205 ,  A61N1/326

摘要： A small implantable stimulator(s) includes at least two electrodes for delivering electrical stimulation to surrounding tissue and/or a pump and at least one outlet for delivering a drug or drugs to surrounding tissue. One electrochemotherapy method disclosed includes delivery of electrical stimulation in the form of a direct electric current and/or a periodic waveform that locally potentiates the cytotoxic effects of a systemically and/or locally administered chemotherapy agent(s). Open- and closed-loop systems are disclosed.

摘要翻译： 小型可植入刺激器包括至少两个用于将电刺激递送至周围组织和/或泵的电极以及用于将药物或药物递送至周围组织的至少一个出口。 所公开的一种电化疗方法包括以局部增强全身和/或局部施用的化疗剂的细胞毒性作用的直接电流和/或周期性波形的形式递送电刺激。 公开了开环和闭环系统。

公开(公告)号：US06415187B1

公开(公告)日：2002-07-02

申请号：US09778267

申请日：2001-02-07

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Carla M. Mann

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Carla M. Mann

IPC分类号： A61N105

CPC分类号： A61N1/0553 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/0558

摘要： A paddle-type electrode or electrode array is implantable like a percutaneously inserted lead, i.e., without requiring major surgery. Once implanted, the electrode array provides a platform for many electrode configurations. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode array is provided on a flexible, foldable or compressible, subcarrier or substrate. Such subcarrier or substrate folds or compresses during implantation, thereby facilitating its insertion using an insertion needle. Once implanted, such subcarrier or substrate expands, thereby placing the electrodes in a desired spaced-apart positional relationship, and thus achieving a desired electrode array configuration. The insertion needle has a lumen with a non-circular cross-sectional shape, e.g., having a width greater than its height, to facilitate sliding the folded or compressed paddle-type electrode array therein.

摘要翻译： 桨状电极或电极阵列可植入如经皮插入的引线，即不需要大量手术。 一旦植入，电极阵列为许多电极配置提供了平台。 在优选实施例中，电极阵列设置在柔性，可折叠或可压缩的子载波或衬底上。 这样的子载波或衬底在植入期间折叠或压缩，从而便于其使用插入针进行插入。 一旦植入，这样的副载波或衬底就会膨胀，从而将电极放置在所希望的间隔开的位置关系中，从而实现所需的电极阵列构型。 插入针具有非圆形横截面形状的内腔，例如具有大于其高度的宽度，以有助于将折叠或压缩的桨式电极阵列滑入其中。

公开(公告)号：US6163729A

公开(公告)日：2000-12-19

申请号：US429794

申请日：1999-10-29

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61N1/0541 ,  A61B17/3468

摘要： A method of positioning an electrode array within a human cochlea includes making a flexible positioner as a curved or hooked shape from a silicone polymer. The positioner is adapted to be inserted into the scala tympani duct of a human cochlea. The positioner may be inserted into the scala tympani duct before, concurrent with, or after, insertion of the electrode array. The flexible positioner fills space within the scala tympani duct so as to force the electrode array, also inserted into the scala tympani duct, against the modiolar wall of the cochlea, where the electrode contacts of the electrode array may be more effective. In one embodiment, a channeling groove is formed along one side of the positioner for receiving the electrode array. Also, in one embodiment, a silastic tube forms a molded-in tube within the molded positioner, and provides a lumen, sealed or closed at its distal end, into which a stylet wire may be inserted during the insertion process.

摘要翻译： 将电极阵列定位在人耳蜗内的方法包括从硅氧烷聚合物制成柔性定位器作为弯曲或钩形的形状。 定位器适于插入人耳蜗的鼓膜鼓膜。 定位器可以在插入电极阵列之前，同时或之后插入鼓风鼓中。 柔性定位器填充鼓膜鼓风管内的空间，以便将电极阵列（也插入鼓膜鼓风管）中的力抵抗耳蜗的模腔壁，其中电极阵列的电极接触可能更有效。 在一个实施例中，沿定位器的一侧形成沟槽，用于接收电极阵列。 此外，在一个实施例中，硅橡胶管在模制定位器内形成模制的管，并且在其远端处提供密封或封闭的内腔，插入过程中可以插入探针。

公开(公告)号：US6125302A

公开(公告)日：2000-09-26

申请号：US140035

申请日：1998-08-26

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61N1/0541 ,  Y10T29/49174 ,  Y10T29/49179 ,  Y10T29/49181 ,  Y10T29/49183 ,  Y10T29/49185 ,  Y10T29/49208 ,  Y10T29/49218

摘要： An electrode array has an elongate flexible carrier that, when viewed in cross-section, is much more flexible in a first direction than in a second direction orthogonal thereto. The elongate flexible carrier is formed with a bias force that causes the array to flex in the first direction so as to assume the general spiral or circular shape of the scala tympani duct within the cochlea. The less-flexible direction is the direction that makes it difficult for the array to twist as it is inserted within the scala tympani duct. The bias force is sufficiently strong to cause the array to assume its preformed spiral shape even after being straightened during initial insertion into the cochlea. Electrode contacts, embedded into the carrier so as to be exposed along an inner or concave surface of the spiral, thus wrap snugly around the modiolus, thereby positioning the electrode contacts against the modiolar wall in an optimum position for stimulation.

摘要翻译： 电极阵列具有细长的柔性载体，当从横截面观察时，其在第一方向上比在与其正交的第二方向上更加柔性。 细长的柔性载体形成有使力阵列在第一方向上弯曲以产生耳蜗内鼓膜鼓风管的一般螺旋或圆形形状的偏压力。 较不灵活的方向是使阵列难以在插入鼓鼓管内扭转的方向。 偏压力足够强，即使在最初插入耳蜗时被拉直之后也使阵列呈现预先形成的螺旋形状。 电极接触，嵌入载体中以沿着螺旋的内表面或凹面暴露，从而紧密地包裹在该膜上，从而将电极接触件抵靠模块壁定位在用于刺激的最佳位置。

公开(公告)号：US6078841A

公开(公告)日：2000-06-20

申请号：US216063

申请日：1998-12-18

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61N1/0541

摘要： A tapered, flexible positioner, typically molded in a curved or hooked shape from a silicone polymer, is adapted to be inserted into the scala tympani duct of a human cochlea so as to position or force an electrode array, also inserted into the scala tympani duct, against the modiolar wall of the cochlea. The positioner may be inserted into the scala tympani duct before, or preferably after, insertion of the electrode array. The flexible positioner thus fills space within the scala tympani duct so as to force the electrode array, also inserted into the scala tympani duct, against the modiolar wall of the cochlea, where the electrode contacts of the electrode array may be more effective. In a preferred embodiment, a channeling groove is formed along one side of the positioner for receiving the electrode array. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a silastic tube forms a molded-in tube within the molded positioner, and provides a lumen, sealed or closed at its distal end, into which a stylet wire may be inserted during the insertion process.

摘要翻译： 通常以硅酮聚合物弯曲或钩形形状的锥形柔性定位器适于插入人耳蜗的鼓膜导管中，以便定位或强制也插入鼓膜鼓风管的电极阵列 ，反对耳蜗的模棱柱。 定位器可以在电极阵列的插入之前或优选在插入电极阵列之后插入鼓风鼓。 因此，柔性定位器填充鼓膜鼓风管内的空间，以便将电极阵列（也插入鼓膜鼓风管）中的力抵抗耳蜗的模块壁，其中电极阵列的电极接触可能更有效。 在优选实施例中，沿定位器的一侧形成沟槽，用于接收电极阵列。 此外，在优选实施例中，硅橡胶管在模制定位器内形成模制的管，并且在其远端处提供密封或封闭的内腔，插入过程中可以插入探针。

公开(公告)号：US20120316622A1

公开(公告)日：2012-12-13

申请号：US13546873

申请日：2012-07-11

申请人： Todd K. Whitehurst ,  Rafael Carbunaru ,  Kerry Bradley ,  James P. McGivern ,  Matthew I. Haller ,  Tom Xiaohai He ,  Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Todd K. Whitehurst ,  Rafael Carbunaru ,  Kerry Bradley ,  James P. McGivern ,  Matthew I. Haller ,  Tom Xiaohai He ,  Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61N1/36

CPC分类号： A61N1/37217 ,  A61N1/0556 ,  A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/37205 ,  A61N1/37288

摘要： 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).

摘要翻译： 具有可编程可配置电极的微型可植入刺激器（即，微型激励器）除了别的以外还允许所产生的电场的转向。 此外，微型激励器能够产生单向传播动作电位（UPAP）。

公开(公告)号：US20110276118A1

公开(公告)日：2011-11-10

申请号：US13103927

申请日：2011-05-09

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Lani A. Smith ,  Chuladatta Thenawara

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma ,  Lani A. Smith ,  Chuladatta Thenawara

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61N1/0541 ,  A61N1/36036 ,  Y10T29/49117

摘要： 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.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种人工耳蜗刺激引线和制作弯曲电极阵列的方法。 在引线的一个实施例中，当引线的弯曲部分被卷曲进一步超出其初始模制曲率并保持在该位置时，填充通道填充有在该保持位置被硬化或固化的填充材料。 所得到的引线具有比最初模制曲率更弯曲的尖端曲率。

公开(公告)号：US08032220B2

公开(公告)日：2011-10-04

申请号：US13053689

申请日：2011-03-22

申请人： Janusz A. Kuzma

发明人： Janusz A. Kuzma

IPC分类号： A61N1/375

CPC分类号： A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/0558 ,  A61N1/37205

摘要： 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.

摘要翻译： 可植入微型装置包括至少一个可拆卸地连接到容纳在密封的微型壳体中的电子电路的电极。 微型外壳的长度不得超过约10mm。 在一个实施例中，电极位于电极引线的远端，并且电极引线的近端可移除地插入形成微型外壳的一部分的连接器中。