ELECTRODE ARRAY CONFIGURED TO WRAP AROUND AND STIMULATE THE SPINAL CORD

摘要

A method for treating intractable pain via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Remote, non-contact stimulation of a selected region of spinal cord is achieved by placement of a transceiver patch directly on the surface of that region of spinal cord, with said patch optionally being inductively coupled to a transmitter patch of similar size on either the outer or inner wall of the dura surrounding that region of the spinal cord. By inductively exchanging electrical power and signals between said transmitter and transceiver patches, and by carrying out the necessary electronic and stimulus signal distribution functions on the transceiver patch, the targeted dorsal column axons can be stimulated without the unintended stray stimulation of nearby dorsal rootlets. Novel configurations of a pliable surface-sheath and clamp or dentate ligament attachment features which realize undamaging attachment of the patch to the spinal cord are described.

主权项

1. An electrode array configured for delivering electrical stimulation directly to the spinal cord of a subject from inside the dura surrounding the spinal cord, wherein the array comprises:
(1) a curved backing having a curvature that is contoured to match the curvature of the spinal cord; (2) a plurality of electrodes projecting from inside the curvature of the backing, positioned so as to directly engage the spinal cord when the curved backing is conformed to the spinal cord; and (3) one or more flexible attachment arms configured for wrapping around at least part of the circumference of the spinal cord inside the dura, thereby securing the electrodes in contact with the spinal cord; wherein the electrode array has a sufficiently thin profile and configuration such that when the array of electrodes is secured in direct contact with the pial surface of the spinal cord, a CSF filled space is maintained between the electrode array and the dura.