Self-dissolving electrode or probe implant

摘要

The present disclosure relates to permanently implantable electrode structures or probes of the type used, in particular, in cardiac pacemakers, ICDs, CRT-Ds and/or neurostimulators. Such electrode structures or probes include at least one control element, the physical-chemical state of which can be specifically manipulated using external excitation, such that local degradation or dissolution of a part of the implant or the entire implant takes place in this region. As a result of this partial dissolution, for example, the electrode structure or at least a portion thereof is modified such that the conditions for explantation are improved and/or parts of an implanted electrode structure that remain in the body are functionally deactivated.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
an implantable electrode or probe adapted to be implanted in a body of a person, the implantable electrode or probe comprising:
a metallic electrode structure;an external protective layer at least partially enclosing the metallic electrode structure, the external protective layer comprised of a biocompatible material, has insulating electrical properties, and is impermeable to bodily medium; andat least one control element, at least one of the physical and chemical state of which can be modified using external excitation such that local degradation at least of a part of the external protective layer takes place in the region of the at least one control element; and a source of excitation adapted to be located external to the body of the person in whom the electrode or probe is adapted to be implanted, the external source supplying the external excitation, wherein the at least one control element is integrated in the protective layer such that the degradation triggered locally by the external excitation affects a region of the protective layer, and wherein the degradation comprises forming a local perforation in the protective layer.