ELECTRODE FOR STIMULATING BONE GROWTH, TISSUE HEALING AND/OR PAIN CONTROL, AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A system for use in stimulating at least one of bone growth, tissue healing and pain control in a patient includes a first screw and a second screw. The first screw has an elongate shaft with opposite ends and a length extending between the ends, an exterior surface and a screw thread formed on the exterior surface of the shaft and extending along at least a portion of the length. The screw thread has an electrically conducting portion and an electrically insulating portion. The electrically conducting portion is located for deposition in a first pre-specified portion of the patient and the electrically insulating portion is located for deposition in a second pre-specified portion of the patient. An electrical power source is adapted to pass electrical current through the patient between the first and second screws. The electrical power source is operatively connected to the first screw for conveying current through the electrically conducting portion of the screw thread to the first pre-specified portion. The electrically insulating portion inhibits current from being conveyed to the second pre-specified portion.

主权项

1. A system for use in stimulating at least one of bone growth, tissue healing and pain control in a patient, the system comprising:
a first screw having an elongate shaft with opposite ends and a length extending between the ends, an exterior surface and a screw thread formed on the exterior surface of the shaft and extending along at least a portion of the length, said screw thread having an electrically conducting portion and an electrically insulating portion, the electrically conducting portion being located for deposition in a first pre-specified portion of the patient and the electrically insulating portion being located for deposition in a second pre-specified portion of the patient; a second screw; and an electrical power source adapted to pass electrical current through the patient between the first and second screws, the electrical power source being operatively connected to the first screw for conveying current through the electrically conducting portion of the screw thread to the first pre-specified portion, the electrically insulating portion inhibiting current from being conveyed to the second pre-specified portion.