INSERTION OF MEDICAL DEVICES THROUGH NON-ORTHOGONAL AND ORTHOGONAL TRAJECTORIES WITHIN THE CRANIUM AND METHODS OF USING

摘要

An elongated device adapted for insertion, including self-insertion, through the body, especially the skull is disclosed. The device has at least one effector or sensor and is configured to permit implantation of multiple functional components through a single entry site into the skull by directing the components at different angles. The device may be used to provide electrical, magnetic, and other stimulation therapy to a patient's brain. The lengths of the effectors, sensors, and other components may completely traverse skull thickness (at a diagonal angle) to barely protrude through to the brain's cortex. The components may directly contact the brain's cortex, but from there their signals can be directed to targets deeper within the brain. Effector lengths are directly proportional to their battery size and ability to store charge. Therefore, longer angled electrode effectors not limited by skull thickness permit longer-lasting batteries which expand treatment options.

主权项

1. A device configured to create an effect on or gather data about a target site in a brain, comprising:
at least two shafts configured to be inserted through the skull at an entry site, each of said shafts configured to be inserted at an angle different from all other shafts; and at least one component, including an effector or a sensor, coupled to each of said shafts; wherein a length of each shaft and its associated component is independent of other shafts and their associated components and is not limited to the thickness of the skin, muscle, tissue, bone, or skull at the entry site.