摘要 |
A percutaneous stimulating device 10 comprises a self-contained permanent or long-term unit for neuromodulation in the management of chronic pain and for cosmetic applications in accordance with the invention. It comprises a stimulating zone 12 with one or more electrodes 14, and an integral control unit 16 electrically connected by means of suitable wires 18 to the stimulating zone. The control unit 16 is arranged to supply an electrical stimulating signal to the electrode(s) 14. The device is in the form of a closed cylinder having a diameter of 1.2 to 1.5mm and is no more than 70mm in length so that it can be located and inserted into a patient using a stimulating needle, which is subsequently withdrawn from the patient when the device is in place. The device may have flexible wings (20, figs 3-3c) which help to hold the device in place. The device may also have a draw-string (26, fig 4) to enable it the device to be withdrawn after insertion. |