IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM OPTIONALLY OPERABLE IN A BIPOLAR OR A UNIPOLAR MODE

摘要

An implantable medical stimulation system optionally operable in a bipolar or a unipolar mode includes a stimulation device and a bipolar electrode and a unipolar electrode optionally electrically connectable thereto. The electrodes conduct electrical signals between the stimulation device and the body of a patient in whom the system is implanted. The connection located at the stimulation device for the electrodes has a terminal carrying a signal potential and a terminal carrying a reference potential. When the device is switched for unipolar operation, the terminal carrying the reference potential is connected so that reference potential is supplied to the body of the patient by some means other than the unipolar electrode. To avoid danger to the patient if the device is errroneously switched for operation in the bipolar mode when the unipolar electrode is connected, the unipolar electrode and the connector on the stimulation device in combination provide a non-switchable connection to the other means for applying the reference potential.