| 摘要 |
<p>BONE GROWTH STIMULATOR CONNECTOR There is disclosed a lead for a bone growth stimulator which includes a connector in the vicinity of that part of the lead which is implanted in bone to function as a cathode electrode. The use of a connector, instead of a one-piece lead/electrode which is permanently secured to the stimulator, allows different materials to be used for the bulk of the lead and the electrode, each material satisfying different requirements. During explant of the stimulator, there is no danger of a jagged electrode lead end remaining in the body, and the lead is always "broken" at a predetermined site. Remote disconnection of the lead from the bone site is easier, and the disconnection force is reproducible from unit to unit. Should stimulation be required for longer than the life of the stimulator, a new device can be connected to the implanted electrode without requiring a totally new electrode implant. Most important is the fact that electrodes of different materials and shapes may now be designed for use with the same basic stimulator, a family of bone growth stimulators thus being made available without requiring the stocking of numerous costly electronic devices. The particular connector employed has a male/split-female construction which has been found to provide a reproducible disconnection force, while at the same time insuring a connection of maximum integrity.</p> |
