Percutaneous electrode assemblies, systems, and methods for providing highly selective functional or therapeutic neuromuscular stimulation

Abstract

Percutaneous electrode assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments carried outside the body. The percutaneous electrodes include a flexible body having an electrically conductive region, a tissue penetrating region, and a percutaneous lead electrically coupled to the electrically conductive region. An anchoring element is positioned on the flexible body to resist movement of the electrically conductive region within tissue. An introducer is sized and configured to receive the flexible body and shield the anchoring element from contact with tissue while the electrically conductive region is placed to a desired position within tissue, and accommodates advancement of the anchoring element beyond the interior lumen for contact with tissue to resist movement of the electrically conductive region placed in the desired position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 777,771, filed 12 Feb. 2004, and entitled “Portable Percutaneous Assemblies, Systems, and Methods for Providing Highly Selective Functional Therapeutic Neuromuscular Stimulation.”FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to percutaneous electrode systems and methods for providing neuromuscular stimulation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Neuromuscular stimulation can perform functional and / or therapeutic outcomes. While existing systems and methods can provide remarkable benefits to individuals requiring neuromuscular stimulation, many quality of life issues still remain. For example, existing systems perform a single, dedicated stimulation function. Furthermore, these controllers are, by today's standards, relatively large and awkward to manipulate and transport. [0004] It is time that systems and methods for providing neuromuscular stimulation address not only s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The neuromuscular stimulation assemblies, systems, and methods comprise a skin-worn patch or carrier. The carrier can be readily carried, e.g., by use of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, without discomfort and without affecting body image on an arm, a leg, or torso of an individual.

[0009] The carrier further includes a power input bay, to receive a small, lightweight, primary cell battery, which can be released and replaced as prescribed. The battery provides power to the electronics pod.

Problems solved by technology

While existing systems and methods can provide remarkable benefits to individuals requiring neuromuscular stimulation, many quality of life issues still remain.

Furthermore, these controllers are, by today's standards, relatively large and awkward to manipulate and transport.

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