A pair of intelligent electrical conductors

Abstract

An implantable device (10) configured for implantation in a subject (50) is disclosed herein, the device comprising a flexible body (20) and at least one stimulator unit (30) attached to the flexible body (20), wherein the at least one stimulator unit (30) comprises a plurality of electrical components (31) encapsulated in a hermetically sealed housing (32), a receiving antenna (33), and at least one electrical conductor (34) in electrical connection with the plurality of electrical components (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed subject matter described below relates to a device for electro-neural stimulation. Furthermore, reference is made to the use of a device for electro-neural stimulation to correct sleep-disordered breathing.

[0002] Neuromodulation, such as electrical stimulation of nerves, is considered a reliable and effective medical treatment method in the present technology. It offers the opportunity to address many physiological conditions and disorders by interacting with the body's own natural neural processes. Neuromodulation involves the inhibition (e.g., blocking), stimulation, modification, regulation, or therapeutic alteration of electrical or chemical activity in the central, peripheral, or autonomic nervous system. Several different goals can be achieved by modulating the activity of the nervous system. For example, motor neurons can be stimulated at the appropriate time to induce muscle contraction. Furthermore, sensory neurons can be blocked to relieve pain or stimulated to provide a signal to a subject or patient. In another example, the modulation of the autonomic nervous system can be used to regulate various involuntary physiological parameters, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Neuromodulation can offer opportunities to treat a wide range of diseases or physiological conditions. Various devices and techniques have been used to attempt to provide optimal stimulation to tissues of interest.

[0003] One condition for which neuromodulation can be applied is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a breathing disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. One cause of OSA is sleep-related muscle tone loss, where the tongue muscles are unable to resist the negative inspiratory pressure in the pharynx. As the tongue is pulled back, it obstructs the upper airway, reducing ventilation and lowering lung and blood oxygen levels. For example, stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve causes contraction of tongue muscles (such as the genioglossus) to maintain an open, patent airway, as the genioglossus is responsible for the forward movement of the tongue and the hardening of the anterior pharyngeal wall. Background Technology

[0004] Stimulation devices for detecting and treating sleep apnea prevention are known in the art. For example, US2003 / 0153953A1 discloses a stimulator and stimulation method for treating sleep apnea. However, the stimulator relies on the use of a guide wire, which may become fatigued due to muscle movement.

[0005] US6240316B1 teaches the use of injectable microstimulators with a tubular shell and no external guide wire for the treatment of sleep apnea. However, said injectable microstimulators do not necessarily remain in the desired location because they are designed for easy implantation by injection, rather than for fixed and stable positioning. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One of the objectives of this disclosure is to address the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide an improved system for stimulating the recipient's electrical nerves. In particular, the objective of this disclosure is to provide a highly durable device that ensures precise nerve stimulation while reliably remaining at a desired location relative to the tissue to be stimulated.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an implantable device for treating sleep apnea is provided, the device comprising a flexible body and at least one stimulator unit attached to the flexible body, wherein the at least one stimulator unit includes a receiving antenna, a plurality of passive electrical components encapsulated in a hermetically sealed housing, and at least one electrical conductor electrically connected to the plurality of passive electrical components. Preferably, the electrical conductor is a pair of electrodes.

[0008] The device described above allows for easy and stable positioning of the electrical stimulator in a subject, patient, or stimulation recipient, such as on or around a subject's muscles. The flexible body can be formed from any suitable biocompatible material, allowing it to be configured to conform to the desired location. Materials for the flexible body can include, but are not limited to, silicone, plastics, and / or other suitable polymers, copolymers, and combinations thereof. The implantable device is implanted at a selected location within the subject's body and can be controlled or configured to constructively stimulate muscle and nerve tissue to help open obstructed airways. Providing a device as described herein eliminates the need for additional anchoring. For example, the flexible implantable device, due to its flexibility, can easily adapt to and thus attach to desired tissues. Therefore, a key aspect of this disclosure can be considered as treating obstructive sleep apnea by electrically stimulating certain muscles of the oropharynx using one or more implantable devices, each implantable device having one or more stimulator units to contract and thereby open obstructed airways.

[0009] The stimulator unit (or “microstimulator”) is preferably leadless and receives power signals, stimulation signals, and / or recharge signals from a radio frequency (RF) magnetic field generated outside the subject's body. Therefore, the stimulator unit includes: a receiving antenna that receives the power signal, stimulation signal, and / or recharge signal; multiple electrical components encapsulated in a hermetically sealed housing, wherein the housing is preferably made of a biocompatible and / or RF (radio frequency) permeable material; and at least one electrical conductor electrically connected to the multiple electrical components, wherein the at least one electrical conductor is configured to apply a stimulation signal to surrounding tissue. Using such a stimulator unit avoids the need for electrical leads to connect the implantable device to another centrally implanted or external controller.

[0010] Each stimulator unit may include at least one processor configured to perform logical operations. Thus, the at least one processor may include one or more integrated circuits, microchips, microcontrollers, and microprocessors, which may be all or part of a central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other circuitry known to those skilled in the art suitable for executing instructions or performing logical operations. The apparatus described herein may include at least two stimulator units. In this case, each stimulator unit may be controlled individually, or both stimulator units may be controlled simultaneously, allowing for single (unilateral) or bilateral stimulation of the muscle to be stimulated.

[0011] As described above, the stimulator unit can be configured to be leadless, thus avoiding the need for leads or guide wires. The implantable device described above has the advantage of comprising only a very few components and therefore being very compact. Furthermore, the lack of external guide wires (or other loose components) greatly reduces the number of components subjected to stress and / or fatigue, as guide wires can be damaged over time due to the movement of the stimulated muscle. The stimulator can also be manufactured with a thickness suitable for implantation under the patient's skin. For example, the stimulator can have a thickness of less than 4 mm. Moreover, the microstimulator can receive electromagnetic signals (e.g., power signals and stimulation signals) from an external source. When the stimulator unit receives the appropriate signal, it generates the desired stimulation pulse, releases the energy stored in the capacitor, and then recharges the capacitor between output pulses.

[0012] According to one embodiment disclosed herein, the flexible body is at least partially composed of silicone resin. The implantable device is further characterized in that the flexible body includes suture holes for attaching the implantable device to the subject's tissue. Silicone resin is flexible and biocompatible, and facilitates the desired orientation of the implantable device within the subject or patient. The suture holes provide attachment points for securing and fastening the implantable device in the desired location. Furthermore, the flexible body can be formed in a generally triangular, circular, or rectangular shape. The shape of the flexible body can facilitate the orientation of the implantable device relative to a specific nerve or muscle to be regulated. Therefore, other regular or irregular shapes can be employed to facilitate implantation in different parts of the body. The implantable device may also be coated with a protective coating. In some embodiments, the protective coating may be made of a flexible material that can bend along with the flexible body. The encapsulating material of the protective coating also resists moisture penetration and prevents corrosion.

[0013] The implantable device can be specifically configured such that the flexible body has a first arm and a second arm, each arm including at least one suture hole. In this way, the flexible body of the implantable device can be attached in a desired manner relative to a specific muscle (e.g., the genioglossus muscle), a nerve within the patient's body, or an internal surface above a nerve. For example, the first and second arms can be configured such that the flexible body can at least partially conform to soft or hard tissue (e.g., nerve, bone, or muscle tissue) beneath the patient's skin. By placing the suture holes on the first and second arms of the flexible body, the implantable device can be further secured to the desired location in a more conforming manner, thereby holding the stimulator unit of the implantable device in its desired position.

[0014] The implantable device is configured for implantation near the genioglossus muscle, close to the hypoglossal nerve in the subject. The hypoglossal nerve innervates the tongue muscles and other tongue muscles, including the genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles, via its lateral and medial branches. The horizontal compartment of the genioglossus muscle is primarily innervated by the medial terminal fibers of the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve, which branches off from the lateral branch at its terminal bifurcation. The distal portion of the medial branch then modulates into medial terminal fibers. Contraction of the horizontal compartment of the genioglossus muscle can be used to open or maintain the subject's airway. Contraction of other tongue muscles can contribute to other functions, such as swallowing, phonation, and airway opening or closing. Because the hypoglossal nerve innervates multiple tongue muscles, it may be advantageous for OSA treatment to restrict nerve modulation to the medial branch, or even to the medial terminal fibers or terminal fibers of the nerve. In this way, the genioglossus muscle, which is most responsible for tongue movement and airway maintenance, can be selectively targeted as a target for contraction-induced nerve modulation. Alternatively, the horizontal sub-region of the genioglossus muscle can be selectively targeted.

[0015] It is also conceivable that each flexible body arm has at least one stimulator unit attached thereto. This allows for the application of more “intelligent,” i.e., advanced stimulation strategies during treatment, as the tissue to be stimulated can be stimulated from at least two different sites. Preferably, the different stimulator units, i.e., the stimulators of the first arm and the second arm, can be configured to operate independently, thereby further increasing the number of possible stimulation strategies. In a preferred embodiment, the implantable device includes a flexible body having first and second arms, each arm having a microstimulator attached thereto, wherein each microstimulator operates independently. The operation of this “intelligent” stimulation, i.e., the independent stimulator units, can be controlled by a logic unit or processor, which can be, for example, located outside the subject's body.

[0016] Alternatively, the receiving antenna may be configured to receive power and stimulation signals from the transmitting antenna via coupling between a transmitting antenna located outside the subject's body and the receiving antenna. The coupling between the receiving antenna and the external transmitter can include any interaction between the receiving antenna and the transmitter that generates a signal on the receiving antenna in response to a signal applied to the transmitting antenna. Coupling between antennas can include capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, radio frequency (RF) coupling, and any combination thereof.

[0017] In addition to the above, the stimulator unit includes at least one circuit for electrically connecting the receiver antenna to a plurality of passive electrical components and returning it to at least one electrical conductor. The circuit may include conductive materials, such as gold, platinum, titanium, or any biocompatible conductive material or combination of materials. Furthermore, the circuit may include one or more of the following components: resistors, inductors, and / or capacitors.

[0018] As part of a preferred embodiment, and to protect the receiving antenna, circuitry, and passive electrical components from the patient's internal environment, at least one stimulator unit includes a body. Specifically, the receiving antenna is envisioned to be disposed within the body. The body is preferably formed of a biocompatible material, including, for example, ceramic. The ceramic material of the body may also be sintered. In particular, the body may include one or more different ceramic layers, on which a platinum layer is deposited prior to ceramic sintering. Thus, the receiving antenna and electronic circuitry can be encapsulated or integrated within the body. Furthermore, electrodes and passive electrical components may be embedded in the body. Additionally, the body may preferably be lens-shaped.

[0019] Preferably, the stimulator unit has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the stimulator unit includes a cap disposed on the first surface of the body, forming a hermetically sealed housing. According to a further development, the cap is at least partially made of titanium. The wall of the cap should be very thin, preferably less than 10 micrometers, in order to absorb stress rather than transfer it to the body. The cap can also be attached to the body by welding it to an annular weld protrusion disposed on the first surface of the body. In this way, electrical components also attached to the first surface can be encapsulated in the hermetically sealed housing. The weld protrusion can be made of any biocompatible material, such as indium, gold-tin, etc.

[0020] In addition to the above, the stimulation unit includes a plurality of pads disposed on a first surface of the stimulation unit and located in an hermetically sealed housing, wherein the pads are configured to mount a plurality of passive electrical components, and wherein the plurality of passive electrical components are brazed, particularly reflow soldered, to the plurality of pads.

[0021] The implantable device can also be configured such that at least one electrical conductor is disposed on a second surface of the body. Electrodes can include any suitable shape and orientation on the stimulator, provided that the electrodes can be configured to generate an electric field within the patient or subject. Electrodes can also include any suitable conductive material, such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, iridium, platinum-iridium, platinum-gold, conductive polymers, or combinations of conductive materials. In some embodiments, electrodes can include short-wire electrodes, circular electrodes, and / or pairs of circular electrodes. In one embodiment, the field-generating electrode can include two distinct electrodes, one providing an anode and the other providing a cathode. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one electrical conductor is formed as a pair of electrode pads.

[0022] According to this disclosure, the receiving antenna can be, but is not limited to, a long-line antenna, a patch antenna, a helical antenna, a coil antenna, a slow-wave antenna, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, a helical antenna, an elliptical antenna, a rectangular antenna, etc. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the receiving antenna has a circular and / or coil shape. Furthermore, it is confined to an outer annular region of the stimulation unit, thereby improving its efficiency. According to another embodiment of the implantable device, an hermetically sealed housing and at least one electrical conductor are located within an inner circular region of the stimulation unit.

[0023] As described above, a preferred embodiment of the stimulator unit or microstimulator of the implantable device includes: an electrode pad embedded on a second surface of the body; a receiver antenna integrated within the body at the outer diameter of the body, i.e., in the outer annular region, thereby improving efficiency; a cap welded to an annular weld protrusion disposed in an inner region of a first surface of the body, providing an hermetically sealed housing; pads encapsulated in the sealed housing, configured to mount passive electrical components, for example, by reflow soldering; and at least one electronic circuit integrated within the body that connects the receiver antenna to the passive electrical components and back to the electrode pad. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several examples of the disclosed subject matter. The drawings describe the following:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an implantable device according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an implantable device according to an alternative embodiment is depicted;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a stimulator unit according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted;

[0028] Figure 4 Depicting according to Figure 3 A schematic top view of the stimulator unit in the illustrated embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 Depicting according to Figure 3 or Figure 4 A schematic bottom view of the stimulator unit of the embodiment shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an implantable device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. The diagram shows the implantable device 10 attached to the genioglossus muscle 51 of a subject 50. This allows modulation of the nerves associated with the genioglossus muscle 51, thereby stimulating the tongue of the subject 50. Figure 1 The implantable device 10 shown includes a flexible body 20 and two stimulator (or microstimulator) units 30 attached to the flexible body 20, one stimulator unit 30 being attached to a first arm 201 of the flexible body 20 and the other stimulator unit 30 being attached to a second arm 202 of the flexible body 20. The flexible body 20 allows the device 10 to be precisely fitted into the desired tissue. For example, according to Figure 1 The implantable device 10 is mounted in a saddle shape to the genioglossus muscle 51. This eliminates the need for additional anchoring. Each stimulator unit includes a receiving antenna 33 and a plurality of passive electrical components 31 encapsulated in a hermetically sealed housing 32. Furthermore, each stimulator unit 30 includes at least one electrical conductor 34 electrically connected to the plurality of passive electrical components 31. Additionally, the stimulator unit 30 includes circuitry 35 (not shown) for electrically connecting the receiving antenna 33 to the plurality of passive electrical components 31 and back to at least one pair of electrodes 34. Figure 1 The stimulator unit 30 shown is essentially lens-shaped and has a dome-shaped cap 321 attached to the first surface 41 of the body 40 of the stimulator unit 30. The space enclosed by the cap 321 is considered to be an hermetically sealed housing 32 containing a passive electrical component 31, which is not located within... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. Using the device 10 described above, each stimulator unit 30 can be controlled individually, or two simulator units 30 can be controlled simultaneously. This allows for single (unilateral) or bilateral stimulation of the muscle 51, depending on the selected treatment.

[0031] and Figure 1 Similar to the implantable device 10 shown, having two stimulator units 30 allows for more advanced stimulation strategies because the tissue to be stimulated can be stimulated from at least two different sites. Preferably, the two stimulator units 30, namely the stimulator 30 of the first arm 201 and the stimulator 30 of the second arm 202, can be configured to operate independently. This increases the number of possible stimulation strategies applicable to the subject 50. Figure 1In the preferred embodiment shown, the implantable device 10 is configured such that when the flexible body 20 is attached to the muscle tissue 51, the two stimulator units 30 are positioned relative to each other. The operation of this “smart” stimulation, i.e., the operation of the implantable device 30 having at least two independent stimulator units 30, can be controlled by a processor, which may be located outside the subject 50, for example.

[0032] Each stimulator unit includes a receiving antenna 33, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving antenna 33 is formed as a circular coil antenna 33. The antenna 33 is configured to receive power signals and stimulation signals from the transmitting antenna via coupling between a transmitting antenna (not shown) located outside the subject 50 and the receiving antenna 33. The coupling between the receiving antenna 30 and the external transmitter includes any interaction between the receiving antenna 33 and the transmitting antenna that generates a signal on the receiving antenna 33 in response to a signal applied to the transmitting antenna. The coupling between the antennas can include capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, radio frequency (RF) coupling, and any combination thereof. Figure 1 The receiving antenna 33 is integrated into the main body 40 of the stimulator unit 30.

[0033] Based on the above, Figure 1 The stimulator unit 30 shown is leadless and consists of very few components. The absence of guide wires greatly reduces the number of components subjected to stress and / or fatigue, as guide wires would wear out over time due to the movement of the stimulated muscle. Therefore, Figure 1 The stimulator unit 30 is very durable and allows for precise neural stimulation while reliably remaining at the desired location relative to the tissue to be stimulated.

[0034] The first arm 201 and the second arm 202 further facilitate attachment of the implantable device 10 to the desired muscle tissue because they allow the flexible body 20 to adhere at least partially to the soft or hard tissue beneath the patient's skin. The flexible body 20 has a plurality of suture holes 21 for attaching the implantable unit 10 to the muscle tissue. Thus, the flexible body of the implantable device can be attached in a desired manner. By placing the suture holes 21 on the first arm 201 and the second arm 202 of the flexible body 20, the implantable device 10 can be more securely fixed, thereby holding the stimulator unit 30 of the implantable device 10 in its desired position.

[0035] like Figure 1 The illustrated device 10 allows for easy and stable positioning of the stimulator unit 30 within a subject 50, patient, or stimulation recipient, for example, around the muscle 51 of the subject 50. The flexible body 20 can be formed of any suitable biocompatible material, allowing it to be configured to conform to the desired location. The material of the flexible body 20 is preferably made of silicone.

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an implantable device 10 according to an alternative embodiment is depicted. Although in principle similar to Figure 1 The embodiments shown are the same, but Figure 2 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that all components of the stimulator unit 30 are encapsulated within a hermetically sealed housing 32, except for the electrode pair 34, which is disposed outside the housing 32 for applying a stimulating current. Furthermore, the stimulator unit 30 is tubular. Figure 1 The same applies to the stimulator unit 30 shown. Figure 2 The stimulator units 30 shown are leadless and consist of only a few components. Therefore, they do not fatigue.

[0037] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A stimulator unit 30 according to an exemplary unit is depicted. More specifically, Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the stimulator unit 30 is shown. Figure 4 A schematic top view is shown. Figure 5 A schematic bottom view is shown. The depicted stimulator unit 30 comprises a body 40 made primarily of one or more ceramic layers, on which platinum layers are deposited prior to ceramic sintering. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the coil receiving antenna 33 and circuitry 35 are integrated within the ceramic body 40 of the stimulator unit 30. This allows the receiving antenna 33 and electronic circuitry 35 to be permanently fixed within the body 40, avoiding unnecessary movement of complex components. Circuitry 35 electrically connects the receiver antenna 33 to multiple passive electrical components 31 and returns to at least one electrical conductor 34. Circuitry 35 may include conductive materials, such as gold, platinum, titanium, or any other biocompatible conductive material or combination of materials. Furthermore, circuitry 35 may include one or more components such as resistors, inductors, and / or capacitors. Various passive components can be used to connect passive components to at least one electrical conductor. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the coil antenna 33 is confined to the outer annular region 43 of the stimulation unit 30, thereby improving its efficiency.

[0038] The stimulator unit 30 also includes a cap 321 attached to the first surface 41 (top side) of the body 40. According to... Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 321 is dome-shaped and made of a material including titanium, and this cap 321 encapsulates a hermetically sealed housing 32. The hermetically sealed housing 32 includes passive electrical components 31, which are preferably reflow soldered to a plurality of pads 311. The walls of the cap 321 should be very thin, preferably less than 10 micrometers, in order to absorb potential stress rather than transfer it to the ceramic body 40. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, an annular welding protrusion 322 disposed on the first surface 41 of the body 40 is used to weld the cap 321 to the first surface 41 of the body 40. The welding protrusion 322 and the pad 311 are made of any biocompatible material, such as indium, gold-tin, etc. The welding protrusion 322, the hermetically sealed housing 32, and the passive components 31 therein are located within the inner circular region 44 of the stimulation unit 30, which is substantially located within the outer annular region 43.

[0039] like Figure 3 Further depiction shows that the stimulator unit 30 includes an electrical conductor 34 attached to a second surface 42 (bottom side) of the body 40. The electrical conductor 34 is also confined within an internal circular region 44 of the stimulator unit 30, as described by the weld protrusion 322, the hermetically sealed housing, and the passive component 31. According to a preferred embodiment and... Figure 5 As shown, the electrode 34 attached to the second surface of the microstimulator 30 is formed as an electrode pad 341.

[0040] The present invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described herein, but can be modified in many other ways.

[0041] All features and advantages disclosed in the claims, specification and drawings, including structural details, spatial arrangements and method steps, are essential to the present invention, either on their own or in various combinations thereof.

[0042] List of reference numerals

[0043] 10 implantable devices

[0044] 20 Flexible Body

[0045] 21 suture holes

[0046] 201 First Arm

[0047] 202 Second Arm

[0048] 30 stimulator units

[0049] More than 31 electrical components

[0050] 311+ pads

[0051] 32 airtight sealed housing

[0052] 321 hat

[0053] 322 welding protrusion

[0054] 33 receiving antennas

[0055] 34 electrical conductors

[0056] 341 electrode pad

[0057] 35 circuit

[0058] 40 main bodies

[0059] 41 First Surface

[0060] 42 Second Surface

[0061] 43. Outer ring area

[0062] 44 Inner circular area

[0063] 50 subjects

[0064] 51 Genioglossus muscle

Claims

1. An implantable device (10) configured for implantation in a subject (50), the device comprising: Flexible body (20), and At least one stimulator unit (30) is attached to the flexible body (20). At least one stimulator unit (30) includes: Main body (40); Multiple electrical components (31) are encapsulated in a hermetically sealed housing (32). Receiving antenna (33), and At least one electrical conductor (34) electrically connected to a plurality of electrical components (31), wherein the stimulator unit (30) includes a cap (321) disposed on a first surface (41) of the body (40) to form the hermetically sealed housing (32), wherein the cap (321) includes a wall having a thickness of less than 10 micrometers.

2. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one stimulator unit (30) is leadless.

3. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible body (20) is at least partially composed of silicone resin.

4. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible body (20) includes a suture hole (21) in the tissue for connecting the implantable device (10) to the subject (50).

5. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The implantable device (10) is configured to be implanted near the genioglossus muscle near the hypoglossal nerve of the subject (50).

6. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible body (20) has a first arm (201) and a second arm (202), wherein each arm (201, 202) includes at least one suture hole (21).

7. The implantable device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each arm (201, 202) of the flexible body (20) has at least one stimulator unit (30) attached thereto.

8. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving antenna (33) is configured to receive power signals and stimulation signals from the transmitting antenna via inductive coupling between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna (33) located outside the subject (50).

9. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stimulator unit (30) includes at least one circuit (35) for electrically connecting a plurality of passive electrical components (31) to at least one electrical conductor (34).

10. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving antenna (33) is disposed in the main body (40).

11. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cap (321) is at least partially made of titanium.

12. The implantable device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first surface (41) of the stimulator unit includes a welding protrusion (322), wherein the cap (321) is weldable to the welding protrusion (322).

13. The implantable device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The stimulator unit (30) includes a plurality of pads (311) disposed on a first surface (41) of the stimulator unit (30) and located in the hermetically sealed housing (32), wherein the pads (311) are configured for mounting the plurality of electrical components (31).

14. The implantable device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The plurality of electrical components (31) are brazed to the plurality of pads (311).

15. The implantable device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The at least one electrical conductor (34) is disposed on the second surface (42) of the body (40).

16. The implantable device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The at least one electrical conductor (34) is formed as an electrode pad (341).

17. The implantable device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The main body (40) of the stimulator unit (30) is at least partially made of ceramic material.

18. The implantable device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The main body (40) of the stimulator unit (30) also includes a platinum layer (PL).

19. The implantable device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The ceramic material of the main body (40) is sintered.

20. The implantable device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The receiving antenna (33) has a circular and / or coil shape and is confined to an outer annular region (43) of the body (40) of the stimulator unit (30).

21. The implantable device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The airtight sealed housing (32) and at least one electrical conductor (34) are located within the inner circular region (44) of the body (40) of the stimulator unit (30).

22. The implantable device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The at least one stimulator unit (30) further includes: At least one processor configured to perform logical operations; At least one battery.

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