Implant of an implantable electrical stimulator and implantable electrical stimulator

CN224598577UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-07INTELLIMICRO MEDICAL CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
INTELLIMICRO MEDICAL CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-09-12
Publication Date
2026-08-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0003]相关技术中,密封壳体常常由上、下盖板封闭壳体的上下两端,然而盖板与壳体的接合面为边缝接触,水汽侵入的路径短,且因硅胶粘合剂不能完全阻止水汽的进入,因此,产品的密封性能欠佳,可靠性不高,产品寿命短

Benefits of technology

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an implant for an implantable electrical stimulator, wherein the annular shell and the cover are in surface contact, extending the path for moisture intrusion, greatly improving sealing performance, and ensuring the reliability and service life of the product.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224598577U_ABST
    Figure CN224598577U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model discloses an implantable electric stimulator's implant and implantable electric stimulator. The implantable electric stimulator's implant includes: annular casing, the annular casing is provided with gap, coil for transmitting data and / or energy, stimulation electrode, the stimulation electrode has introduction end, stimulation end and the connecting portion that is connected between the introduction end and the stimulation end, the introduction end is connected with the coil, cover, the cover is located in the annular casing, the cover includes upper cover and lower cover, the upper cover and the lower cover close and form the inner chamber with passageway in common, the coil and the introduction end are located in the inner chamber and the introduction end is from the passageway and stretches out the inner chamber, the closure of the upper cover and the lower cover is located in the annular casing.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an implant for an implantable electrical stimulator and an implantable electrical stimulator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, implantable devices are widely used in various fields such as restoring bodily functions, improving quality of life, and saving lives. Examples of such implantable devices include pacemakers, deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, and artificial retinas. Because implantable devices need to be implanted and retained in the body long-term, they must withstand the complex and often harsh physiological environment. Long-term implantation may lead to interactions with surrounding tissues and organs; for example, the materials of the implantable device may undergo physical or chemical reactions such as aging, degradation, lysis, and re-crosslinking, negatively impacting the recipient and causing adverse biological reactions such as inflammation. Therefore, the requirements for biosafety and long-term implantation reliability are extremely high for implantable devices. Typically, a sealed shell with good long-term implantation reliability is needed to isolate non-biosafety components from the implantation site (e.g., blood, tissue, or bone).

[0003] In related technologies, sealed housings are often sealed at both ends by upper and lower cover plates. However, the joint surface between the cover plate and the housing is a seam contact, resulting in a short path for moisture intrusion. Furthermore, since silicone adhesive cannot completely prevent moisture from entering, the product's sealing performance is poor, its reliability is low, and its lifespan is short. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an implant for an implantable electrical stimulator, wherein the annular shell and the cover are in surface contact, extending the path for moisture intrusion, greatly improving sealing performance, and ensuring the reliability and service life of the product.

[0005] This invention further proposes an implantable electrical stimulator.

[0006] An implantable electrical stimulator according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: an annular housing with a slit; a coil for transmitting data and / or energy; a stimulation electrode having an inlet end, a stimulation end, and a connecting portion connecting the inlet end and the stimulation end, the inlet end being connected to the coil; and a cover disposed within the annular housing, the cover including an upper cover and a lower cover, the upper cover and the lower cover being closed together and forming an inner cavity with a channel, the coil and the inlet end being disposed within the inner cavity and the inlet end extending out of the inner cavity from the channel, the closing portion of the upper cover and the lower cover being located within the annular housing.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator has an upper cover and a lower cover that are closed together to form an inner cavity. An annular shell is encapsulated on the outside of the cover, with the closed portion of the upper and lower covers located inside the annular shell. This creates surface contact between the annular shell and the covers (upper and lower covers), significantly extending the path for moisture intrusion. Furthermore, the sealing fit between the annular shell and the covers, and between the upper and lower covers, forms a sealing barrier, greatly improving the sealing performance of the implantable electrical stimulator and effectively ensuring the product's reliability and lifespan.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the annular housing is provided with a wire-passing hole, the outer periphery of the upper cover and / or the lower cover forms the channel, the wire-passing hole corresponds to the channel, and the inlet end passes through the wire-passing hole.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator further includes: a circuit assembly disposed within the inner cavity, the circuit assembly including a circuit board, the lead end being connected to the side surface of the circuit board near the channel, the coil being electrically connected to the circuit board, and the ground wire of the circuit board passing through the through hole or the gap and fixed to the outer wall of the annular shell, the annular shell being a metal shell.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the gap is connected to the wire hole and is in the shape of an inverted T-shaped hole. The inverted T-shaped hole penetrates the annular shell vertically, and the ground wire passes through the inverted T-shaped hole and is fixed to the outer wall of the annular shell near the inverted T-shaped hole.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer wall of the annular shell is formed with a plane, and the ground wire passes through the wire hole or the gap and is fixed on the plane.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper cover has an annular first protrusion on one side edge facing the lower cover, and the lower cover has an annular second protrusion on one side edge facing the upper cover. The lower end face of the first protrusion and the upper end face of the second protrusion are in contact and fit together to form a closed area between the upper cover and the lower cover.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lower end face of the first protrusion is provided with a downwardly protruding locking strip, the second protrusion is formed with a notch, the locking strip is engaged with a portion of the notch in the vertical direction and the other portion forms the channel.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion is provided with an annular third protrusion, the inner peripheral surface of the annular shell is provided with an annular groove, and the third protrusion is fitted into the groove and is in upper limit fit with the annular shell in the vertical direction.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an adhesive is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion and the inner peripheral surface of the annular shell; and / or an adhesive is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion and the inner peripheral surface of the annular shell.

[0016] An implantable electrical stimulator according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: an external component; and an implant of the implantable electrical stimulator, wherein the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator is electrically connected to the external component via a coil.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a first-view schematic diagram of the implant of an implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an overall schematic diagram of the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present utility model from a second perspective; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the implant without a cover of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the implant without a cover of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the annular shell of the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit board structure of the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is an overall schematic diagram of the fit between the annular shell and the cover of the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the annular shell and cover of the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper and lower covers of the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 11 This is an exploded schematic diagram showing the fit of the upper and lower covers of the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention and the human eyeball.

[0019] Figure label: 1. Annular shell; 11. Gap; 12. Wire hole; 13. Plane; 14. Groove; 2. Coil; 21. First coil; 22. Second coil; 3. Stimulating electrode; 31. Inlet end; 32. Stimulating end; 33. Connecting part; 4. Cover; 41. Upper cover; 4101. First protrusion; 4102. Locking strip; 42. Lower cover; 4201. Second protrusion; 4202. Notch; 4203. Third protrusion; 43. Channel; 44. Inner cavity; 5. Circuit assemblies; 51. Circuit boards; 5101. Ground wires; 52. Discrete components; 1000, eyeball; 1001, retina. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0021] The following is for reference. Figures 1-12This invention describes the implant and the implantable electrical stimulator according to embodiments of the present invention. The implantable electrical stimulator works by implanting electrodes into a specific area and sending electrical pulses of a certain frequency to stimulate the area, thereby improving or treating diseases. Specifically, the implantable electrical stimulator can be a deep brain stimulator, a cortical stimulator, a spinal cord stimulator, a cochlear implant, or a retinal stimulator, etc., thereby achieving corresponding treatments or repairs such as visual impairment, hearing impairment, pain relief, motor disorders, and addiction. In the following description of the present invention, the implant and the implantable electrical stimulator used for stimulating retinal cells are mainly described as examples.

[0022] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator includes: an annular shell 1, a coil 2, a stimulating electrode 3, and a cover 4.

[0023] Specifically, the annular shell 1 can be generally formed as a circumferentially extending annular structure, referring to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the annular shell 1 has a slit 11, and a coil 2 is built into the annular shell 1. A closed annular shell 1 would affect the normal communication of the coil 2, but the annular shell 1 with the slit 11 of this invention will not obstruct signal communication. It can avoid the generation of eddy currents in the annular shell 1 affecting the magnetic field distribution, reduce heat generation caused by eddy currents, and ensure the efficiency of wireless transmission, thereby ensuring the stable and reliable transmission of the radio frequency signal of the coil 2. Furthermore, by building the coil 2 into the annular shell 1, the size of the implant can be significantly reduced; for example, the portion of the implant located outside the eye only needs to cover one quadrant of the sclera for implantation.

[0024] The coil 2 is used to transmit data and / or energy, and there can be one or more coils. For example, the coil 2 may include a first coil 21 and a second coil 22, one of which is a data coil, and the other is an energy coil. The data coil can be used to interact with external data, and the energy coil can be used to receive external energy. In this embodiment, the first coil 21 is a data coil and the second coil 22 is an energy coil.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, the stimulation electrode 3 has an inlet end 31, a stimulation end 32, and a connecting portion 33 connecting the inlet end 31 and the stimulation end 32. The inlet end 31 is connected to the coil 2. The stimulation end 32 is used to attach to the implanted part of the human body. The stimulation end 32 is provided with an electrode array, which includes a plurality of microelectrodes, such that the microelectrodes can contact the surface of the retina 1001. The electrode array can provide a visual area equal to or greater than 20 degrees.

[0026] Specifically, the inlet end 31 and the coil 2 are built into the annular housing 1. The inlet end 31 extends outward from the annular housing 1 and is electrically connected to the stimulation end 32 through the connecting part 33. The received data and / or energy are transmitted to the stimulation end 32 of the stimulation electrode 3 through the coil 2, and electrical pulse signals are sent to several microelectrodes on the stimulation end 32. The several microelectrodes apply current stimulation to the surface of the retina 1001. The electrical pulse signals transmitted to the retina 1001 stimulate the neurons on the retina 1001 that still retain function, and transmit this stimulation to the brain through the optic nerve, so that the patient produces visual perception.

[0027] Reference Figures 1-4 , Figures 8-10 As shown, the cover 4 is disposed inside the annular shell 1. The cover 4 includes an upper cover 41 and a lower cover 42. The upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 are closed together and together form an inner cavity 44 with a channel 43. The coil 2 and the inlet end 31 are disposed inside the inner cavity 44, and the inlet end 31 extends out of the inner cavity 44 from the channel 43. The closed part of the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 is located inside the annular shell 1.

[0028] Specifically, because the joint between the cover and the shell in the prior art is mostly a seam contact, and the annular shell 1 of this embodiment has a gap 11, corrosive bodily fluids can easily enter the interior of the annular shell 1, causing functional damage to internal components such as the coil 2. Therefore, referring to Figures 8-10 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 are closed relative to each other to form an inner cavity 44. The coil 2 and the inlet end 31 are disposed in the inner cavity 44. Then, the annular shell 1 is encapsulated on the outside of the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42, and the closed part of the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 is located inside the annular shell 1. In this way, the contact between the annular shell 1 and the cover body 4 (upper cover 41 and lower cover 42) is changed from edge seam contact to surface contact, which greatly extends the path of moisture intrusion. At the same time, by sealing the annular shell 1 and the cover body 4 and sealing the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42, multiple sealing defenses are formed, which greatly improves the sealing performance and effectively ensures the reliability and service life of the implant. Moreover, the inner cavity 44 has a channel 43, so that the inlet end 31 extends out of the inner cavity 44 from the channel 43, so that the inlet end 31 can transmit electrical signals with the stimulation end 32, thereby realizing the stimulation discharge of the retinal 1001 region. For example, the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 can be made of ceramic, glass, or polymer (such as polyetheretherketone). Preferably, the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 are made of ceramic material, which has a comprehensive combination of good biocompatibility, resistance to body fluid corrosion, insulation properties, and high mechanical strength, perfectly meeting the core requirements of implants for "long-term safe implantation", "stable functional performance" and "minimal human body interference".

[0029] Therefore, the implantable electrostimulator according to this embodiment of the present invention has an upper cover 41 and a lower cover 42 closed together to form an inner cavity 44, and an annular shell 1 encapsulated on the outside of the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42. In this way, the annular shell 1 and the cover 4 (upper cover 41 and lower cover 42) are in surface contact, greatly extending the path of moisture intrusion. Furthermore, the sealing performance is greatly improved through the sealing fit between the annular shell 1 and the cover 4, and the sealing fit between the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42, effectively ensuring the reliability and service life of the product. Moreover, since the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 are closed to form a channel 43, the inlet end 31 can extend out of the inner cavity 44 from the channel 43, thereby ensuring that the signal received by the coil 2 is transmitted to the stimulated part of the human body through the stimulation electrode 3.

[0030] Furthermore, the annular housing 1 is provided with a wire-passing hole 12, and a channel 43 is formed on the outer periphery of the upper cover 41 and / or the lower cover 42. The wire-passing hole 12 corresponds to the channel 43, and the inlet end 31 passes through the wire-passing hole 12.

[0031] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the wire-passing hole 12 provided in the annular shell 1 corresponds to the channel 43 provided in the cover 4, so that the inlet end 31 passes through the channel 43 and the wire-passing hole 12 in sequence and extends out of the annular shell 1. Moreover, the outer periphery of the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 together form the channel 43, which can ensure quick assembly without misalignment when the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 are closed relative to each other. Alternatively, the outer periphery of the upper cover 41 or the lower cover 42 can form the channel 43, which can simplify the manufacturing process, reduce production complexity, and provide strong assembly fault tolerance. Specifically, the "jointly formed" or "single-sided formed" channel 43 can be selected according to actual needs to adapt to different product models or functional requirements.

[0032] Furthermore, the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator also includes: a circuit assembly 5, which is disposed in the inner cavity 44. The circuit assembly 5 includes a circuit board 51, an inlet end 31 connected to the side surface of the circuit board 51 near the channel 43, a coil 2 electrically connected to the circuit board 51, and a ground wire 5101 of the circuit board 51 passing through a wire hole 12 or a gap 11 and fixed to the outer wall of the annular housing 1, which is a metal housing.

[0033] Reference Figures 3-7As shown, due to the significant sealing performance of the inner cavity 44, placing the circuit assembly 5 within the inner cavity 44 ensures the stable and reliable function of each part of the circuit assembly 5. The side surface of the circuit board 51 closest to the channel 43 is connected to the inlet end 31, facilitating the extension of the inlet end 31 through the channel 43. Furthermore, the coil 2 is electrically connected to the circuit board 51. When the coil 2 inside the annular housing 1 receives an external radio frequency signal, the circuit board 51 can send electrical pulse signals to several microelectrodes on the stimulation end 32 of the stimulation electrode 3. These microelectrodes apply current stimulation to the surface of the retina 1001 to help the patient achieve visual perception.

[0034] Furthermore, the annular housing 1 is a metal housing, meaning it is made of metal. The metal housing 1 effectively protects the coil 2 and circuit assembly 5, and also provides corrosion resistance. The ground wire 5101 of the circuit board 51 is fixed to the outer wall of the annular housing 1 via a through-hole 12 or a gap 11. The annular housing 1 serves as the ground circuit for the stimulation current. When several microelectrodes apply current stimulation to the surface of the retina 1001, the current flows towards a lower potential, passing through the eyeball wall and flowing to the bottom of the annular housing 1 fixed to the sclera. Since the ground wire 5101 of the circuit board 51 is directly connected to the outer wall of the annular housing 1, the current can further flow into the annular housing 1. For example, if the annular housing 1 is made of pure titanium, its excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and sealing characteristics can effectively ensure the safety, reliability, and long-term service performance of the implant.

[0035] Therefore, without the need for a dedicated ground connection post, the ground wire 5101 of the circuit board 51 in this embodiment can be directly connected to the outer wall of the annular shell 1 to form a circuit loop, reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure for easy manufacturing. Simultaneously, it saves assembly space in the inner cavity 44, significantly reducing the size of the implant and facilitating implantation. The saved space can also be used to accommodate larger components such as the circuit board 51 and coil 2, improving signal integrity and stability.

[0036] In addition, circuit component 5 may also include discrete components 52 and application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC chips) to realize corresponding circuit functions. Discrete components 52 may also include electronic components such as capacitors, inductors, resistors, oscillators, filters, and memory chips, which may be included according to the circuit design.

[0037] Furthermore, the gap 11 is connected to the wire hole 12 and is in the shape of an inverted T-shaped hole. The inverted T-shaped hole penetrates the annular shell 1 from top to bottom. The ground wire 5101 passes through the inverted T-shaped hole and is fixed to the outer wall of the annular shell 1 near the inverted T-shaped hole.

[0038] Reference Figure 6As shown, the gap 11 and the wire-passing hole 12 are interconnected and form an inverted T-shape. This inverted T-shaped hole penetrates the top and bottom of the annular housing 1. This effectively prevents eddies from forming in the annular housing 1, while allowing the inlet end 31 to pass through the wire-passing hole 12 and extend outside the annular housing 1. It also facilitates the ground wire 5101 passing through the inverted T-shaped hole and being fixed to the outer wall of the annular housing 1 near the inverted T-shaped hole. Alternatively, the gap 11 can also penetrate the top and bottom of the annular housing 1 and be circumferentially spaced from the wire-passing hole 12 (not shown in the figure).

[0039] Furthermore, the outer wall of the annular shell 1 is formed with a plane 13, and the ground wire 5101 passes through the wire hole 12 or the gap 11 and is fixed on the plane 13.

[0040] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a recessed small plane 13 is designed on the outer wall of the annular shell 1 near the wire hole 12 and the gap 11. The ground wire 5101 is welded to this small plane 13 and then covered with flexible silicone, which effectively saves the assembly space of the inner cavity 44, reduces the size of the implant, and improves the connection reliability of the ground wire 5101.

[0041] Furthermore, an annular first protrusion 4101 is provided on the side edge of the upper cover 41 facing the lower cover 42, and an annular second protrusion 4201 is provided on the side edge of the lower cover 42 facing the upper cover 41. The lower end face of the first protrusion 4101 and the upper end face of the second protrusion 4201 contact and engage to form a closed area between the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42.

[0042] Reference Figures 9-11 As shown, the upper cover 41 has a downward-facing annular first protrusion 4101 to form a "concave" cover, and the lower cover 42 has an upward-facing annular second protrusion 4201 to form a "concave" cover. The upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 close together with their concave surfaces to form a cover body 4 with an inner cavity 44. The closing point of the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 is an annular contact surface, which makes the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 fit tightly together and can block the flow path of water vapor. Further auxiliary sealing means, such as setting adhesive at the closing point of the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42, can further improve the sealing performance.

[0043] Furthermore, the lower end face of the first protrusion 4101 is provided with a downward protruding locking strip 4102, and the second protrusion 4201 forms a notch 4202. The locking strip 4102 is engaged with a portion of the notch 4202 in the vertical direction, and the other portion forms a channel 43.

[0044] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, when the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 are closed together, the locking strip 4102 of the first protrusion 4101 fits into the notch 4202 of the second protrusion 4201. This not only enables the limiting assembly between the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42 and improves the assembly efficiency, but also allows a part of the notch 4202 to form a channel 43, which facilitates the introduction end 31 to extend out of the inner cavity 44 through the channel 43.

[0045] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion 4201 is provided with an annular third protrusion 4203, and the inner peripheral surface of the annular shell 1 is provided with an annular groove 14. The third protrusion 4203 is fitted into the groove 14 and is engaged with the annular shell 1 in the vertical direction.

[0046] Reference Figures 9-11 As shown, when the annular shell 1 is encapsulated on the outer circumferential surface of the cover 4, the groove 14 of the annular shell 1 overlaps with the third protrusion 4203 of the lower cover 42, such as the boss, to achieve the limiting installation of the annular shell 1 in the vertical direction. At the same time, it further extends the moisture intrusion path, thereby improving the sealing performance of the implant.

[0047] Furthermore, adhesive is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 4101 and the inner peripheral surface of the annular shell 1; and / or adhesive is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion 4201 and the inner peripheral surface of the annular shell 1. With this configuration, when the annular shell 1 is encapsulated on the outer peripheral surfaces of the upper cover 41 and the lower cover 42, the adhesive provided at the contact surfaces between the upper cover 41 and the annular shell 1, and between the lower cover 42 and the annular shell 1, effectively blocks the intrusion path of moisture and improves the sealing performance.

[0048] Furthermore, the space between the inner cavity 44 and the circuit assembly 5 and coil 2 can be filled with sealant to further ensure the sealing and corrosion resistance of the implant. The sealant can be filled into the space of the inner cavity 44 through the gap 11 and channel 43. Optionally, the sealant can be silicone or epoxy, but is not limited to these.

[0049] An implantable electrical stimulator according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: an external component and an implant of the implantable electrical stimulator, wherein the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator is electrically connected to the external component via a coil 2.

[0050] As exemplified in the embodiments of this invention, an implantable electrical stimulator for stimulating retinal cells is used as an example. Figure 12As shown, a shell consisting of a ring-shaped housing 1 and a cover 4 (containing a coil 2, an inlet 31 of a stimulation electrode 3, and a circuit assembly 5) can be implanted into the lateral sclera of the eyeball 1000 using standard scleral ophthalmic surgery. The stimulation end 32 (electrode array) of the stimulation electrode 3 is fixed to the surface of the retina 1001 on the inner wall of the eyeball using retinal nails. The inlet 31 and the stimulation end 32 are connected to each other via a connector 33, such as a cable, that passes through the eyeball wall. The implant wirelessly receives energy and data (commands and data feedback) from an external component. In response to certain commands, the implant returns status or diagnostic data to the external component. The external component may include a camera unit, a video processing unit, and a wireless signal transmitter. The camera unit is electrically connected to the video processing unit, and the video processing unit is electrically connected to the wireless signal transmitter. The wireless signal transmitter is wirelessly coupled to the implant of the implantable electrostimulator for energy and data transmission, for example, through an external coil and coil 2 within the implant. After data conversion, the video information is wirelessly transmitted to the implant's circuitry. The electrode array delivers electrical stimulation to the retina 1001. The electrical pulse signals transmitted to the retina 1001 stimulate the neurons that retain function on the retina 1001, and this stimulation is transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, enabling the patient to experience visual perception.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0052] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An implant for an implantable electrical stimulator, characterized in that, include: An annular shell, wherein the annular shell has a slit; Coils are used to transmit data and / or energy; A stimulating electrode having an inlet end, a stimulating end, and a connecting portion connecting the inlet end and the stimulating end, wherein the inlet end is connected to the coil; A cover body is disposed within the annular housing. The cover body includes an upper cover and a lower cover. The upper cover and the lower cover are closed together and together form an inner cavity with a channel. The coil and the inlet end are disposed within the inner cavity, and the inlet end extends out of the inner cavity from the channel. The closure point of the upper cover and the lower cover is located within the annular housing.

2. The implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular housing is provided with a wire-passing hole, and the outer periphery of the upper cover and / or the lower cover forms the channel. The wire-passing hole corresponds to the channel, and the inlet end passes through the wire-passing hole.

3. The implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A circuit assembly is disposed within the inner cavity. The circuit assembly includes a circuit board. The input end is connected to the side surface of the circuit board near the channel. The coil is electrically connected to the circuit board. The ground wire of the circuit board passes through the wire hole or the gap and is fixed to the outer wall of the annular housing. The annular housing is a metal housing.

4. The implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gap is connected to the wire hole and is in the shape of an inverted T-shape. The inverted T-shape extends through the annular housing from top to bottom. The ground wire passes through the inverted T-shape and is fixed to the outer wall of the annular housing near the inverted T-shape.

5. The implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the annular shell has a flat surface, and the ground wire passes through the wire hole or the gap and is fixed on the flat surface.

6. The implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The upper cover has a first annular protrusion on one edge facing the lower cover, and the lower cover has a second annular protrusion on one edge facing the upper cover. The lower end face of the first protrusion and the upper end face of the second protrusion are in contact and fit together to form a closed area between the upper cover and the lower cover.

7. The implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lower end face of the first protrusion is provided with a downward protruding locking strip, and the second protrusion has a notch. The locking strip is engaged with a portion of the notch in the vertical direction, and the other portion forms the channel.

8. The implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion is provided with an annular third protrusion, and the inner peripheral surface of the annular shell is provided with an annular groove. The third protrusion fits into the groove and is in upper limit engagement with the annular shell in the vertical direction.

9. The implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to claim 6, characterized in that, An adhesive is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion and the inner peripheral surface of the annular shell; and / or An adhesive is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion and the inner peripheral surface of the annular shell.

10. An implantable electrical stimulator, characterized in that, include: External components; The implant of the implantable electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the implant of the implantable electrical stimulator is electrically connected to the external component through the coil.