Patent ID: 7983767
Filing Date: 2011-07-19
Classification: A61F,A61N

Abstract:
1. An implantable tissue-stimulating device comprising: an elongate carrier including a carrier body, the elongate carrier having a plurality of electrodes mounted thereon and having a first configuration selected to allow said member to be inserted into an implantee's body and at least a second configuration wherein said elongate member is adapted to apply a preselected tissue stimulation with the electrodes, said elongate carrier being made of a resiliently flexible first material; and a bioresorbable stiffening element having a configuration selected for biassing said elongate member into said first configuration, said stiffening element being made of a second material relatively stiffer than said first material and which dissolves or softens on exposure to a fluid to permit said elongate carrier to at least approach or adopt said second configuration, wherein the stiffening element extends in an interior of the carrier body along a direction of extension of the carrier body, the carrier body having at least one fluid ingress formed therein placing the stiffening element in fluid communication with an exterior of the elongate carrier.