Patent ID: 7444185
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An active electrode array located at or near a distal end of an implantable lead, the active electrode array being adapted for use with an implantable tissue stimulating prosthesis, wherein the active electrode array comprises: at least four banks of Active Contacts in the active electrode array, wherein each bank of the at least four banks of Active Contacts includes at least one lateral electrode contact and at least one medial electrode contact; decoding circuitry built into each bank of Active Contacts in the active electrode array; and switching circuitry built into each bank of Active Contacts within the active electrode array, wherein each Active Contact of each bank of Active Contacts may be individually activated by electrode control signals applied to the switching circuitry of each bank of Active Contacts; and wherein the switching circuitry of each bank of Active Contacts within the active electrode array comprises a first switch coupled to the decoding circuitry and the at least one lateral electrode contact, and a second switch coupled to the decoding circuitry and the at least one medial electrode contact; and wherein the decoding circuitry responds to the electrode control signals and causes the first and second switches to selectively activate one or both of the medial or lateral electrode contacts.