Patent ID: 6175764
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A system for producing repeatable patterns of electrical stimulation in order to contract one or more muscles, said system comprising:at least one implantable microstimulator comprising:a hermetically-sealed housing;a polymeric coating that covers a substantial portion of said heretically-sealed housing, wherein the polymeric coating includes a chemical agent therein that diffuses from the surface of the polymeric coating into surrounding tissue;at least two exposed electrodes for providing electrical current, andelectronic means within said hermetically-sealed housing for generating electrical current;said at least one implantable microstimulator being of a size and shape capable of implantation by expulsion through a hypodermic needle;at least one control unit with memory means for retaining command information representative of at least one desired pattern of electrical stimulation, said control unit including means for coupling electrical signals to said at least one implantable microstimulator to provide operating power and commands thereto for effectuating said at least one desired pattern of electrical stimulation; andactuator means within said at least one control unit for sending said operating power and commands to the at least one implantable microstimulator which causes the at least one implantable microstimulator to provide said at least one desired pattern of electrical stimulation.