Patent ID: 6185455
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A method for reducing the incidence of medical complications from physical inactivity, confinement or immobilization of the whole body or parts thereof, comprising:(a) coating a substantial portion of the surface of at least one implantable microstimulator with a coating containing a pharmaceutical agent, wherein each of the at least one implantable microstimulator comprises a hermetically-sealed housing, at least two exposed electrodes, and electronic means within said hermetically-sealed housing for generating an electrical current and applying said electrical current to said at least two exposed electrodes;(b) implanting the at least one implantable microstimulator in muscle associated with an affected site;(c) administering prescribed sequences of electrical stimulation through the at least two exposed electrodes of the at least one implantable microstimulator to nerves or muscles in the vicinity of the at least one implantable microstimulator; and(d) controlling the at least one implantable microstimulator to electrically excite a physiological response from the body tissue near the at least two exposed electrodes simultaneously with elution of a locally high level of the pharmaceutical agent from the coating.