Patent ID: 7822486
Filing Date: 2010-10-26
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for applying a signal to a nerve for the treatment of a disorder, said apparatus comprising: a main electrode body of biocompatible dielectric material and having a concave upper surface and an opposite lower surface, said concave upper surface curving about an axis and having a curvature sized to receive a nerve within said concave surface with an axis of said nerve substantially parallel with an axis of said concave surface, said concave surface terminating at opposite first and second upper ends; an electrode contact of electrically conductive material secured to said main electrode body and having an electrode contact surface exposed on said concave surface, said electrode contact having a first end extending above said first upper end of said concave surface; a flexible extension connected to the main electrode body at the second upper end and extending longitudinally away from the concave surface to form part of a plane extending between said first and second upper ends of said main electrode body; a secondary electrode body of biocompatible dielectric material attached to and pivotable relative to said main electrode body at said first upper end of said concave surface, wherein said secondary electrode body is in contact with the first end of the electrode contact, and extends from said first upper end at an angle that is 90° or less relative to the plane extending between said first and second upper ends of said main electrode body and the flexible extension, and can pivot through angles of 90° or less relative to the plane; and an electrode lead having an electrical conductor surrounded by a biocompatible insulative coating with both said conductor and said coating flexible relative to a longitudinal axis of said lead, wherein a first end of said lead is secured to said secondary electrode body and a first end of said conductor is electrically connected to said first end of said electrode contact, and the longitudinal axis of the lead extends 90° or less relative to the plane extending between said first and second upper ends of said main electrode body and the flexible extension.