Patent ID: 8805542

Claim:
An implantable device for use with a spinal cord, the device comprising: a body portion having a peripheral portion and a first layer constructed from a substantially electrically nonconductive material, the first layer having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being positionable alongside the spinal cord and comprising a first plurality of openings, the second portion comprising a second plurality of openings; a plurality of electrodes positioned inside the peripheral portion and alongside the first portion of the first layer, at least one of the first plurality of openings being adjacent each of the electrodes to provide a pathway through which the electrode may provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord when the first portion is positioned alongside the spinal cord and wherein the at least one of the first plurality of openings adjacent each of the plurality of electrodes comprise more than one opening; a plurality of traces positioned inside the peripheral portion and alongside the first layer with at least one of the second plurality of openings being adjacent each of the traces to provide a pathway through which the trace may receive electrical stimulation, one or more of the traces being connected to each of the electrodes and configured to conduct electrical stimulation received by the one or more of the traces to the electrode; and a plurality of grid structures positioned inside the first layer with a different one of the grid structures being adjacent each of the plurality of electrodes, each grid structure comprises a plurality of cells, for each of the plurality of electrodes, each of the at least one of the first plurality of openings adjacent the electrode being positioned inside a different one of the cells of the grid structure adjacent the electrode.