초록 ▼

Improved implantable microstimulators are covered with a biocompatible polymeric coating in order to provide increased strength to the capsule and to capture fragments of the microstimulator should it become mechanically disrupted. Such coating also makes the microstimulator safer and easier to hand

Improved implantable microstimulators are covered with a biocompatible polymeric coating in order to provide increased strength to the capsule and to capture fragments of the microstimulator should it become mechanically disrupted. Such coating also makes the microstimulator safer and easier to handle. The coating may include one or more diffusible chemical agents that are released in a controlled manner into the surrounding tissue. The chemical agents, such as trophic factors, antibiotics, hormones, neurotransmitters and other pharmaceutical substances, are selected to produce desired physiological effects, to aid, support or to supplement the effects of the electrical stimulation. Further, microstimulators in accordance with the invention provide systems that prevent and/or treat various disorders associated with prolonged inactivity, confinement or immobilization of one or more muscles. Such disorders include pressure ulcers, venous emboli, autonomic dysreflexia, sensorimotor spasticity and muscle atrophy. The microstimulator systems include external control for controlling the operation of the microstimulators. The control include memory for programming preferred stimulation patterns for later activation by the patient or caregiver.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] 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

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] 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.