Abstract A percutaneous myo-electrode system for facilitating either the stimulation of, or the extraction of electrical energy due to, muscular activity within the body of a vertebrate. A percutaneous member of a biocompatible carbon material is insertable into an aperture in the body tissue such that a surface thereof is substantially flush with the outer skin of the body tissue. At least one connecting member of electrically conductive biocompatible material is secured within and electrically insulated from the percutaneous member. One end of the, or each, connecting member is connectable, at the surface of the body tissue, to an electrical energy source or user external of the body, whilst the other end thereof is connected to an electrode of an electrically conductive biocompatible material by means of a connecting lead of an electrically conductive biocompatible material. The electrode is connectable to a muscle within the body. The electrical energy user can be an artificial limb, and the external electrical energy source can be used to stimulate the heart of the vertebrate.
A percutaneous myo-electrode system as claimed in claim 1 which includes at least two of the connecting members each one of which is connected to an electrode by a connecting lead.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
44 words
A percutaneous myo-electrode system as claimed in claim 2 which includes a layer of a biocompatible electrically insulating material formed on a surface of the percutaneous member such that it effects electrical isolation between the said other ends of each of the connecting members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A percutaneous myo-electrode system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a surface of the percutaneous member for engagement with the aperture in the body is roughened.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A percutaneous myo-electrode system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said connecting member is electrically insulated from the percutaneous member by a layer of a biocompatible electrically insulating material interposed between the connecting member and the percutaneous member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A percutaneous myo-electrode system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the said layer is of a material taken from the group consisting of silicon carbide, and electrically insulating phenolic resin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A percutaneous myo-electrode system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carbon material is taken from the group consisting of vitreous carbon, glassy carbon, and pyrolytic carbon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A percutaneous myo-electrode system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said electrode is of a material taken from the group consisting of vitreous carbon, glassy carbon, and pyrolytic carbon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A percutaneous myo-electrode system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive biocompatible material of said connecting lead is a carbon fiber filament.