Implantable microstimulator system for prevention of disorders

Claim 1

A system for the prevention or reversal of one or more disorders associated with inactivity, immobilization or confinement of one or more muscles, the system comprising: (a) at least one implantable microstimulator comprising a hermetically-sealed housing, at least two exposed electrodes for providing electrical current, and electronic means within said hermetically-sealed housing for generating electrical current applied to said exposed electrodes, wherein each at least one implantable microstimulator is of a size and shape capable of implantation by expulsion through a narrow cannula, and wherein said at least one implantable microstimulator is coated with a polymeric coating over a substantial portion of the surface area of the hermetically-sealed housing, and wherein the polymeric coating includes a chemical agent therein that diffuses from the surface of the coating into the surrounding tissue; (b) implantation means useful for implanting said at least one implantable microstimulator into muscle tissue so as to be proximate to a motor nerve fiber; (c) external control means for commanding the at least one implanted microstimulator to produce various stimulation pulses until a desired stimulation sequence and pattern are identified, said external control means having a memory element; (d) storage means for storing the desired stimulation sequence and pattern in the memory element of the external controller; and (e) trigger means for triggering the desired stimulation sequence and pattern from the external controller to provide regular electrically-induced contraction of the muscle each time such is desired.

Claim 2

A system for the prevention or reversal of one or more disorders associated with inactivity, immobilization or confinement of one or more muscles, the system comprising: (a) at least one implantable microstimulator comprising a hermetically-sealed housing, at least two exposed electrodes for providing electrical current, and electronic means within said hermetically-sealed housing for generating electrical current applied to said exposed electrodes, wherein each at least one implantable microstimulator is of a size and shape capable of implantation by expulsion through a narrow cannula, and wherein said at least one implantable microstimulator is coated with a polymeric coating over a substantial portion of the surface area of the hermetically-sealed housing, and wherein the polymeric coating includes a chemical agent therein that diffuses from the surface of the coating into the surrounding tissue; (b) implantation means useful for implanting said at least one implantable microstimulator into muscle tissue so as to be proximate to a motor nerve fiber; (c) external control means for commanding the at least one implanted microstimulator to produce various stimulation pulses until a desired stimulation sequence and pattern are identified, said external control means having a memory element; (d) storage means for storing the desired stimulation sequence and pattern in the memory element of the external controller; and (e) trigger means for triggering the desired stimulation sequence and pattern from the external controller to provide regular electrically-induced contraction of the muscle each time such is desired.

Claim 3

A system for reducing the incidence of disorders and medical complications resulting from physical confinement or immobilization of the whole body or parts thereof, comprising: at least one implantable microstimulator comprising a hermetically-sealed housing, at least two exposed electrodes, electronic means within said hermetically-sealed housing for generating an electrical current and applying said electrical current to said at least two exposed electrodes, and a battery for providing operating power to the at least one implantable microstimulator means for implanting the at least one implantable microstimulator in muscle associated with an affected site; and means for administering prescribed sequences of electrical stimulation through the at least two exposed electrodes of the at least one implantable microstimulator to nerves or muscle in the vicinity of the at least one implantable microstimulator comprising: means for preprogramming said at least one implantable microstimulator with a desired sequence and pattern of electrical simulation; and means for activating said desired sequence and pattern of electrical stimulation at prescribed intervals.

Claim 4

A system for reducing the incidence of disorders and medical complications resulting from physical confinement or immobilization of the whole body or parts thereof, comprising: at least one implantable microstimulator comprising a hermetically-sealed housing, at least two exposed electrodes, electronic means within said hermetically-sealed housing for generating an electrical current and applying said electrical current to said at least two exposed electrodes, and a battery for providing operating power to the at least one implantable microstimulator means for implanting the at least one implantable microstimulator in muscle associated with an affected site; and means for administering prescribed sequences of electrical stimulation through the at least two exposed electrodes of the at least one implantable microstimulator to nerves or muscle in the vicinity of the at least one implantable microstimulator comprising: means for preprogramming said at least one implantable microstimulator with a desired sequence and pattern of electrical simulation; and means for activating said desired sequence and pattern of electrical stimulation at prescribed intervals.