IMPLANTABLE QUADRIPOLAR ELECTRODE FOR MULTIPLE-SEQUENCE NERVE STIMULATION OF THE PHRENIC NERVE

摘要

The invention concerns an implantable quadripolar electrode (1) for multiple-sequence nerve stimulation of the phrenic nerve (2). It essentially consists of a matrix (1) provided with two branches (11) and (12) each consisting of a hook (111, 121) designed to come into contact with the phrenic nerve without totally encircling it, and an extension (112, 122), or tab, designed to pass through the corresponding incision provided in the pleura and to attach the latter to the pericardium, each hook (111, 121) having an opening (113, 123) capable of allowing the phrenic nerve to pass through same. The hooks (111) and (121) are connected by a bridge (13) intended to keep them at a well defined distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of said phrenic nerve (2) and to allow, as a result of the elasticity of same, the branches (11) and (12) to rotate relative to each other in order to position the hooks (111) and (121) around the phrenic nerve via the respective openings (113, 123) of same, said hooks each being provided with two contactors (14, 15) and (16, 17) arranged symmetrically around the axis of said phrenic nerve (2), in contact with same, and designed to be powered, with multiple-sequence nerve stimulation current, by means of a bundle (3) of fours wires (34, 35, 36, 37).