Modularly adaptable stimulation system for versatile use in functional electrostimulation

摘要

The invention relates to a versatile modular device for functional electrostimulation of nerves or muscles and to its construction (Fig. 1), said device consisting of an implantable stimulation part 3 to 11 and of a programming unit 1 located outside the body, and of a device for transcutaneous data transmission 2. The invention is characterized in that the implantable part comprises the following components: a housing 3 with a number of external plug contacts 4 for contact of various stimulation electrodes 9, measurement electrodes 10 or measurement sensors 11. A micro-controller 5 with memory and additional stimulation electronics is integrated on a printed circuit board 6 in the housing 3. The specific stimulation method is adapted by a software module 8 to the particular application, by which means the pulse shape, the envelope curves of the stimulation bursts, the number of nerves to be stimulated, the timing of the activation of the particular nerve, and all other functions of the stimulation system can be adapted to the particular application. All the mechanical components of the system and the hardware for the electronics remain unchanged for all applications. The invention is further characterized in that the measurement modules 7 can be integrated via already existing contacts in the implantable stimulator without changing the implant housing 3, and the alternately usable sensors are contacted via already existing plug contacts 4 of the implant housing 3. In this way, it is possible to carry out alternatively measurement of the ECG, EMG or other biological signals. IMAGE