JP2009532102A - Non-linear electrode array - Google Patents

Abstract

The stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator, a lead, and a conductor. The lead includes an array body disposed at the distal end of the lead and an electrode disposed concentrically on the array body. A center electrode can also be disposed on the array body. The electrodes can be placed in more than one concentric ring. The method of using the implantable stimulator includes implanting the implantable stimulator and stimulating tissue by applying an electrical signal to at least one electrode of the implantable stimulator. Electrical signals can be applied between diametrically opposed electrodes or between electrodes that are not diametrically opposed. If the implantable stimulator has a central electrode, an electrical signal can be applied between the central electrode and at least one concentrically arranged electrode.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an implantable stimulator. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an implantable stimulation device having electrodes arranged concentrically and a method of using this device.
This application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 319,291, filed Dec. 27, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  Stimulators have been developed for the treatment of various diseases and other treatments. For example, the stimulator can be used for neurological treatment by stimulating nerves or muscles, and for impending urinary incontinence, by stimulating nerve fibers close to the pudendal nerve at the pelvic floor, erectile dysfunction and It can be used for other sexual dysfunctions by stimulating the cavernous nerves to reduce wounds or venous stasis.

  A stimulation device, such as the BION® device (available from Advanced Bionics Corporation of Silma, Calif.), Includes an exposed electrode and an electronic circuit and power source that generate electrical pulses on the electrode to stimulate adjacent tissue. And a small (often cylindrical) housing. Other stimulators, such as Precision® rechargeable stimulators, can be combined with linear / percutaneous or paddle-type leads to stimulate the spinal cord to treat refractory chronic pain. Used. The electronic circuit and the power source are preferably maintained in a sealed environment within the housing for user protection and circuit and power source protection. Once implanted, it is often desirable to be able to control the stimulator and / or charge the power source without removing the stimulator from the implanted environment.

  In one embodiment, the lead includes an array body disposed at the distal end of the lead and an electrode disposed concentrically on the array body. The concentrically arranged electrodes can also be arranged symmetrically with respect to one or more central axes, arranged such that at least two electrodes are diametrically opposed or which two electrodes Can also be arranged so as not to oppose each other in the diameter direction. A central electrode can also be placed on the array body. The electrodes can be placed on more than one concentric ring.

  In another embodiment, the stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator, leads, and conductors. The lead of the stimulation system includes an array body disposed at the distal end of the lead and an electrode disposed concentrically on the array body. At least one conductor is connected to each electrode, and these conductors are configured and arranged to couple the electrode to the implantable pulse generator.

  In yet another embodiment, a method of using an implantable stimulator includes implanting an implantable stimulator and applying electrical signals to at least one electrode of the implantable stimulator to stimulate tissue. including. The implantable stimulator includes a lead. The lead includes an array body disposed at the distal end of the lead and an electrode disposed concentrically on the array body. The electrical signal can be applied so that the tissue is stimulated symmetrically. Electrical signals can also be applied between diametrically opposed electrodes or between electrodes that are not diametrically opposed. If the implantable stimulator has a central electrode, an electrical signal can be applied between the central electrode and at least one concentrically arranged electrode.

  Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference number refers to the same part throughout the different drawings unless otherwise specified.

  For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  The present invention relates to an implantable stimulator. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an implantable stimulation device having electrodes arranged concentrically and a method of using this device.

  Examples of stimulators and stimulator systems are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,609,032, 6,181,969, 6,516,227, 6,609,029, and 6,741. , 892, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11 / 238,240, 11 / 319,291, and 11 / 327,880, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  In at least some applications, it is desirable to place the implantable stimulator electrodes in a non-linear arrangement. For example, a non-linear arrangement of electrodes is desirable when the tissue to be stimulated is not arranged in a straight line. Also, the non-linear placement of the electrodes facilitates effective placement of the implantable stimulator with respect to the tissue being stimulated. For example, an annular non-linear electrode array provides similar stimulation when placed at any angle between 0 ° and 360 °. This can facilitate more rapid embedding by allowing greater tolerance for lead and electrode placement.

  Alternatively or additionally, an implantable stimulator with non-linearly arranged electrodes is desirable when it is advantageous to change the electrode coverage area. For example, the electrode coverage of concentrically arranged electrodes can provide a different electrode coverage than a linear arrangement with the same electrode, for example, a desired electrode coverage depending on the tissue being stimulated. Non-linear electrode arrangements are also particularly suitable for stimulation of specific tissues, such as when symmetrical stimulation is desired.

  In at least some embodiments, the lead includes an array body disposed at a distal end of the lead and an electrode disposed concentrically on the array body. In some embodiments, the electrodes are disposed on more than one concentric ring. The array body can optionally include an electrode disposed centrally.

  FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a stimulation system 100. The stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator 102, an array body 104, and at least one lead body 106 that couples the implantable pulse generator 102 to the array body 104. The array body 104 and the lead wire body 106 form lead wires. The stimulation system can include more, fewer, or different components, and can have a wide variety of configurations, including those disclosed in the stimulator literature cited herein. Please understand that you can. A stimulation system or components of a stimulation system including one or more lead bodies 106, an array body 104 and an implantable pulse generator 102 are implanted in the body.

  The implantable pulse generator 102 typically includes a housing 114 that includes an electronic subassembly 110 and, in at least some embodiments, a power source 120 disposed within a chamber within the housing. The housing is preferably resistant to moisture ingress into the chamber containing the electronic subassembly and the power source. In some embodiments, water can diffuse through the enclosure. Since deionized water is relatively non-conductive, it is preferred that the diffused water does not have a substantial ionic content and is relatively pure.

  The housing 114 can be made of any biocompatible material including, for example, glass, ceramics, metals and polymers. In one embodiment, the housing 114 is made from implantable grade titanium. In another embodiment, the implantable pulse generator housing 114 is sufficient to prevent moisture from moving into the housing and protect the components within the housing from damage under expected use conditions. It is made of strong plastic. The material of the plastic housing is preferably a hydrophobic polymer material. The enclosure 114 can include additives such as fillers, plasticizers, antioxidants, colorants, and the like. Further, the thickness of the wall of the casing affects the moisture permeability of the casing. The minimum thickness required to achieve a specific resistance to moisture migration will often depend on the material selected for the enclosure and any additives.

  Optionally, the housing 114 can be entirely or partially covered with a coating. The coating is provided to improve or modify one or more of the characteristics of the housing 114, including, for example, the housing's biocompatibility, hydrophobicity, moisture permeability, filtration of material into or out of the housing, and the like. be able to. In one embodiment, a coating comprising a compound such as a drug, prodrug, hormone, or other bioactive molecule that can be released over time when the stimulator is implanted can be applied. (In another embodiment, the enclosure itself can include a compound that is released over time after implantation).

  In one embodiment, a conductor or conductors (not shown) couple electrode 154 to implantable pulse generator 102. The conductor can be formed using any conductive material. Examples of suitable materials include, for example, metals, alloys, conductive polymers, and conductive carbon. In one embodiment, the conductor is insulated by an insulating material, except for the portion of the conductor that is coupled to electrode 154, implantable pulse generator 102, or other component of the electronic circuit. The insulating material can be any material that is a poor conductor of electrical signals, including, for example, Teflon, a non-conductive polymer, or a metal oxide with low conductivity.

  The array body 104 can be made from any biocompatible material including, for example, silicon, polyurethane, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), epoxy, and the like. The array body 104 can be formed by any process including, for example, molding (including injection molding), casting, and the like. In one embodiment, a method of making an array body is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 319,291, incorporated herein by reference. The array body 104 can have any shape including, for example, circular, elliptical, square, or rectangular. The array body is preferably rigid.

  The electrode 154 is disposed on the array body. The electrode 154 can be made using any conductive material. Examples of suitable materials include, for example, metals, alloys, conductive polymers, and conductive carbon. The number of electrodes 154 disposed on the array body 104 can vary depending on the application for which the electrodes 154 are used (eg, brain stimulation, nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, etc.). For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or more There may be a number of electrodes 154. It should be appreciated that other numbers of electrodes 154 can also be used.

  The electrode 154 can have any shape including, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a square, or a rectangle. The circular electrode 154 has a constant radius. In some embodiments, electrode 154 is non-circular. Non-circular electrodes often have a width that is different from the length of electrode 154. In some embodiments, the non-circular electrode has a major axis 130 that bisects the larger dimension of the electrode and a minor axis 140 that bisects the smaller dimension of the electrode. The major axis 130 and minor axis 140 of one embodiment of a non-circular electrode are shown schematically in FIG. It should be appreciated that other non-circular electrodes are possible. Alternatively, the electrode 154 may be designed to have a shape that allows the electrode placement to follow the outer boundary of the array body 104.

  The electrodes 154 are disposed concentrically on the array body 104. The arrangement of the electrodes 154 on the array body 104 may be changed. Electrodes 154 arranged concentrically on the array body 104 can be arranged around a common center to form a circle or ellipse. In some embodiments, the electrodes 154 disposed concentrically on the array body 104 are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, for example. Indicated. It should be appreciated that other concentric arrangements of electrodes 154 are possible.

  The electrode 154 can also be disposed on the array body 104 such that there is a centrally disposed electrode 154 ', as shown in FIGS. The electrode 154 ′ arranged at the center is arranged at the common center of the electrodes 154 arranged concentrically. For example, centrally located electrodes 154'j and 154'k are shown schematically in FIGS. 3 and 5, respectively.

  The electrodes 154 can be disposed on the array body 104 symmetrically with respect to one or more central axes 150, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. The central axis 150 bisects the arrangement of the electrodes 154. When the electrode 154 is disposed on the array body 104 symmetrically with respect to the central axis 150, the electrode 154 on one side of the central axis 150 is a mirror image of the electrode 154 disposed on the other side of the central axis 150. Be placed. It should be appreciated that other symmetric arrangements of electrodes 154 are possible. The array body 104 having electrodes 154 arranged symmetrically with respect to one or more central axes 150 can have any shape.

  The electrodes 154 can be disposed on the array body 104 such that at least two electrodes 154 are diametrically opposed. For example, the electrode 154e and the electrode 154f schematically shown in FIG. 4 are opposed in the diametrical direction. It should be appreciated that other arrangements of electrodes 154 are possible where at least two electrodes 154 are diametrically opposed on the array body 104. In other embodiments, no two electrodes 154 are diametrically opposed.

  It should be appreciated that electrodes 154 that are arranged such that at least two electrodes 154 are diametrically opposed can also be arranged concentrically. Electrodes 154 arranged such that at least two electrodes 154 are diametrically opposed can also be arranged symmetrically with respect to one or more central axes 150, for example, as shown in FIG. Similarly, the electrodes 154 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to one or more central axes 150 so that no two electrodes 154 are diametrically opposed, as shown in FIGS. . The array body 104 having at least two electrodes 154 that are diametrically opposed, or no two electrodes are diametrically opposed, can have any shape including, for example, circular or elliptical.

  The electrodes 154 can be disposed on the array body, eg, on more than one concentric ring, as shown in FIGS. Concentric rings have a common center, and each concentric ring can be circular or elliptical. For example, the electrodes 154 can be concentrically arranged on two or more toric rings that share a common center but have different radii, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. . Alternatively, the electrodes 154 can be arranged concentrically on two or more elliptical rings, as shown in FIGS. In some embodiments, the electrodes 154 can be concentrically arranged on more than one concentric annulus having different shapes. For example, the electrodes 154 can be concentrically arranged on an ellipse and a circle that share a common center.

  The array body 104 is symmetrically disposed on the array body 104 with respect to more than one concentric ring, concentrically disposed electrodes 154, centrally disposed electrodes 154 ', and one or more central axes. Electrodes 154 and / or diametrically opposed electrodes 154 can be included.

  The electrode 154 can be a non-circular electrode. Non-circular electrodes are shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9. FIG. For example, the electrodes 154a, 154b, and 154c in FIG. 2 and the electrode 154f in FIG. 4 are non-circular electrodes 154. In some embodiments, the non-circular electrode has a minor axis 140 and a major axis 130. Non-circular electrodes can be arranged concentrically on more than one concentric ring, for example, as shown in FIGS.

  In some embodiments, the major axis 130 of at least one non-circular electrode on the first concentric ring is radially arranged and the major axis 130 of at least one non-circular electrode on the second concentric ring is tangent. Arranged in the direction. For example, FIG. 5 shows a non-circular electrode 154g on a first concentric ring with the long axis 130 arranged radially (see, eg, FIG. 2) and a second concentric circle with the long axis 130 arranged tangentially. A non-circular electrode 154h on the ring is shown.

  Alternatively, the long axis 130 of at least one non-circular electrode on the first concentric ring can be tangentially arranged and the long axis 130 of at least one non-circular electrode on the second concentric ring is , Can be arranged in the radial direction. For example, in FIG. 6, the long axis 130 of the non-circular electrode 154m on the first concentric ring is arranged in the tangential direction, and the long axis 130 of the non-circular electrode 154n on the second concentric ring is arranged in the radial direction. Is done. Non-circular electrodes can also be placed in any direction between the tangential and radial directions.

  The array body 104 is symmetrically arranged with respect to a non-circular electrode having a short axis 140 and a long axis 130, concentrically arranged electrodes 154, a centrally arranged electrode 154 ′, one or more central axes 150. It should be appreciated that a plurality of concentric rings 154, electrodes 154 arranged on more than one concentric ring, and / or diametrically opposed electrodes 154 may be included. Similarly, the long axis 130 of the non-circular electrode is arranged radially on the first concentric ring and the long axis 130 of another non-circular electrode is arranged tangentially on the second concentric ring. The array body 104 with non-circular electrodes arranged concentrically on more concentric rings also has electrodes 154 ′ arranged in the center, electrodes arranged symmetrically with respect to one or more central axes 150. 154 and / or diametrically opposed electrodes 154 can be included. The array body having at least one non-circular electrode arranged in the radial direction and at least one non-circular electrode arranged in the tangential direction can have any shape.

  In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at least one electrode 154 on the first concentric ring is coaxial with at least one electrode 154 on the second concentric ring. Can be aligned. For example, in FIG. 5, electrode 154g on the first concentric ring is coaxially aligned with electrode 154h on the second concentric ring. In FIG. 5, the electrode 154g on the first concentric ring is also coaxially aligned with the electrode 154l on the second concentric ring. It should be appreciated that other electrode arrangements are possible in which the electrodes on the first concentric ring are coaxially aligned with the electrodes on the second concentric ring. In other embodiments, no electrode on a concentric ring is coaxially aligned with an electrode on an adjacent concentric ring.

  The array body 104 having concentrically arranged electrodes 154 in which at least one electrode on the first concentric ring is coaxially aligned with at least one electrode on the second concentric ring is also diametrically opposed. Electrode 154, one or more electrodes 154 arranged symmetrically with respect to central axis 150, and / or electrode 154 'arranged in the center. The array body 104 having at least one electrode 154 on the first concentric ring, coaxially aligned with at least one electrode on the second concentric ring, can have any shape.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic overview of one embodiment of components of a stimulation system that includes an electronic subassembly 110 (which may or may not include a power source 120) in accordance with the present invention. The stimulation system and electronic subassembly 110 can include more, fewer, or different components and have a wide variety of configurations, including those disclosed in the stimulation devices cited herein. Recognize that you can. If desired, some or all of the components of the stimulation system can be placed on one or more circuit boards or similar carriers within the stimulator housing.

  For example, any power source 120 including a battery such as a primary battery or a rechargeable battery can be used. Examples of other power sources include supercapacitors, nuclear cells or nuclear cells, mechanical resonators, infrared collectors, thermal power energy sources, bending power energy sources, bio energy power sources, fuel cells, bioelectric cells, osmotic pumps, and Power supplies such as those described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0059392, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  As another alternative, power can be supplied by an external power source through inductive coupling via an optional antenna 124 or a second antenna. The external power source can be placed inside a device that is mounted on the user's skin or in a unit that is permanently or periodically installed near the user of the stimulator.

  If power source 120 is a rechargeable battery, the battery can be charged using optional antenna 124 if desired. Power can be supplied to the charging battery 120 by inductively coupling the battery to the charging unit 210 (see FIG. 10) via the antenna.

  In one embodiment, current is emitted by electrode 154 to stimulate motor nerve fibers, muscle fibers, or other body tissue near the stimulator. The electronic subassembly 110 provides an electronic circuit that is used to activate the stimulator and generate electrical pulses on the electrodes 154 to generate stimulation of body tissue. FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the electronic subassembly and associated unit components.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 204 is generally included in the electronic subassembly 110 to control the timing and electrical characteristics of the stimulator. For example, if desired, the processor can control one or more of pulse timing, frequency, intensity, duration, and waveform. Further, the processor 204 can select which electrodes can be used to provide the stimulus, if desired. In some embodiments, the processor can select which electrode is the cathode and which electrode is the anode. In some embodiments where the electrodes are placed on two or more sides of the housing, the processor can be used to identify which electrode provides the most effective stimulation to the desired tissue. This process may be performed using an external programming unit that communicates with the processor 204, as described below.

  Any processor can be used and can be as simple as an electronic device that generates pulses at regular intervals, or the processor can be modified from an external programming unit 208 that allows for changing pulse characteristics. It is possible to have a function of receiving and interpreting the commands. In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 204 is coupled to a receiver 202 that is in turn coupled to an optional antenna 124. This allows the processor to receive instructions from an external source that directs the selection of pulse characteristics and electrodes, if desired.

  In one embodiment, antenna 124 may receive a signal (eg, an RF signal) from external telemetry unit 206 that is programmed by programming unit 208. The programming unit 208 can be external to or part of the telemetry unit 206. The telemetry unit 206 can be a device worn on the user's skin, if desired, or can have a form similar to a pager or cell phone that can be carried by the user. . As another alternative, the telemetry unit may not be worn or transported by the user, but may only be available at the home station or doctor's office. The programming unit 208 can be any unit that can provide information to the telemetry unit for transmission to the stimulator. The programming unit 208 can be part of the telemetry unit 206 or can provide signals or information to the telemetry unit via a wireless or wired connection. One example of a suitable programming unit is a computer operated by a user or physician to send signals to the telemetry unit.

  Signals sent to the processor 204 via the antenna 124 and receiver 202 can be used to modify or otherwise indicate the operation of the stimulator. For example, the signal can be used to modify a stimulator pulse to modify one or more of pulse duration, pulse frequency, pulse waveform, and pulse intensity. The signal can also instruct the stimulator to stop operation, or start operation, or start charging the battery. In other embodiments, electronic subassembly 110 does not include antenna 124 or receiver 202, and the processor operates as programmed.

  Optionally, the stimulator can include a processor (not shown) coupled to the processor and antenna to send the signal back to the telemetry unit 206 or another unit capable of receiving the signal. For example, the stimulator can transmit a signal that indicates whether the stimulator is operating properly or when the battery needs to be charged. The processor can also have the ability to communicate information regarding the pulse characteristics so that the user or physician can determine or confirm the pulse characteristics.

  Optional antenna 124 may have any shape. In one embodiment, the antenna includes a winding that is at least partially coated around the electronic subassembly within or on the housing.

  Any method of manufacturing the components of the stimulator can be used. For example, the power supply and antenna can be manufactured as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0059392. These components can then be placed within the housing (or alternatively, the housing can be formed around the components, for example by molding).

  The stimulator can be implanted in the patient's body and an electrical signal can be applied to the conductive electrode 154 to stimulate the tissue. In one embodiment, a method of using an implantable stimulator includes implanting an implantable stimulator with a lead. The lead includes an array body 104 disposed at the distal end of the lead. The electrodes 154 are disposed concentrically on the array body 104. An electrical signal is applied to at least one electrode 154 disposed on the array body 104 to stimulate the tissue.

  Implantable stimulators can be implanted into body tissue using a variety of methods, including surgical methods. In one embodiment, the stimulator can be implanted using a hypodermic syringe or other insertion cannula. Examples of insertion techniques can be found in US Pat. No. 6,051,017.

  Electrical signals can be applied to the electrodes 154 of the implantable stimulator having electrodes 154 arranged concentrically on the array body 104 so as to stimulate the tissue symmetrically. In other embodiments, two leads having an array body 104 with electrodes 154 arranged concentrically can be used to stimulate tissue symmetrically.

  The stimulator electrode 154 can be selectively stimulated. The electrical signal can be applied simultaneously to the plurality of electrodes 154 of the stimulator. Alternatively, the electrical signal can be applied independently of each other to the plurality of electrodes 154 of the stimulator. Adjustment of the electrical signal applied to electrode 154 is often facilitated by processor 204.

  An electrical signal can be applied to the implantable stimulator electrode 154 such that the electrical signal is applied between the diametrically opposed electrodes 154. For example, an electrical signal can be applied between the diametrically opposed electrodes 154e and 154f in FIG. It should be appreciated that electrical signals can be applied to electrodes 154 in other arrangements in which at least two electrodes 154 are diametrically opposed.

  An electrical signal can also be applied to the implantable stimulator electrode 154 such that the electrical signal is applied between electrodes 154 that are not diametrically opposed. For example, an electrical signal can be applied between electrodes 154d and 154a in FIG. It should be appreciated that an electrical signal can be applied between electrodes 154 in other arrangements where the electrodes receiving the electrical signal are not diametrically opposed.

  Alternatively, the electrical signal can be applied to the implantable stimulator electrode 154 such that the electrical signal is applied between the centrally disposed electrode 154 ′ and the concentrically disposed electrode 154. . For example, an electrical signal can be applied between the concentrically disposed electrode 154i and the centrally disposed electrode 154'j in FIG. It should be appreciated that the electrical signal can be applied between electrodes 154 in other arrangements, including an electrode 154 ′ arranged centrally and an electrode 154 arranged concentrically, that receive the electrical signal.

  The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the manufacture and use of the component of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention also falls within the scope of the appended claims.

1 is a schematic perspective view of an appearance of an embodiment of a stimulation system according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an array body according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an array body according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of an array body according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an array body according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an array body according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an array body according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an array body according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an eighth embodiment of an array body according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic overview of components of a stimulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Stimulation system 102 Implantable pulse generator 104 Array body 106 Lead body 110 Electronic subassembly 114 Housing 120 Power supply 124 Antenna 130 Long axis 140 Short axis 150 Central axis 154 Electrode 202 Receiver 204 Processor 206 Telemetry unit 208 Programming unit 210 Charging unit

Claims (20)

A lead wire,
An array body disposed at a distal end of the lead;
A plurality of electrodes arranged concentrically on the array body;
Lead wire characterized by including.   The lead according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes are arranged symmetrically with respect to one or more central axes.   The lead wire according to claim 1, wherein at least two electrodes are diametrically opposed.   Lead according to claim 1, characterized in that no two electrodes are diametrically opposed.   The lead according to claim 1, further comprising a central electrode disposed on the array body and centrally disposed with respect to the plurality of electrodes.   The lead wire according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrode is a non-circular electrode.   The lead wire according to claim 6, wherein the at least one electrode is a non-circular electrode having a major axis and a minor axis.   The plurality of electrodes are disposed on more than one concentric ring, and the major axis of at least one electrode on the first concentric ring is disposed radially and at least on the second concentric ring. The lead wire according to claim 7, wherein a major axis of one electrode is disposed in a tangential direction.   The lead wire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes are arranged concentrically on more than one concentric ring.   The lead according to claim 9, characterized in that no electrode on the first concentric ring is coaxially aligned with an electrode on the second concentric ring.   The lead according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one electrode on the first concentric ring is coaxially aligned with at least one electrode on the second concentric ring.   The lead wire according to claim 1, wherein the array body is circular.   The lead wire according to claim 1, wherein the array body is elliptical. A stimulation system,
An embedded pulse generator; and
A lead including an array body disposed at the distal end and a plurality of electrodes disposed concentrically on the array body;
Multiple conductors;
With
One of the conductors is connected to each electrode, and the conductor is configured and arranged to couple the electrode to the implantable pulse generator;
A stimulation system characterized by that. A method of using an implantable stimulator comprising:
Implanting an implantable stimulator comprising an array body disposed at a distal end and a lead comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed concentrically on the array body;
Applying electrical signals to at least one electrode to stimulate tissue;
A method comprising the steps of:   The method of claim 15, wherein applying the electrical signal comprises stimulating the tissue symmetrically.   The method of claim 15, wherein applying the electrical signal comprises applying an electrical signal between diametrically opposed electrodes.   The method of claim 15, wherein applying the electrical signal comprises applying an electrical signal between electrodes that are not diametrically opposed.   The method of claim 15, wherein the stimulator further comprises a central electrode disposed on the array body and centrally disposed with respect to the plurality of electrodes.   The step of applying the electrical signal comprises applying an electrical signal between the centrally disposed electrode and at least one of the concentrically disposed electrodes. the method of.

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