Implantable electrode assembly having reverse electrode configuration

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for generating an electric field inside a patient include at least a first electrode and a second electrode on a common implantable substrate. Each of the electrodes has a respective proximal end and a respective distal end. Electrical energy can be applied that causes electrical current to flow simultaneously through the first and second electrodes preferentially from the proximal end of one electrode to the distal end of the other electrode.

1 . An electrotherapy arrangement, comprising: 
 a first electrode;    a second electrode having an arcing shape; and    the second electrode at least partially encircling the first electrode.    
   
   
       2 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a third electrode having an arcing shape; and    a third electrode at least partially encircling the first and second electrodes.    
   
   
       3 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 2 , wherein the second electrode is electrically insulated from the first and third electrodes.  
   
   
       4 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 2 , wherein the first and third electrodes are electrically connected to one another.  
   
   
       5 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein each electrode comprises a coil.  
   
   
       6 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein each electrode is disposed on a common implantable substrate.  
   
   
       7 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein one of the electrodes is electrically insulated from the other two electrodes.  
   
   
       8 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein one of the electrodes is electrically connected to one of the other two electrodes.  
   
   
       9 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein each electrode has a first end and a second end.  
   
   
       10 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , further comprising a lead electrically connected to a first end of the first electrode.  
   
   
       11 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , further comprising a lead electrically connected to a second end of the second electrode.  
   
   
       12 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , further comprising a lead electrically connected to a first end of the third electrode.  
   
   
       13 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein one electrode is electrically connected to another electrode.  
   
   
       14 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the third electrode.  
   
   
       15 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 1 , further comprising an electrotherapy signal generator electrically connected to at least two of the electrodes and delivering an electrotherapy signal thereto.  
   
   
       16 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 13 , wherein a generally uniform charge density is generated between the electrodes when the electrotherapy signal is delivered thereto.  
   
   
       17 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 13 , wherein the electrodes are placed in contact with tissue and a generally uniform charge density is generated in the tissue when the electrotherapy signal is delivered to the electrodes.  
   
   
       18 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 13 , wherein a generally uniform electrical field is generated between the electrodes when the electrotherapy signal is delivered thereto.  
   
   
       19 . The electrotherapy arrangement of  claim 13 , wherein the electrodes are placed in contact with tissue and a generally uniform electrical field is generated in the tissue when the electrotherapy signal is delivered to the electrodes.  
   
   
       20 . A method of generating an electric field in tissue of a patient, the method comprising: 
 implanting a first electrode and a second electrode into the patient;    electrically contacting the first and second electrodes with the tissue; and    applying electrical potential between a distal end of one electrode and a proximal end of the other electrode to induce an electrical current to flow through the tissue preferentially from the proximal end of one electrode to the distal end of the other electrode.    
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the first and second electrodes are disposed on a common implantable substrate.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the first and second electrodes are each disposed on a separate implantable substrate.  
   
   
       23 . An electrode assembly, comprising: 
 at least three generally parallel elongate electrode structures secured over a surface of a substrate, each electrode structure having a proximal end and a distal end;    wherein an outer pair of the electrode structures is electrically isolated from an inner electrode structure;    wherein the proximal end of each electrode structure is electrically coupled to a conductive lead adapted to carry electrical energy; and    wherein the proximal ends of the outer electrode structures and the distal end of the inner electrode structure are proximately situated at a first surface region of the substrate, and the distal ends of the outer electrode structures and the proximal end of the inner electrode structure are proximately situated at a second surface region of the substrate that is electrically isolated from the first surface region.    
   
   
       24 . An electrode assembly implanted at an electrotherapy site in a patient, the electrode assembly comprising: 
 at least two elongate electrodes, where each electrode:    is secured to a substrate;    is in electrical contact with tissue proximate the electrotherapy site, and    has a proximal end and a distal end; and    wherein a generally uniform charge density is generated in the tissue when an electrical potential is applied between the at least two electrodes.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein each electrode is secured to a common substrate.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein each electrode is secured to a separate substrate.