Non-linear electrode array

Abstract

A system for stimulation, including an implantable pulse generator, a lead comprising an array body disposed at a distal end of the lead and a plurality of electrodes concentrically arranged on the array body, and a plurality of conductors, wherein one of the conductors is attached to each electrode and wherein the conductors are configured and arranged to couple the electrodes to the implantable pulse generator.

1 . A lead comprising: an array body disposed at a distal end of the lead; and a plurality of electrodes concentrically arranged on the array body. 
     
     
         2 . The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are arranged symmetrically with respect to one or more central axes. 
     
     
         3 . The lead of  claim 1 , wherein at least two electrodes are diametrically opposed. 
     
     
         4 . The lead of  claim 1 , wherein no two electrodes are diametrically opposed. 
     
     
         5 . The lead of  claim 1 , further comprising a center electrode disposed on the array body and centrally located with respect to the plurality of electrodes. 
     
     
         6 . The lead of  claim 1 , wherein at least one electrode is a non-circular electrode. 
     
     
         7 . The lead of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one electrode is a non-circular electrode having a major axis and a minor axis. 
     
     
         8 . The lead of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are arranged in more than one concentric ring, and wherein the major axis of at least one electrode in a first one of the concentric rings is arranged radially and the major axis of at least one electrode in a second one of the concentric rings is arranged tangentially. 
     
     
         9 . The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are concentrically arranged in more than one concentric ring. 
     
     
         10 . The lead of  claim 9 , wherein no electrode in a first concentric ring is aligned coaxially with an electrode in a second concentric ring. 
     
     
         11 . The lead of  claim 9 , wherein at least one electrode in a first concentric ring is aligned coaxially with at least one electrode in a second concentric ring. 
     
     
         12 . The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the array body is circular. 
     
     
         13 . The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the array body is elliptical. 
     
     
         14 . A system for stimulation comprising: an implantable pulse generator; a lead comprising an array body disposed at a distal end of the lead and a plurality of electrodes concentrically arranged on the array body; and a plurality of conductors, wherein a one of the conductors is attached to each electrode, and wherein the conductors are configured and arranged to couple the electrodes to the implantable pulse generator. 
     
     
         15 . A method of using an implantable stimulator, comprising: implanting an implantable stimulator comprising a lead comprising an array body disposed at a distal end of the lead and a plurality of electrodes concentrically arranged on the array body; and providing an electrical signal to at least one electrode to stimulate a tissue. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein providing an electrical signal comprises bilaterally stimulating the tissue. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein providing an electrical signal comprises providing an electrical signal between diametrically opposed electrodes. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein providing an electrical signal comprises providing an electrical signal between electrodes that are not diametrically opposed. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the stimulator further comprises a center electrode disposed on the array body and centrally located with respect to the plurality of electrodes. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein providing an electrical signal comprises providing an electrical signal between the centrally located electrode and at least one of the concentrically arranged electrodes.