Implantable Interface for a Medical Device System

Abstract

An implantable interface system for a medical device system providing selective interconnectivity between conduits and therapy elements. The interface system contains connecting elements that each provide a robust connection between a selected conduit and a selected therapy element. The interface system enables the use of a surplus of therapy elements so that treatment to the same site (in the case of electrode migration or failure), or to different sites but within the spatial domain of the interface's elements may be delivered through the spare/excess therapy elements without the need for additional major surgical procedures.

1 . An implantable interface for a medical device system comprising:
 (A) a top plate   (B) a base plate;   (C) a plurality of therapy elements, each therapy element being associated at least one base contact point in the base plate;   (D) a plurality of conduits, each conduit having a first end coupled to at least one top contact point in the top plate and a second end capable of being coupled to a monitoring or therapy device; and   (E) at least one connecting element selectively positionable between the top plate and the base plate to provide electrical connection between a selected conduit and a selected therapy element.   
     
     
         2 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting element is a pin. 
     
     
         3 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting element is a sphere. 
     
     
         4 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting elements provide electrical connection between the at least one top contact point associated with the selected conduit and the at least one base contact point associated with the selected therapy element. 
     
     
         5 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein the each therapy element is a sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein each therapy element is associated with a lead implantable within a brain of a patient, the lead having a proximal end coupled to the base plate and a distal end having the associated therapy element to sense electrical signals or sense electrical signals. 
     
     
         7 . The interface of  claim 1 , wherein each therapy element is associated with a lead implantable within a brain of a patient, the lead having a proximal end coupled to the base plate and a distal end having the associated therapy element to deliver electrical stimulation within the brain of the patient. 
     
     
         8 . The interface of  claim 1 , further comprising a middle plate between the top plate and the base plate to facilitate positioning of the connecting elements. 
     
     
         9 . The interface of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover for the interface system providing a hermetic seal. 
     
     
         10 . The interface of  claim 1 , further comprising a spring mechanism within the interface system to facilitate electrical connection provided by the connecting pin. 
     
     
         11 . The interface of  claim 1 , further comprising a key. 
     
     
         12 . An implantable interface for a medical system, comprising:
 a housing;   a first plate positioned in the housing and including a plurality of controller extensions, the controller extensions configurable between an open position and a closed position;   a second plate positioned in the housing and including a plurality of contact pads;   a conduit coupled to at least one of the plurality of controller extensions;   a plurality of therapy elements coupled to the plurality of contact pads; and   a flexible membrane mounted to the housing and configured to provide sealed access to the first plate.   
     
     
         13 . The implantable interface of  claim 12 , further comprising an access template positioned to occlude the first plate and configured to translate between a blocking position and an access position, whereby the access template may selectively block access to the plurality of controller extensions on the first plate. 
     
     
         14 . The implantable interface of  claim 13 , wherein the access template is biased toward the blocking position. 
     
     
         15 . The implantable interface of  claim 13 , wherein the access template includes a locking feature configured to selectively allow translation of the access template. 
     
     
         16 . The implantable interface of  claim 13 , wherein the controller extensions are configured to switch between an open position and a conducting position in response to a tool pressing on the controller extension. 
     
     
         17 . The implantable interface of  claim 13 , wherein the conduit comprises 5 conduits and the plurality of therapy elements comprises 16 output leads, and wherein each of the five conduits may be selectively coupled to each of the 16 output leads. 
     
     
         18 . A method of adjusting an implanted interface, comprising:
 (a) aligning a template with at least three fiducials on a person's head;   (b) translating an access template into an access position; and   (c) adjusting at least one controller extension.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the translating in (b) comprises:
 (i) disengaging a locking feature to unlock the access template; and   (ii) sliding the access template from a block position to the access position.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the unlocking in (i) comprises:
 (1) inserting a key to unlock the locking feature; and   (2) pressing a button to disengage the locking feature.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the adjusting in (c) comprises:
 (i) moving a first controller extension from an open position to a conducting position; and   (ii) moving a second controller extension from the conducting position to the open position.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the moving of the first extending in (i) comprises:
 (1) inserting a tool through a patient's scalp; and   (2) pressing on the first extension connector so as to actuate a switch in position of the first controller extension.   
     
     
         23 . An implantable interface for a medical device system comprising:
 (A) a top plate   (B) a base plate;   (C) a plurality of therapy elements, each therapy element being associated with at least one base contact point in the base plate;   (D) a plurality of conduits, each conduit having a first end coupled to at least one top contact point in the top plate and a second end capable of being coupled to a signal generator;   (E) a middle plate positioned between the top plate and the base plate;   (F) at least one connecting element selectively positionable in the middle plate to provide connection between the top contact point associated with the selected conduit and the base contact point associated with the selected therapy element;   (G) a spring mechanism within the interface system to facilitate electrical connection provided by the connecting element; and   (H) a cover for the interface system providing a fluid-tight seal.