Power source for an implantable medical device

Abstract

A power source for an implantable medical device, such as a spinal cord stimulator, has a controlled contoured anterior surface. Preferably, the contoured anterior surface includes a layer of a biocompatible material, such as a polymer. Also preferably, the layer provides a contour generally conforming to the profile of a human buttock. Optionally, a cosmetic implant of generally substantially the same size and shape as the power source is implanted in the opposite buttock as the power source so as to create balance.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A housing for a power source for supplying power to a medical device, wherein the housing is to be implanted in a contoured buttock of a human or animal subject, comprising:
 an anterior portion of the housing with a contour generally conforming to the contour of the buttock, wherein the contoured anterior portion is substantially rigid; 
 a posterior portion of the housing; and 
 at least one edge between the anterior and posterior portions of the housing, wherein the contoured anterior portion of the housing, the posterior portion of the housing, and the at least one edge form a generally enclosed structure. 
 
     
     
       2. The housing of  claim 1 , further comprising a port for receiving an end of a spinal cord stimulator lead. 
     
     
       3. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the contour of the anterior portion is convex. 
     
     
       4. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the contoured anterior portion comprises a biocompatible metal or metal alloy. 
     
     
       5. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the contoured anterior portion comprises titanium or titanium alloy. 
     
     
       6. An improvement for a power source for spinal cord stimulation, wherein the power source includes a casing with an anterior portion, the power source being implantable into a contoured buttock, the improvement comprising:
 a contoured anterior portion of the casing which generally conforms to the contoured buttock, wherein the contoured anterior portion of the casing is substantially rigid. 
 
     
     
       7. The improvement of  claim 6 , further comprising a cosmetic implant of substantially the same size and shape as the power source to be implanted in the human subject's other buttock. 
     
     
       8. The improvement of claim 6, further comprising a layer of a biocompatible and inert material for creating the contoured anterior surface. 
     
     
       9. The improvement of claim 8, wherein the layer comprises a polymer layer. 
     
     
       10. The improvement of claim 6, further comprising a layer of a biocompatible and inert material that fits onto the casing to become a part of the casing and that defines the contoured anterior surface. 
     
     
       11. The improvement of claim 10, wherein the layer fits around at least one edge of the casing such that the layer attaches to the casing. 
     
     
       12. The improvement of claim 11, wherein the layer forms a cap that fits over the casing. 
     
     
       13. An attachment for a power source for a medical device, the power source implantable into a contoured buttock of a human or animal subject and including a casing, the casing having an anterior surface, the attachment comprising:
 a layer of a biocompatible and inert material that attaches to the casing, the layer defining an anterior surface having a smoothly-curved, generally convex contour, the layer anterior-surface contour generally conforming to the contour of the buttock, wherein the layer anterior surface is substantially rigid.   
     
     
       14. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the layer fits around at least one edge of the casing to attach to the casing. 
     
     
       15. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the layer forms a cap that fits over the casing. 
     
     
       16. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the layer substantially covers the anterior surface of the casing. 
     
     
       17. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the biocompatible and inert material comprises a polymer. 
     
     
       18. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the biocompatible and inert material comprises a biocompatible metal or metal alloy. 
     
     
       19. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the power source is for spinal cord stimulation. 
     
     
       20. The attachment of claim 19, wherein the layer defines a port for receiving an end of a spinal cord stimulator lead.