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Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing muscle stimulation in the field of Function Electrical Stimulation, particularly electrical stimulation to a muscle employed as a myocardial substitute. The Latissimus Dorsi muscular flap is divided into two parts to cover the surfaces of the heart and inserted into a thoracic cavity by means of a segmental resection of the second rib. After or before positioning the muscle in this fashion, first and second stimulating electrodes are threaded into the muscle at desired locations to effect contraction of the muscle around the heart upon application of electrical stimulating pulses between the two electrodes. Stimulating pulses having suitable parameters chosen to effect the desired functional contraction of the muscle are generated in synchrony with natural or stimulated heart contractions. The heart contractions are sensed by suitable sensors which apply a trigger signal to the pulse generator which responds by applying the muscle stimulating pulses to the electrodes after a predetermined time delay. The leads are provided with electrode surface areas which can be varied at the time of surgical implantation to reflect the desired length of exposed electrode surface area extending through the muscle. Preferably the electrode is fashioned of a length of coiled wire conductor which is covered by an axially movable tubular insulating sheath. At implantation, the tubular insulation sheath may be extended over or retracted the coiled wire conductor to expose a desired length of the conductor.

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First Claim