Importance

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Abstract

A device configured for implanting beneath a patient's skin for the purpose of tissue, e.g., nerve or muscle, stimulation and/or parameter monitoring and/or data communication. Devices in accordance with the invention are comprised of a sealed housing, typically having an axial dimension of less than 60 mm and a lateral dimension of less than 6 mm, containing a power source for powering electronic circuitry within including a controller, an address storage means, a data signal receiver and an input/output transducer. When used as a stimulator, such a device is useful in a wide variety of applications to stimulate nerves and associated neural pathways, e.g., to decrease or relieve pain, stimulate specific muscles or organs to better carry out a body function (e.g., to exercise weak or unconditioned muscles or to control urinary incontinence), and the like. Alternatively, devices of the present invention are configurable to monitor a biological parameter or to operate as a transponder to retransmit received command messages.

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First Claim