Title :
A multiprogrammable microstimulator dedicated to bladder dysfunctions
Author :
Arabi, Karim ; Sawan, Mohamad
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., Ecole Polytech. de Montreal, Que., Canada
Abstract :
Through the use of advanced integrated circuit technology, an implantable microstimulator, that is intended to restore normal bladder functions (retention and incontinence) to spinal cord injured patients, has been developed. The implant is externally controlled and powered by a single encoded radio frequency carrier and has 4 bipolar (8 monopolar) independently controlled channels. It offers a wide range of reprogrammability and flexibility and can be used to any neuromuscular applications. This microstimulator is able to generate any type of waveforms and a very versatile stimulation pattern. The reliability of the implant has been increased by using a forward error detection and correction communication protocol. The chip has been designed for structural testability by means of scan-based test approach and uses circuit techniques to reduce power and insure long-term stability
Keywords :
biomedical electronics; integrated circuit technology; muscle; neurophysiology; prosthetics; advanced integrated circuit technology; bladder dysfunctions; correction communication protocol; externally controlled implant; forward error detection; implant reliability; incontinence; independently controlled channels; long-term stability; multiprogrammable microstimulator; neuromuscular applications; reprogrammability; scan-based test approach; single encoded radio frequency carrier; spinal cord injured patients; urinary retention; Bladder; Circuit testing; Error correction; Implants; Integrated circuit technology; Neuromuscular; Protocols; Radio control; Radio frequency; Spinal cord;
Conference_Titel :
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 1994. Engineering Advances: New Opportunities for Biomedical Engineers. Proceedings of the 16th Annual International Conference of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
Baltimore, MD
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-2050-6
DOI :
10.1109/IEMBS.1994.415240
