David D Dean

US Patent:

50302361, Jul 9, 1991

Filed:

Jun 19, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/368195

Inventors:

David B. Dean - Dallas TX

Assignee:

Intermedics Orthopedics, Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

A61F 228

US Classification:

623 16

Abstract:

An invasive prosthesis device is disclosed which includes an electrical circuit having a cathode and an anode for mounting on opposing sides of body tissue requiring healing. The cathode is connected to a source of power for transmitting electrical stimulating signals to the anode as target. The invasive device includes a constant current circuit which may include either a battery source of power or a power source iductively coupled to the constant current source circuit. If the power source is inductively coupled to the constant current source a diode rectifier can be coupled between the inductive coil and constant current source for rectifying the induced ac to dc. The prosthesis device includes a porous surface area located to maximize the bonding strength between the device and the body tissue. The cathode is located in the porous area and powered to limit tissue growth to ingrowth substantially within the porous area only. The constant current circuitry including the induction coil and time constant circuit or battery as appropriate are housed within the interior of the prosthesis device together with the leads interconnecting the constant current source to the cathode.