US20050245984A1 - Implantable medical device with lubricious material - Google Patents

Abstract

An implantable medical device with lubricious material permits implantable medical devices to have a reduced friction between the device and at least a portion of the surrounding tissue. The implantable medical device may have a housing or it may have a housing and a member for providing a smooth interface between the device and the tissue. The lubricious material may be provided on or impregnated in the housing or the member. In some embodiments, the device is configured for implantation in the head of a human body. In other embodiments, the device is configured for implantation between the cranium and the scalp. In some embodiments, the device includes a single module while in other embodiments a plurality of modules are coupled together to provide a smaller profile.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The following co-pending and commonly-assigned U.S. patent applications are incorporated herein by reference:
• 1. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/731,869, filed on Dec. 9, 2003, entitled “MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” to Wahlstrand et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-318US01/P-10891.00US;
• 2. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/731,868, filed on Dec. 9, 2003, entitled “IMPLANTATION OF LOW-PROFILE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” to Singhal et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-330US01/P-11795.00US;
• 3. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/731,881, filed on Dec. 9, 2003, entitled “REDUCING RELATIVE INTERMODULE MOTION IN A DISTRIBUTED MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” to Wahlstrand et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-331US01/P-11797.00US;
• 4. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/731,699, filed on Dec. 9, 2003, entitled “COUPLING MODULES OF A DISTRIBUTED MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” to Janzig et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-333US01/P-11796.00US;
• 5. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/730,877, filed on Dec. 9, 2003, entitled “LOW-PROFILE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” to Singhal et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-335US01/P-11801.00US;
• 6. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/731,867, filed on Dec. 9, 2003, entitled “CONCAVITY OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” to Wahlstrand et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-336US01/P-11800.00US;
• 7. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/730,878, filed on Dec. 9, 2003, entitled “LEAD INTERCONNECT MODULE OF A MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” to Singhal et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-334US01/P-11799.00US;
• 8. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/731,638, filed on Dec. 9, 2003, entitled “MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” to Wahlstrand et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: P-120542.00US;
• 9. U.S. patent application entitled “IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH A NON-HERMETIC BATTERY” to Wahlstrand et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: P-11421.00US, filed Apr. 29, 2004;
• 10. U.S. patent application entitled “EXPLANTATION OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE”, to Wahlstrand et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: P-20670.00US, filed Apr. 29, 2004;
• 11. U.S. patent application entitled “IMPLANTATION OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE” to Wahlstrand et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: P-20727.00US, filed Apr. 29, 2004;
• 12. U.S. patent application entitled “HEADSET RECHARGER FOR CRANIALLY IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE” to Wahlstrand et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: P-20729.00US, filed Apr. 29, 2004;
• 13. U.S. patent application entitled “BATTERY HOUSING CONFIGURATION” to Wahlstrand et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: P-20875.00US, filed Apr. 29, 2004; and
• 14. U.S. patent application entitled “IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH ANTI-INFECTION AGENT” to Singhal et al., assigned Attorney Docket No.: P-11798.02US.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The invention relates to medical devices, and more particularly, to implantable medical devices that deliver therapy to and/or monitor a patient.
BACKGROUND
• Depending on the application for which they are implanted in a patient, implantable medical devices (IMDs) may include a variety of electrical and/or mechanical components. Typically, an IMD includes a rigid housing that houses all of its components, which are generally fragile, to protect the components from forces to which they would otherwise be exposed when implanted within the human body. In order to avoid potentially harmful interactions between the components and bodily fluids, e.g., corrosion, IMD housings are typically hermetically sealed. Many IMD housings are fabricated from Titanium because of its desirable rigidity and biocompatibility.
• The size and shape of an IMD housing is dependant on the sizes and shapes of the components of the IMD. Large components common to most IMDs include a battery, a telemetry coil, and a hybrid circuit that includes digital circuits, e.g., integrated circuit chips and/or a microprocessor, and analog circuit components. Attempts have been made to reduce the size of the IMD housing by reducing the size of these components, changing the shape of these components, and organizing these components within the IMD housing to avoid empty space within the housing. Despite these efforts to reduce the size of IMD housings, the size, shape and rigidity of IMD housings still greatly limits the locations within the human body where an IMD can be practically implanted.
• Due to these limitations, an IMD is typically implanted within the abdomen, upper pectoral region, or subclavicular region of a patient. Leads or catheters must be used in order to deliver therapy or monitor a physiological parameter at a location of the body other than where the IMD is implanted. Implantation and positioning of leads and catheters can be difficult and time-consuming from the perspective of a surgeon, particularly where the IMD is located a significant distance from the treatment or monitoring site. Moreover, the increased surgical time, increased surgical trauma, and increased amount of implanted material associated with the use of leads and catheters can increase the risk to the patient of complications associated with the implantation of an IMD.
• For example, IMDs that are used to treat or monitor the brain, e.g., to deliver deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, are implanted some distance away from the brain, e.g., within the subclavicular region of patients. The long leads that connect the implantable medical device to electrodes implanted within the brain require tunneling under the scalp and the skin of the neck, thereby requiring increased surgery and a prolonged amount of time under general anesthesia during the implant procedure. In some cases, tunneling the leads under the scalp and skin of the neck requires an additional surgical procedure under general anesthesia. The lengthy tract along the leads is more susceptible to infection, and the leads can erode the overlying scalp, forcing removal so that the scalp can heal. Further, the long leads running under the scalp and through the neck are more susceptible to fracture due to torsional and other forces caused by normal head and neck movements.
• Placement of an IMD nearer to the point of application of the therapy or monitoring (for example, in the head of a human body) often results in implanting the device into small spaces or spaces having somewhat inflexible shapes or surroundings. Such small spaces may result in a tighter fit for the IMD within the surrounding tissue. The tightness of the fit of the IMD into such small spaces or spaces with shape requirements results in increased friction both as the device is inserted and after implantation. In the case of an implant in the head such friction results in erosion of the skin and other tissue associated with the scalp.
SUMMARY
• In general, the invention relates to an implantable medical device including a lubricious material on the external surface or impregnated in the external surface for reducing friction between the implantable medical device and the tissue in which it is implanted.
• Various embodiments of the invention are presented including a device for implantation in the head of a patient. Some more specific embodiments configure the device for implantation between the cranium and the scalp.
• Various embodiments of the invention also include a member coupled to the module or modules for providing a smooth interface between the device and the scalp or the tissue near the scalp. These embodiments include a lubricious material on or impregnated in the member. The member may be any material capable of providing a smooth interface with the tissue. The member can include elastomeric materials, such as silicone, and/or non-elastomeric materials such as polysulfone and polyurethane.
• Various embodiments of the invention include a single module while other embodiments include a plurality of interconnected modules. These embodiments include a lubricious material on or impregnated in the housing or member.
• Methods of fabricating an implantable medical device including a lubricious material are also presented.
• The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram illustrating one embodiment of an implantable medical device of the present invention.
• FIG. 1B is a conceptual diagram illustrating another embodiment of an implantable medical device of the present invention.
• FIGS. 1C and 1D are conceptual diagrams illustrating a modular implantable medical device implanted in a patient according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modular implantable medical device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 3A-3F are schematic diagrams illustrating various arrangements of modules within a modular implantable medical device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
• FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic diagrams illustrating the construction of a member of a modular implantable medical device according to the present invention.
• FIGS. 5A-5B are schematic diagrams illustrating the interaction of components of a member according to the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the degrees of motion present in a modular implantable medical device.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating motion reduction within various degrees of motion within a modular implantable medical device.
• FIG. 8A-C are schematic diagrams illustrating example embodiments of modular implantable medical devices having lead management features.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a modular implantable medical device having an access loop for removal.
• FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example embodiment of a modular implantable medical device having a triangular module arrangement.
• FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example embodiment of a modular implantable medical device having an inline module arrangement.
• FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating side view of a modular implantable medical device having an inline module arrangement.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of a modular implantable medical device having a triangular module arrangement.
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of constructing an implantable medical device with a member according to the present invention.
• FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of fabricating an implantable medical device including a lubricious material on or impregnated in the housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of fabricating an implantable medical device including a lubricious material on a member according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram of an implantablemedical device80 includinghousing82 andtherapy delivery element84. A lubricious material as described herein, may be disposed on or impregnated in at least a portion of the implantablemedical device80. A lubricious material is any material that when applied to an implantable medical device reduces the friction between the implantable medical device and the adjacent tissue. In one embodiment the lubricious material may be placed on thehousing82 in the form of acoating86. Disposing a lubricious material on or impregnated in thedevice80 may facilitate insertion of thedevice80 into the implantable location within a human body. The lubricious material also reduces friction between thedevice80 and the tissue near thedevice80. In cases where the implantable medical device is implanted in a tight space such as between the cranium and the scalp, the lubricious material may reduce the likelihood of skin erosion by decreasing the friction forces between the device and the scalp. A lubricious material may also minimize fibrous capsule growth around the device by lowering the friction between the device and the scalp. This would have the additional benefit of reducing the likelihood of infection.
• For many therapies such as brain stimulation for movement disorders it may be desirable for the device to provide unipolar stimulation whereby the housing is used as an electrode. Therefore, in some embodiments it may be desirable to use a lubricious material that is electrically conductive or to apply the lubricious material to less than the entire housing.
• In one embodiment,housing82 includes at least a portion of the electronics for providing monitoring of or therapy to a patient. Some examples of implantable medical devices that include at least a portion of the electronics for providing monitoring of or therapy to a patient include implantable neurostimulators, implantable drug delivery pumps, pacemakers, defibrillators and monitoring devices that receive physiological signals from a patient and store or relay such information. Such devices that provide therapy to the patient may be open or closed loop devices (e.g., closed loop device receives sensed information and delivers therapy based on the sensed information).
• Application of a lubricious material is also desirable in the case of a modular device having more than one module and housing. In such a case a preferred embodiment includes a lubricious material on at least a portion of the housings.
• An implantable medical device may be implantable anywhere in the body. For example, the implantable medical device may be implanted in the abdomen, pectoral or buttock areas. An implantable medical device may also be implanted in the head of a patient such as between the cranium and the scalp. Other embodiments may include an implantable medical device for implantation partially or wholly within a groove or recess placed in the cranium.
• As shown inFIG. 1B, an implantable medical device may be an implantablemedical device90 for implantation in the head of a patient.Device90 may be placed between the cranium and the scalp.Device90 includeshousing92,member94 andtherapy delivery element96.Member94 provides a substantially smooth interface betweendevice90 and the scalp or other tissue near the scalp. In one sub-embodiment of this embodiment, themember94 partially encapsulateshousing92. A lubricious material may be disposed on or impregnated in themember94. In one embodiment, the lubricious material is provided as acoating98 on themember94. In one embodiment thelubricious material98 is only on the convex side of themember94. Application of thelubricious material98 to the convex side of themember94 is desired to reduce friction between the convex side of themember94 and the scalp or other tissue near the scalp. However, the lubricious material may also be applied to more than one side of themember94.
• In another embodiment the implantable medical device may be a modular implantable medical device.FIGS. 1C and 1D are conceptual diagrams illustrating a modular implantablemedical device101 implanted within apatient100. By constructing modular implantablemedical device101 as a set of distributed modules connected together as described herein, modular implantablemedical device101 may be implanted at locations for which implantation of conventional implantable medical devices has been deemed undesirable, thus permitting the implantablemedical device101 to be implanted near a monitoring and/or therapy delivery location. In the example illustrated withinFIGS. 1C-1D, modular implantablemedical device101 is implanted under the scalp of thepatient100 in order to locate thedevice101 close to the location to which therapy is to be delivered vialeads102, i.e., the brain ofpatient100. The low profile and the shape of modular implantablemedical device101 as described herein can reduce the risk of infection and skin erosion associated with implantation of matter beneath the scalp, and may provide a cosmetically acceptable profile when implanted beneath the scalp.
• Modular implantablemedical device101 may deliver stimulation to the brain ofpatient100 to, for example, provide deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, or to stimulate the cortex of the brain. Cortical stimulation may involve stimulation of the motor cortex. Modular implantablemedical device101 may be used to treat any nervous system disorder including, but not limited to, epilepsy, pain, psychological disorders including mood and anxiety disorders, movement disorders (MVD), such as, but not limited to, essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
• However, modular implantablemedical device101 is not limited to delivery of stimulation to the brain ofpatient100, and may be employed withleads102 deployed anywhere in the head or neck including, for example, leads deployed on or near the surface of the cranium, leads deployed beneath the cranium such as near or on the dura mater, leads placed adjacent cranial or other nerves in the neck or head, or leads placed directly on the surface of the brain. Moreover, modular implantablemedical device101 is not limited to implantation under the scalp ofpatient100. Indeed, modular implantablemedical device101 may be implanted anywhere withinpatient100. For example, modular implantablemedical device101 can be implanted within the neck ofpatient100, and deliver stimulation to the vagus nerve or the cervical region of the spinal cord.
• Modular implantablemedical device101 may alternatively be implanted within a pectoral region or the abdomen ofpatient100 to act as a diaphragmatic pacer, or to provide any of the monitoring and therapy delivery functions known in the art to be associated with cardiac pacemakers. Further, modular implantablemedical device101 may be implanted in the upper buttock region and deliver spinal cord, urological or gastrological stimulation therapy, or may be configured to be implanted within the periphery, e.g., limbs, ofpatient100 for delivery of stimulation to the muscles and/or peripheral nervous system ofpatient100. As is the case with cranial implantation, the modularity of implantablemedical device101 may enable implantation at some of these example locations for which implantation of conventional implantable medical devices is generally deemed undesirable.
• Modular implantablemedical device101 is not limited to embodiments that deliver stimulation. For example, in some embodiments modular implantablemedical device101 may additionally or alternatively monitor one or more physiological parameters and/or the activity ofpatient100, and may include sensors for these purposes. Where a therapy is delivered, modular implantablemedical device101 may operate in an open loop mode (also referred to as non-responsive operation), or in a closed loop mode (also referred to as responsive). Modular implantablemedical device101 may also provide warnings based on the monitoring.
• As discussed above, the ability of a modular implantablemedical device101 according to the invention to be implanted close to a region withinpatient100 to be monitored enables the use of shorter leads102. Shorter leads102 may advantageously improve the accuracy of such sensors by reducing noise attributable to leads102. Shorter leads102 may also advantageously reduce the negative affects of imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging “MRI” on a person implanted with implantablemedical device101.
• Additional alternate embodiments for implantable medical devices implemented according to principles of the present invention may also include non-electrical based therapies such as targeted introduction of fluids and similar therapeutic materials using pumps and reservoirs of material. One skilled in the art will recognize that any number of implantable devices may be possible without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention as recited within the attached claims.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modular implantablemedical device201 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this example embodiment, implantablemedical device201 is arranged in a triangular configuration. Modular implantablemedical device201 includes three modules: acontrol module210, apower source module211, and arecharge module212. Each of modules210-212 includes a respective housing. Modular implantablemedical device201 also contains a set oflead connection modules213 that permits external leads102 (FIGS. 1C and 1D) to be connected to controlmodule210 as needed. The distribution of functional components of modular implantablemedical device201 into modules permits modular implantablemedical device201 to possess a thin profile by spreading the components over a larger surface area.
• Control module210 includes control electronics for controlling the monitoring and/or therapy delivery functions of modular implantablemedical device201, such as a microprocessor, and may include therapy delivery circuitry.Power source module211 includes a power source that provides energy to controlmodule210, which in some embodiments is a rechargeable power source such as a rechargeable battery and/or capacitor.Recharge module212 includes a recharge coil for inductively receiving energy to recharge a rechargeable power source withinpower source module211.
• In some embodiments, one or modules may be coupled by coupling modules (not shown). A coupling module may be flexible, and may include a lumen to carry a conductor or a fluid between modules of a modular implantable medical device. In some embodiments, a coupling module is made of a flexible material such as silicone or a flexible polymer. In other embodiments a coupling module is hermetic and made of substantially less flexible material, such as titanium or stainless steel, and the flexibility of a coupling module is provided by the configuration and/or construction the coupling module.
• A coupling module may be flexible in a plurality of directions to provide modules of a modular implantable medical device with multiple degrees of freedom of motion with respect to each other. In exemplary embodiments, a coupling module provides at least three degrees of motion, and the degrees of motion provided include rotational motion.
• Additionaldetails regarding modules210,211 and212, additional or alternative modules for a modular implantable medical device, the interconnection of modules within a modular implantable medical device, and leadconnection modules213 may be found in commonly assigned U.S. patent application entitled “MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-318US01/P-10891.00; commonly assigned U.S. patent application entitled “COUPLING MODULES OF A DISTRIBUTED MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-333US01/P-11796.00; and commonly assigned U.S. patent application entitled “LEAD INTERCONNECT MODULE OF A MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-334US01/P-11799.00.
• As illustrated inFIG. 2, modular implantablemedical device201 includes amember214. A member generally serves as a smooth interface between one or more modules and the body tissue.
• A member may be made of any material. In one embodiment the member may be made of a metal. For example, a member may be made of titanium or of other biocompatible metals. In another embodiment, the member may be made of a soft, biocompatible material. In other embodiments the member may be made of multiple materials. Alubricious material215 may be on or impregnated in a portion of the member214 (for example, on the convex side of the member214). Alternatively, thelubricious material215 may be on or impregnated in the entire outer surface of themember214.
• Member214 at least partially encapsulates modules210-212. Further, as will be described in greater detail below,lead connection modules213 may be formed inmember214. Member may integrate modules210-212 into a structure.Member214 may provide a flexible structure that permits the device501 to conform to a variety of implant locations.
• In some embodiments,member214 may be curved to match the shape of the location within a patient in which the device is being implanted. For example, implantation of modular implantablemedical device201 under the scalp of a patient may be accomplished ifmember214 is concave (as viewed from the cranium) to substantially conform to the shape of the cranium of the patient and convex (as viewed from the scalp) to provide a smooth interface with the scalp or tissue near the scalp and thus reduces the likelihood of skin erosion and other problems associated with edges or protrusions pushing against the scalp. Concavity of modular implantable medical devices is described in greater detail in a commonly-assigned U.S. patent application entitled “CONCAVITY OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-336US01/-11800.00. Any number of shapes may be used to match a particular implantablemedical device201 to an implantation location for a device.
• Member214 may comprise a solid biocompatible elastomeric material that is soft and flexible such as silicone. In some embodiments,member214 comprises two or more materials, and two or more components. For example, member may comprise one or more elastomeric components formed of an elastomeric material, such as silicone, and one or more non-elastomeric components formed of a non-elastomeric material, such as polysulfone, or a polyurethane such as Tecothane®, which is commercially available from Hermedics Polymer Products, Wilmington, Mass. The one or more elastomeric components may provide the overall shape and flexibility of modular implantablemedical device201, while the non-elastomeric components may provide structural integrity for modular implantablemedical device201, restrict intermodule motion within modular implantablemedical device201 to certain ranges, and form a part of thelead interconnection modules213. Further detail regarding reduction of intermodule motion within modular implantable medical devices may be found in a commonly-assigned U.S. patent application entitled “REDUCING RELATIVE INTERMODULE MOTION IN A DISTRIBUTED MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-331US01/P-11797.00.
• FIGS. 3A-3F are schematic diagrams illustrating various arrangements of multiple modules within a modular implantablemedical device301 according to various embodiments of the present invention. In each of these embodiments, modular implantablemedical device301 has three modules as discussed above in reference toFIG. 2: acontrol module210, apower source module211, and arecharge module212. These modules may be arranged into a variety of configurations, including those illustrated, as long as any required interconnections needed between the modules, e.g., coupling modules, may be routed within the device. The various embodiments include triangular configurations, in such as those shown in FIGS.3A-C, and inline configurations, such as those shown in FIGS.3D-F. The set oflead connection devices313 may be located in various locations within the device as well.
• In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS.3A-C and3E-F, amember322 at least partially encapsulates each ofmodules210,211 and212. In other embodiments, such as that illustrated inFIG. 3D, at least one of the modules ofmodular IMD301 is located outside ofmember322.Module212 located outside of member may, as shown inFIG. 3D, be tethered tomember322, allowingmodule212 to be freely positioned some significant distance frommember322. Additional details relating to configurations of modules within a modular implantable medical devices and tethering of modules of an implantable medical device may be found in a U.S. patent application entitled “MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-318US01/P-10891.00.
• FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic diagrams illustrating amember422 of a modular implantablemedical device401.FIG. 4A illustrates that the modular implantablemedical device401 comprises a set of modules410-412, and a set ofmotion reduction elements421 withinmember422, such as motion reductionfibers connecting modules410 and411.Modules410 and411 are also coupled by acoupling module423.
• Becausemember422 andcoupling module423 are flexible,member422 andcoupling module423 may not provide sufficient motion reduction for the modules410-412. Specifically, excessive relative motion betweenmodules410 and411 may compromise the structural integrity of coupling module424, which may lead to failure of modular implantablemedical device401.Motion reduction elements421 are used to provide sufficient structural integrity to thedevice401 once implanted into thepatient100 by restricting relative motion betweenmodules410 and411 to certain directions or within certain ranges. Additional details regardingmotion reduction elements421 are described in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application entitled “REDUCING RELATIVE INTER-MOLDULE MOTION IN A MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-331US01/P-11797.00.
• FIG. 4B illustrates that themember422 may include two or more components, each component made of a different material. In particular,FIG. 4B illustrates themember422 includes an elastomeric component430 and anon-elastomeric component431. Thenon-elastomeric component431 is typically shaped to surround at least one of modules410-412, i.e., is located proximate to sides of at least one of modules410-412. In some embodiments, a plurality of individualnon-elastomeric components431 surround respective modules410-412. In other embodiments, anon-elastomeric component431 surrounds a plurality of modules410-412 to integrate the surrounded modules in a common, semi-rigid structure.
• The one or morenon-elastomeric components431 may be used to contain one or more modules within elastomeric component430. Specifically, the one or morenon-elastomeric components431 may be formed to hold modules410-412 within respective positions within elastomeric component430. Elastomeric component430 may, as shown inFIG. 4B, at least partially encapsulate each of modules410-412 and provide an desired form factor for a modular implantable medical device. In some embodiments,non-elastomeric elements431 are fitted into an elastomeric component430 to form themember422 before the electronic modules410-412 are inserted into respective locations withinmember422 where they will be contained bynon-elastomeric elements431.
• Generally,member422 provides a number of functions in including attaching to modules and other elements to provide a smooth interface surface for the device as it interacts with the patient, and protecting electrical connections and feed thru wires needed to connect modules to external leads.
• Member422 may be constructed from a durometric specific material to provide a clinically desirable device. In addition, a material used to construct themember422 may possess a thermal conductivity characteristic to either act as a heat sink if needed to dissipate heat from modules410-412, or a material to act as an insulator to shield the patient100 from any excess heat from modules410-412. Because the implantablemedical device401 may be constructed from a large number of modules to perform a desired task, the materials selected for used in constructing themember422 may vary as needed by each embodiment.
• In embodiments in whichmember422 is constructed ofcomponents431 and432, thedevice401 may be fabricated by integratingcomponents431 and432 to form themember422, constructing the modules410-412 and theirrespective connection modules423, and constructing anymotion reduction elements421. Once all of these components are fabricated, themotion restriction elements421 may be combined with themember422, and the interconnected modules410-412 may be inserted into themember422 into respective positions where they are contained bycomponents431.
• FIG. 4C illustrates that themember422 provides slopedinterface441 between the modules within thedevice401 and the patient's body components. In embodiments in which thedevice401 is implanted within tight spaces, such as under the scalp, the slopedinterface441 provides a smooth transition between the body and the device modules410-412. Protrusions are known to cause possible stress points for tissue that is located over implanted devices, which can, for example, lead to skin erosion in the case of a device implanted under the scalp. As such, the slopedinterface441 attempts to minimize the transition from the modules410-412 and the edge of thedevice401 to eliminate these points of stress. An angle ofinterface442 from the patient's body and the slopedinterface441 is greater than 90 degrees.Angle442 may be between 120 and 150 degrees, is preferably between 130 and 140 degrees, and is most preferably approximately 135 degrees.
• FIGS. 5A-5B are schematic diagrams illustrating the interaction of components of an implantable medical device that are part of a member.FIG. 5A provides a side cross-sectional view of amember522 that includes anelastomeric component530 and anon-elastomeric component531 that interfaces with a control module610. Thenon-elastomeric component531 is shaped to mate with and surround themodule510, and may provide motion reduction for the module. Specifically, thenon-elastomeric component531 may be mechanically connected to at least one other module of a modular implantable medical device, e.g., to non-elastomeric components that surround other modules of an implantable medical device, by amotion reduction element521. In other words, themember522 encapsulates a plurality of modules in this embodiment, and each of the modules may be surrounded by anon-elastomeric component531 that is connected to other non-elastomeric components bymotion reduction elements521.
• A throughhole551 may be located throughmember522, e.g., throughelastomeric component530 andnon-elastomeric component531, to provide an attachment point for the implantable medical device. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device may be secured in place using bone screws or similar attachment devices that secure the device to the patient. Such throughholes551 permit the device to be mechanically attached to the patient once the device is positioned at a desired location.
• In addition,elastomeric component530 is shown as completely encapsulating the modules and components withinFIG. 5. However, in some embodiments,elastomeric component530, likenon-elastomeric component531, may merely surround themodule510 but not cover the top of the module. Such an arrangement may render the profile of the overall device smaller. In such an alternate embodiment, a surface across the member and theelectronics module510 may minimize transition discontinuities to minimize profile changes that may interact with a patient after implantation. In other embodiments, one or bothcomponents530 and531 cover a top ofmodule510, or fully encapsulatemodule510.
• FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of themember522 having anelastomeric component530 that covers anon-elastomeric component531 that surrounds thecontrol module510. The throughhole551 used as an attachment point is shown as part of thenon-elastomeric component531 that is covered by theelastomeric component530. The shape of thenon-elastomeric component531 andcontrol module510 are shown as being rectangular in this embodiment. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that any shape for thenon-elastomeric component531 andcontrol module510 may be used without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the shape ofnon-elastomeric component531 need not be the same as that the shape of the component that it surrounds. The modules may be restrained within themember522 using many restraint mechanisms known in the arts including attachment elements, adhesives, snap rings, and similar elements.
• While themember522 described above may be constructed from two different materials, a softer, more flexibleelastomeric component530 and one or more harder, more rigidnon-elastomeric components531, one skilled in the art may recognize that amember522 may include a single component made of either class of material to provide the surface smoothing, module integration, and structural module restraint features described herein.
• Finally, themember522 may include several additional features unrelated to the above functions regarding the restraint and interconnection of multiple modules. In one embodiment, radio-opaque markers561 and562 may be imbedded within themember522 to assist in determining an exact location of an implantable medical device within a patient. These radio-opaque markers561 and562 typically possess a non-symmetrical shape to permit registration and orientation of the device501 from imaging of the markers. These radio-opaque markers may be constructed using barium and similar materials that permit such imaging. A telemetry and/or recharge coil may be embedded directly within themember522.
• It will be understood that a lubricious material may be disposed on or impregnated in at least a portion of an implantable medical device. In one embodiment, the lubricious material may be disposed on or impregnated in the housing. For example, a lubricious material may be disposed on or impregnated in thehousing90 inFIG. 1A. In another embodiment, the lubricious material may be disposed on or impregnated in the member. For example, the lubricious material may be disposed on or impregnated in themember94 inFIG. 1B. Disposing a lubricious material on or impregnated in a medical device may facilitate insertion of the device into the implantation location. The lubricious material may also reduce post-implant friction between a portion of the medical device and the adjacent tissue.
• It may be desirable to apply the lubricious material to less than the entire outer surface of the device. In the case of an implant between the brain and scalp, the lubricious material may be disposed on the side of the device facing the scalp and therefore provide for easier insertion of the device under the scalp as well as reduce post implantation friction between the device and the scalp or other tissue. For example, in the case ofdevice90 when implanted between the brain and scalp, the convex side of themember94 may be coated with alubricious material98 to reduce friction between the scalp and thedevice90.
• Any known or future developed lubricious material, or combinations thereof, may be used. Preferably, the lubricious materials are medically suitable for inserting into a patient. Examples of suitable lubricous materials that may be disposed on at least a portion of a component of an implantable medical device include fluoroethylpolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), paralene, a hydrophilic polymer, and the like. Additional examples of suitable coating that may be applied include those described in the following patents and patent publications: US 20040030159; U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,734, U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,018; U.S. Pat. No. 6,603,040; U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,994; WO0121326; WO 0144174; and WO 2003055611. In an embodiment, the lubricious material is a hydrogel. The hydrogel may be a polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogel, such as Medtronic's BIOGLIDE. In addition to facilitating insertion of a device, a lubricious material such as a hydrogel may prevent infection, thrombosis and formation of a fibrous capsule around the device. For example, BIOGLIDE technology has been shown to resist protein deposition, adherence of thrombosis, and reduce platelet and complement activation and may also inhibit tissue adherence.
• Any known or future developed method for applying the lubricious material to either the housing or member may be utilized. In one embodiment, the lubricious material may be applied to the housing or member by being sprayed onto the surface of the housing or member. In another embodiment, the housing or member may be placed or dipped into the lubricious material allowing the lubricious material to be retained on or become impregnated in the housing or member.
• In another embodiment the lubricious material may be the type of material that when activated by water or saline becomes slippery.
• FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment method of fabricating an implantable medical device including a lubricious material on the housing of the module. In this method, the module or plurality of modules of thedevice80 are fabricated atstep1500. At step1502 a lubricious material is applied to at least a portion of thehousing82 or multiple housings of thedevice80. It should be understood that the lubricious material may be applied to the housing either prior to assembly of the components within the housing or after such assembly. Moreover, when multiple modules are used, the lubricious material may be applied to the housings before or after coupling the modules to each other.
• FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment method of fabricating an implantable medical device including a lubricious material on a member. In this method, the member is fabricated atstep1600. The fabrication of the member can be by any known or future developed method. Atstep1602, a module is fabricated. Atstep1604, a lubricious material is applied to the member. The components including the member and module are combined atstep1604. As described with regard to the process ofFIG. 15, assembly and application of the lubricious material may be performed in any order.
• FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating degrees of intermodular motion that may be present in modular implantable medical device. For any two modules within a distributed medical device, motion between the two modules may includepitch motion601,yaw motion602, and rollmotion603. For the set of motion reduction elements621 discussed above, one or more of these three degrees of motion may be limited to prevent mechanical failures of interconnections between the modules during use of a modular implantable medical device. Specifically, modules of a modular implantable medical device may be connected by connector modules, which may be compromised by excessive intermodule motion. Such interconnect members are described in greater detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent application entitled “REDUCING RELATIVE INTERMODULE MOTION IN A DISTRIBUTED MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-331US01/P-11797.00.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating motion reduction within various degrees of motion within a modular implantable medical device. For any two modules701-702 within an implantable medical device, aconnector module721 may be used between the modules701-702 to connect elements within these modules701-702.Motion reduction elements722 and723 may be used to reduce inter-modular motion, and in some cases, to limit inter-modular motion to a range of motion.
• Motion reduction elements722 and723 may be formed as part ofnon-elastomeric components531 of amember522 associated with each ofmodules701 and702. As shown inFIG. 7,motion reduction elements722 and723 allow free inter-modular motion within one of the degrees within a range. In some embodiments, one non-elastomeric component includes one or moremotion reduction elements722. In other embodiments, twonon-elastomeric components531 includemotion reduction elements722 and723, respectively, which interact to reduce inter-modular motion.
• A modular implantable medical device may include any number of motion reduction elements, which may take any of a variety of shapes. In some embodiments, motion reduction elements may be used in all axes to maximize the amount of motion reduction provided. The implantable medical device having multiple modules typically requires sufficient motion reduction to prevent undue mechanical stresses oninterconnection connection member721 between the modules701-702 that may not be provided by aflexible member522.
• Additional details regarding the set of motion reduction elements521are described in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application entitled “REDUCING RELATIVE INTER-MOLDULE MOTION IN A MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-331US01/P-11797.00.
• FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a modular implantablemedical device801 having a tetheredlead interconnect site861 according to the present invention. Amember822 of implantablemedical device801 at least partially encapsulates and connects a plurality of modules810-812 while not encapsulatinglead connection modules813 that are part of tetheredlead interconnect site861. In such embodiments, the implantation ofdevice801 would not require the insertion of external leads into themember822. In addition, the external leads may be located a distance away from thedevice801. Such an arrangement may assist in the management of the external leads as they are placed within the patient and routed to a device implantation location. Further, location of leads andconnection site861 away frommember822 may make it less likely that the leads will be damaged during a surgical explant procedure.
• In alternate embodiments shown inFIGS. 8B-8C,member822 may possess mechanical structures such asgrooves832, an externally attachedpouch833, or anintegrated containment cavity834 to contain and/or route the external leads away from the implantablemedical device801 in an efficient manner. In some embodiments, the external leads may possess a minimum length to provide a particular electrical characteristic for the implantablemedical device801. This minimum length may be greater than a distance needed by a particular patient for some implantation locations. These mechanical structures that assist in external lead management may accommodate any extra lead material that needs to be part of thedevice801 in some implantation embodiments. Because the member may be spread over an area surrounding the modular device, the member may cover holes in the cranium formed to allow external leads to access the brain. Additional structures, including one ormore cap structures835 that secure a lead as it passes through the hole in the cranium may be an integral part of themember connector module822.
• Additional details regarding the lead connection modules described in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application entitled “LEAD INTERCONNECT MODULE OF A MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,” assigned Attorney Docket No.: 1023-334US01/P-11799.00.
• FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a modular implantablemedical device901 having anaccess loop971 for removal according to the present invention.Access loop971 may be mechanically coupled to, or formed as a part ofmember connector module922. Thisaccess loop971 may be used to assist in the removal of the implantablemedical device901 at a point in time when thedevice901 is no longer needed by the patient, or at a point in time when aparticular device901 needs to be replaced. Thedevice901 may be encapsulated within thepatient100 with scar tissue fibers such that physical effort will be required to remove thedevice901 from its implantation location. Thisaccess loop971 provides a clinician a removal assist structure to physically manipulate the implantablemedical device901 during its removal. Thisaccess loop971 may also be useful during implantation of thedevice901 as well as it provides a handle to manipulate thedevice901 without handing themember922 and its related modules. One skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments for the access loop that may include removal handles, a strip cord and a reinforced opening within the member connector module to provide a mechanism to grasp the device to assist in removal.
• FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a modular implantablemedical device1001 having a triangular module arrangement according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a triangular arrangement of modules is shown with amember1022 that at least partially encapsulates all of the modules. Leadinterconnection modules1013 are located between the modules at a common location.Member1022 provides aslope interface1041.
• FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a modular implantablemedical device1101 having an inline module arrangement according to the present invention. In this embodiment, an inline arrangement of modules is shown with amember1122 that at least partially encapsulates all of the modules. Alead interconnection module1113 is located on one side of themember1122.Member1122 provides aslope interface1141.
• FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating side view of a multi-module implantable medical device having an inline module arrangement according to the present invention. The side view of thedevice1201 shows an underside of thedevice1202 that possess a curved shape to permit implantation at a location having a curved body structure.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of a modular implantablemedical device1301 having a triangular module arrangement according to the present invention. In this embodiment, yet another triangular arrangement of modules is shown with amember1322 at least partially encapsulating all of the modules. Aslope interface element1341 is shown surrounding themember1322. In this embodiment, theslope interface element1341 is shown as a separate physical structure, such as a flexible band, an o-ring, removable flexible flange, or a tapered outer contour element that surrounds themember1322, rather than a tapered portion ofmember1322.Slope interface element1341 provides a desired sloped interface between the edge of the implantable medical device and the patient. In some embodiments, the shape and contour ofslope interface element1341 may be modified at the time of implantation to obtain a desired shape, orslope interface elements1341 may be selected at the time of implantation from a variety of slope interface elements to provide a desired slope interface for a particular patient.
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of constructing an implantable medical device with a member according to the present invention. An implantablemedical device401 may be fabricated by constructing the member422 (1401) from a first and second component. As discussed above,member422 may comprise two or more materials, and two or more components. For example, member may comprise one or more elastomeric components formed of an elastomeric material, such as silicone, and one or more non-elastomeric components formed of a non-elastomeric material. Once themember422 is completed, the modules410-412 with theirrespective connector modules423 are constructed (1402). Next, anymotion reduction elements421 included in thedevice401 are constructed. Once all of these components are fabricated, themotion restriction elements421 may be combined with the member422 (1403) and the interconnected modules410-412 may be inserted (1404) into themember422. From the combination of these components, thedevice401 is formed.
• It should be noted that the lubricious material may be on or impregnated in any of the embodiments of implantable medical devices provided even though such is not specifically called out in every Figure and accompanying description.
• The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not with this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (66)

1. An implantable medical device for implantation within a human body, the implantable medical device comprising:

a first module comprising a first housing, wherein the first housing contains at least a portion of the electronics for providing monitoring of or therapy to a patient; and

a lubricious material on or impregnated in the first housing for reducing the friction between the first housing and a tissue of the human body.

2. The implantable medical device ofclaim 1, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation in the head of the human body.

3. The implantable medical device ofclaim 2, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation between the scalp and the cranium.

4. The implantable medical device ofclaim 1 further comprising a second module, the second module comprising a second housing, and wherein the lubricious material is on or impregnated in the second housing.

5. The implantable medical device ofclaim 1, wherein the lubricious material is absent from at least one side of the first housing.

6. The implantable medical device ofclaim 5, wherein the lubricious material is only on or impregnated in one side of the first housing.

7. The implantable medical device ofclaim 1, wherein the housing is metal.

8. The implantable medical device ofclaim 7, wherein the housing is titanium.

9. The implantable medical device ofclaim 3, wherein the side of the housing facing the scalp is substantially convex as viewed from the scalp and the lubricious material is on or impregnated in the substantially convex side of the housing.

10. An implantable medical device for implantation within a human body, the implantable medical device comprising:

a first module comprising a first housing, wherein the first housing contains at least a portion of the electronics for providing monitoring of or therapy to a patient;

a member coupled to the first module, wherein the member provides a smooth interface between at least a portion of the first housing and a tissue of the human body; and

a lubricious material on or impregnated in at least a portion of the member for reducing the friction between the member and a tissue of the human body.

11. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the lubricous material is only on or impregnated in one side of the member.

12. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation in the head of the human body.

13. The implantable medical device ofclaim 12, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation between the scalp and the cranium.

14. The implantable medical device ofclaim 13, wherein the side of the member facing the scalp is substantially convex as viewed from the scalp.

15. The implantable medical device ofclaim 14, wherein the lubricious material is only on or impregnated in the substantially convex side of the member.

16. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the member is flexible.

17. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the member comprises an elastomeric material.

18. The implantable medical device ofclaim 17, wherein the elastomeric material is silicone.

19. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the member comprises a non-elastomeric material.

20. The implantable medical device ofclaim 19, wherein the non-elastomeric material is one of a polysulfone and a polyurethane.

21. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, further comprising a lead connection module within the member for connecting an external lead to electronics within the first module.

22. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein an edge of the member provides a sloped interface with a surface of a patient, and an angle between the edge and the surface of the patient is greater than 90 degrees.

23. The implantable medical device ofclaim 22, wherein the angle is within a range from 120 and 150 degrees.

24. The implantable medical device ofclaim 23, wherein the angle is approximately equal to 135 degrees.

25. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the member comprises a material having a high thermal conductivity to act as a heat sink for thermal energy generated within the first module.

26. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the member comprises a material having a low thermal conductivity to act as a shield of thermal energy generated within the first module.

27. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the member includes a groove to hold external lead material.

28. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the member includes a pouch to hold external lead material.

29. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the member includes a through-hole to receive an attachment mechanism for attaching the implantable medical device to a patient.

30. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, further comprising a second module coupled to the member, the second module comprising a second housing, wherein the member provides a smooth interface between the first and second housings and a tissue of the human body.

31. The implantable medical device ofclaim 30, wherein the lubricous material is only on or impregnated in one side of the member.

32. The implantable medical device ofclaim 30, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation in the head of the human body.

33. The implantable medical device ofclaim 32, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation between the scalp and the cranium.

34. The implantable medical device ofclaim 33, wherein the side of the member facing the scalp is substantially convex as viewed from the scalp.

35. The implantable medical device ofclaim 34, wherein the lubricious material is only on or impregnated in the substantially convex side of the member.

36. The implantable medical device ofclaim 30, wherein the member is flexible.

37. The implantable medical device ofclaim 30, wherein the member comprises an elastomeric material.

38. The implantable medical device ofclaim 37, wherein the elastomeric material is silicone.

39. The implantable medical device ofclaim 30, wherein the member comprises a non-elastomeric material.

40. The implantable medical device ofclaim 39, wherein the non-elastomeric material is one of a polysulfone and a polyurethane.

41. The implantable medical device ofclaim 30, further comprising a lead connection module within the member for connecting an external lead to electronics within the first module.

42. The implantable medical device ofclaim 30, wherein an edge of the member provides a sloped interface with a surface of a patient, and an angle between the edge and the surface of the patient is greater than 90 degrees.

43. The implantable medical device ofclaim 42, wherein the angle is within a range from 120 and 150 degrees.

44. The implantable medical device ofclaim 43, wherein the angle is approximately equal to 135 degrees.

45. The implantable medical device ofclaim 1, wherein the lubricious material is at least one of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogel, fluoroethylpolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFT), paralene, and a hydrophilic polymer.

46. The implantable medical device ofclaim 10, wherein the lubricious material is at least one of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogel, fluoroethylpolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFT), paralene, and a hydrophilic polymer.

47. An implantable medical device for implantation within a human body, the implantable medical device comprising:

a first module comprising a first housing, wherein the first housing contains at least a portion of the electronics for providing monitoring of or therapy to a patient; and

lubricating means on or impregnated in the first housing for reducing the friction between the first housing and a tissue of the human body.

48. An implantable medical device for implantation within a human body, the implantable medical device comprising:

a first module comprising a first housing, wherein the first housing contains at least a portion of the electronics for providing monitoring of or therapy to a patient;

a member coupled to the first module, wherein the member provides a smooth interface between at least a portion of the first housing and a tissue of the human body; and

lubricating means on or impregnated in at least a portion of the member for reducing the friction between the member and a tissue of the human body.

49. An implantable medical device for implantation within the head of a human body, the implantable medical device comprising:

a plurality of modules, the plurality of modules comprising a plurality of housings, wherein the plurality of housings contains at least a portion of the electronics for providing monitoring of or therapy to a patient;

means for integrating the modules into a single structure that at least partially encapsulates each of the housings, whereby the means for integrating the modules provides a smooth interface between the plurality of housings and a tissue of the human body; and

lubricating means on or impregnated in at least a portion of the means for integrating for reducing the friction between the means for integrating and a tissue of the human body.

50. The implantable medical device ofclaim 49, wherein the means for integrating is flexible.

51. The implantable medical device ofclaim 49, wherein the means for integrating provides a sloped interface with a surface of a patient.

52. A method for fabricating an implantable medical device, the method comprising:

fabricating a first module, the first module comprising a first housing wherein the first housing contains at least a portion of the electronics for providing monitoring of or therapy to a patient;

applying a lubricious material to at least a portion of the housing for reducing friction between the housing and a tissue of a human body.

53. The method according toclaim 52, wherein the lubricious material is at least one of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogel, fluoroethylpolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFT), paralene, and a hydrophilic polymer.

54. The method according toclaim 52, wherein the step of applying a lubricious material to the housing comprises spraying a lubricious material onto the housing.

55. The method according toclaim 52, wherein the step of applying a lubricious material to the housing comprises placing the housing into the lubricious material.

56. The method according toclaim 52 further comprising fabricating a second module, the second module comprising a second housing, and applying a lubricious material to the second housing.

57. The method according toclaim 56 further comprising coupling the second module to the first module.

58. The method according toclaim 52, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation within a head of a patient.

59. The method according toclaim 53, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation between a scalp and a cranium of the patient.

60. A method for fabricating an implantable medical device, the method comprising:

fabricating a member configured to provide a smooth interface between the implantable medical device and a tissue of a human body;

fabricating a first module;

combining the member and the first module to construct the implantable medical device; and

applying a lubricious material to the member for reducing friction between the member and the tissue.

61. The method ofclaim 60, wherein the lubricious material is at least one of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogel, fluoroethylpolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFT), paralene, and a hydrophilic polymer.

62. The method according toclaim 60, wherein the member comprises a solid biocompatible elastomeric material that is flexible.

63. The method according toclaim 60, wherein the step of applying a lubricious material to the member comprises spraying a lubricious material onto the member.

64. The method according toclaim 60, wherein the step of applying a lubricious material to the member comprises placing the member into the lubricious material.

65. The method according toclaim 60, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation within a head of a patient.

66. The method according toclaim 60, wherein the implantable medical device is configured for implantation between a scalp and a cranium of the patient.

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