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. Alternatively, devices of the present
invention are configurable to monitor a biological parameter.
Furthermore, a placement structure is shown for facilitating placement of
the implantable device proximate to neural/muscular tissue.
