Asymmetric single electrode cuff for generation of unidirectionally propagating action potentials for collision blocking
US4649936A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 1984 |
| Grant date | Mar 17, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0556
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A single electrode, asymmetric electrode cuff (B) is disposed around a nerve trunk (A). A signal generator (C) is connected between a cathode (20) disposed asymmetrically in the electrode cuff and an anode (22) disposed in an electrically conductive relationship within the body tissue. The signal generator applies a stimulus signal (FIG. 3) which generates unidirectionally propagating action potentials on the nerve trunk. The electrode cuff includes a dielectric sleeve (10) in which the cathode is positioned a first distance (L1) from an escape end (14) and a second distance (L2) from an arrest end (16). The first distance is at least 1.7, and preferably about 7, times the second distance. This asymmetry causes a primary or forward stimulus signal current (30) to be correspondingly greater than a secondary or reverse current (32).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.