Retinal microstimulation
US5109844A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 1990 |
| Grant date | May 5, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37205
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for stimulating a retinal ganglion cell in a retina without penetrating the retinal basement membrane at the surface of the retina comprises: (a) positioning a ganglion cell stimulating electrode on or above the retinal basement membrane; (b) providing a ground electrode in operative association with the ganglion cell stimulating electrode, with the ground electrode positioned on or above the retinal basement membrane and positioned for capturing electric current produced by the stimulating electrode; and (c) applying a voltage to said stimulating electrode sufficient to produce an electric current which penetrates the retina and produces an action potential in a retinal ganglion cell. Apparatus for practicing the foregoing method is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.