Technique for adjusting the locus of excitation of electrically excitable tissue
US6988006B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36017
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. In one embodiment, first and second pulses are applied to first and second electrodes, respectively, to generate first and second subthreshold potential areas, respectively, within the tissue. The locus within the tissue where action potentials are induced is determined by a superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas according to the physiological principle of electrotonus. In another embodiment, a two-dimensional array of electrodes are formed. The cathode may be positioned near the center of the two-dimensional array or may be left out. The first and second subthreshold areas may thereby be steered. An array of anodal rings may be used to contain the field of excitation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.