Cavernous nerve stimulation via unidirectional propagation of action potentials
US7203548B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0551
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods of using unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs) for cavernous nerve stimulation and for certain disorders are provided. Stimulators capable of creating such UPAPs include, but are not limited to, miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators), possibly with programmably configurable electrodes. In one aspect, a method includes providing at least one implantable stimulator with at least two electrodes, disposing the electrodes to apply stimulation that unidirectionally propagates action potentials along a cavernous nerve; and applying the stimulation to the cavernous nerve, thereby treating erectile dysfunction while limiting side effects of bidirectional stimulation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.