Implantable microstimulators and methods for unidirectional propagation of action potentials

US7860570B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation · US

Inventors

• Todd K. Whitehurst · Santa Clarita, US
• Rafael Carbunaru · West Hollywood, US
• James P. McGivern · Santa Clarita, US
• Matthew I. Haller · Burbank, US
• Tom Xiaohai He · Simi Valley, US
• Kerry Bradley · Glendale, US
• Janusz A. Kuzma · Englewood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 20, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 28, 2010
• Expiry date: Oct 6, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/37288
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation.