System and method for electrical stimulation of the intervertebral disc
US8086317B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0558
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In one embodiment, a method electrically stimulates an area in a spinal disc. The method comprises: implanting at least one steerable lead at a placement site for stimulating a spinal disc such that the lead is disposed exterior and immediately adjacent to and circumferentially along an annulus of the spinal disc, the at least one lead including a plurality of electrodes distributed along a majority of a circumference of the annulus; connecting the lead to a signal generator; and generating electrical stimulation pulses using the generator to stimulate targeted portions of the spinal disc, wherein the stimulation of the targeted portion of the spinal disc sufficiently stimulates nerve tissue within the spinal disc to prevent communication of pain signals originating in the spinal disc without damaging tissue of the spinal disc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.