System for thermal modulation of neural activity

US8170660B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE INVENTION SCIENCE FUND I, LLC · US

Inventors

• Ralph G. Dacey, Jr. · Chesterfield, US
• Gregory J. Della Rocca · Columbia, US
• Colin P. Derdeyn · Chesterfield, US
• Joshua L. Dowling · Webster Groves, US
• Eleanor V. Goodall · Seattle, US
• Roderick A. Hyde · Redmond, US
• Muriel Y. Ishikawa · Livermore, US
• Jordin T. Kare · Seattle, US
• Eric C. Leuthardt · Chesterfield, US
• Nathan P. Myhrvold · Bellevue, US
• Michael A. Smith · Phoenix, US
• Lowell L. Wood, JR. · Bellevue, US
• Victoria Y.H. Wood · Livermore, US
• Gregory J. Zipfel · Chesterfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 4, 2008
• Grant date: May 1, 2012
• Expiry date: Feb 14, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2005/0659
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with thermal stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of thermal blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed.