Method and nerve stimulator using simultaneous electrical and optical signals
US8498699B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/0659
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.