Patent · US Active

Systems and methods for providing a distributed virtual stimulation cathode for use with an implantable neurostimulation system

US9044610B2 · kind B2 · utility

40Cited by
17References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 25, 2013
Grant dateJun 2, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 9, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/0553
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Techniques are provided for controlling and delivering spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or other forms of neurostimulation. In one example, neurostimulation pulses are generated wherein successive pulses alternate in polarity so that a pair of electrodes alternate as cathodes. Each pulse has a cathodic amplitude sufficient to achieve cathodic capture of tissues adjacent the particular electrode used as the cathode for the pulse. The neurostimulation pulses are delivered to patient tissues using the electrodes to alternatingly capture tissues adjacent opposing electrodes via cathodic capture to achieve a distributed virtual stimulation cathode. Various pulse energy savings techniques are also set forth that exploit the distributed virtual stimulation cathode.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.