Methods and systems of electrode polarity switching in electrical stimulation therapy
US9827425B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36139
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods for electrically stimulating body tissues to improve function or reduce symptoms provide an electrical stimulation system having two or more electrodes that are capable of being switched independently from a hyperpolarizing (depolarizing) state to a hypopolarizing state. Multiple combinations of hyperpolarizing electrodes and hypopolarizing electrodes are created by polarity switching to determine a polarity configuration having the best performance as determined by symptom reporting and clinical diagnostic tests. Polarity switching is triggered manually or is programmed to be switched automatically. Determining the configuration providing electrical stimulation resulting in the greatest benefit allows the system to be operated with one or more electrodes in a hypopolarizing state, thereby reducing energy requirements, tissue tolerance, and tissue fatigue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.