Current sensing multiple output current stimulators
First Claim
1. A method of providing stimulation comprising:
- implanting a pulse generator configured to generate one or several electrical pulses in a portion of a body, the pulse generator comprising a stimulator circuit, wherein the stimulator circuit comprises a supply transistor having a gate connected to a differential amplifier and an output connected to a gate of each of a plurality of output transistors;
implanting a lead within the portion of the body, wherein the lead comprises one or more electrodes;
positioning the one or more electrodes of the lead proximate to a nerve; and
connecting the lead to the pulse generator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multiple output current stimulator circuit with fast turn on time is described. At least one pair of input side and output side transistors is arranged in a current mirror connected to a supply transistor by cascode coupling. The output side transistor supplies stimulation current to an electrode in contact with tissue. An operational amplifier connected to a reference voltage and to the output side transistor drives the supply transistor to maintain the voltage at the output side transistor equal to the reference voltage. The at least one pair of transistors includes multiple pairs of transistors whose output side transistors drive respective electrodes with stimulation currents. The stimulator determines the initiation and duration of stimulation current pulses supplied to each electrode. At circuit activation, large currents are generated which discharge capacitances in the output side transistors causing rapid output side transistor turn on.
287 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of providing stimulation comprising:
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implanting a pulse generator configured to generate one or several electrical pulses in a portion of a body, the pulse generator comprising a stimulator circuit, wherein the stimulator circuit comprises a supply transistor having a gate connected to a differential amplifier and an output connected to a gate of each of a plurality of output transistors; implanting a lead within the portion of the body, wherein the lead comprises one or more electrodes; positioning the one or more electrodes of the lead proximate to a nerve; and connecting the lead to the pulse generator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of providing stimulation comprising:
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implanting a pulse generator configured to generate one or several electrical pulses in a portion of a body, the pulse generator comprising a switching control circuit and a stimulator circuit, wherein the stimulator circuit comprises a supply transistor having an output connected to one or several gates of one or several output transistors, wherein the switching control circuit is configured to control a plurality of switches, each of the plurality of switches configured to selectively couple the output of the supply transistor to at least one of the one or several gates of the one or several output transistors; implanting a lead within the portion of the body, wherein the lead comprises one or more electrodes; positioning the one or more electrodes of the lead proximate to a nerve; connecting the lead to the pulse generator; receiving switch control signals; and selectively coupling the output of the supply transistor to at least one of the one or several gates of the one or several output transistor according to the switch control signals.
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16. A method of providing stimulation comprising:
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implanting a pulse generator configured to generate one or several electrical pulses in a portion of a body, the pulse generator comprising at least one input side transistor;
at least one output side transistor, a switching control circuit, and a stimulator circuit, wherein the stimulator circuit comprises a supply transistor having an output connected to one or several gates of one or several output transistors, wherein the switching control circuit is configured to control a plurality of switches, each of the plurality of switches configured to selectively couple the output of the supply transistor to at least one of the one or several gates of the one or several output transistors;implanting a lead within the portion of the body, wherein the lead comprises one or more electrodes; positioning the one or more electrodes of the lead proximate to a nerve; connecting the lead to the pulse generator. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification