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Technique for adjusting the locus of excitation of electrically excitable tissue

  • US 20030018370A1
  • Filed: 09/20/2002
  • Published: 01/23/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/04/1996
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for inducing action potentials at an adjustable locus of electrically excitable tissue of an organism, comprising in combination:

  • (A) at least one return electrode capable of being disposed within the organism;

    (B) a plurality of electrodes adapted to be implanted adjacent to the tissue and forming an array of a first group of electrodes in an inner ring formation and a second group of electrodes in an outer ring formation;

    (C) a first set of at least one electrode of the first group of electrodes capable of being driven with a first pulse parameter;

    (D) a second set of at least one electrode of the second group of electrodes capable of being driven with a second pulse parameter; and

    (E) a generator configured to provide the first and second pulses to the first and second sets respectively to cause a steerable electric field with respect to the return electrode, and to provide a potential to cause at least one of the outer ring of electrodes to become anodal thereby causing the electric field to be contained within a certain region and causing outer tissue to be shielded from activation.

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