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Technique for adjusting the locus of excitation of electrically excitable tissue

  • US 20060079937A1
  • Filed: 11/14/2005
  • Published: 04/13/2006
  • 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) a plurality of electrodes forming an array adapted to be implanted adjacent to the tissue, the array having a first group of electrodes and a second group of electrodes, the second group of electrodes located at an outer position relative to the first group of electrodes;

    (B) a first set of at least one electrode of the first group of electrodes capable of being driven with a first pulse, the first pulse having a pulse parameter to generate a first subthreshold potential area in the tissue;

    (C) a second set of at least one electrode of the second group of electrodes capable of being driven with a second pulse, the second pulse having a pulse parameter to generate a second subthreshold potential in the tissue;

    (D) a generator configured to provide the first and second pulses to the first and second sets to cause a steerable electric field; and

    wherein a superposition of the first subthreshold potential area with the second subthreshold potential area results in a suprathreshold potential area of the adjustable locus where the action potentials are induced.

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