Implantable neurostimulator with refractory stimulation
First Claim
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1. A method, comprising:
- applying a first electrical signal to a nerve to evoke an action potential, said nerve thereafter entering a refractory period in which the nerve is refractory to further induction of action potentials; and
during said refractory period, applying a second electrical signal to said nerve thereby altering said refractory period.
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Abstract
In some embodiments, a method comprises providing an electrical signal to a nerve to evoke an action potential. The nerve thereby enters a refractory period in which the nerve is in a refractory state. The method further comprises, during the refractory period, providing an electrical signal to the nerve thereby altering the refractory period of the nerve or non-target tissues.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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applying a first electrical signal to a nerve to evoke an action potential, said nerve thereafter entering a refractory period in which the nerve is refractory to further induction of action potentials; and during said refractory period, applying a second electrical signal to said nerve thereby altering said refractory period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method, comprising:
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applying a first electrical signal to a nerve to evoke an action potential; wherein said first electrical signal or said action potential evokes action potentials in non-target tissue; said non-target tissue thereafter entering a refractory period in which the non-target tissue is refractory to further induction of action potentials; and during said refractory period, applying a second electrical signal to said nerve thereby altering said refractory period of the non-target tissue. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An implantable neurostimulator, comprising:
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an electrical signal generator; and an electrode coupled to said electrical signal generator and adapted to couple to a nerve; wherein said electrical signal generator applies a first electrical signal to a nerve to evoke an action potential, said nerve thereby entering a refractory period in which the nerve is in a refractory state, and during said refractory period, said electrical signal generator applies a second electrical signal to said nerve thereby altering said refractory period. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An implantable neurostimulator, comprising:
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an electrical signal generator; and an electrode coupled to said electrical signal generator and adapted to couple to a nerve to thereby provide therapy to a target nerve fiber; wherein said electrical signal generator applies a first electrical signal to a nerve to evoke an action potential in the target nerve which causes an action potential to be evoked in a non-target nerve fiber or tissue, said non-target nerve fiber or tissue thereby entering a refractory period in which the non-target nerve fiber or tissue is in a refractory state, and during said refractory period, said electrical signal generator applies a second electrical signal to said target nerve thereby altering said refractory period of said non-target nerve fiber or tissue. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification