SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TEMPORARY, INCOMPLETE, BI-DIRECTIONAL, ADJUSTABLE ELECTRICAL NERVE BLOCK
First Claim
1. A method for providing a bi-directional, incomplete nerve block to a patient, comprising the steps of:
- providing an adjustable temporary electrical nerve conduction block to a nerve using an electrode,wherein the temporary electrical nerve block is adjusted on demand and on the spot; and
blocking conduction in less than 100% of the fibers within the nerve located in close proximity to or being surrounded by the electrode without causing intentional damage of neural tissue as mode of action to achieve the incomplete nerve block during application of the electrical nerve conduction block,wherein a complete recovery of nerve conduction is expected within seconds post application of the incomplete nerve block.
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Accused Products
Abstract
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can provide an incomplete nerve block to a patient. In some instances, the incomplete nerve block can be bi-directional. In other instances, the incomplete nerve block can be adjustable. The system can include a waveform generator that can provide temporary electrical nerve conduction block to a nerve using an electrode. The electrode can include at least one contact. The temporary electrical nerve conduction block can block conduction in less than 100% of the fibers within the nerve located in close proximity to or being surrounded by the electrode. The temporary electrical nerve conduction block does not cause intentional damage to neural tissue as mode of action to achieve the incomplete nerve block. A complete recovery of nerve conduction can be expected post application of the incomplete nerve block.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for providing a bi-directional, incomplete nerve block to a patient, comprising the steps of:
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providing an adjustable temporary electrical nerve conduction block to a nerve using an electrode, wherein the temporary electrical nerve block is adjusted on demand and on the spot; and blocking conduction in less than 100% of the fibers within the nerve located in close proximity to or being surrounded by the electrode without causing intentional damage of neural tissue as mode of action to achieve the incomplete nerve block during application of the electrical nerve conduction block, wherein a complete recovery of nerve conduction is expected within seconds post application of the incomplete nerve block. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system that provides a bi-directional, incomplete nerve block to a patient, the system comprising:
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a waveform generator configured to modulate a parameter of an electrical waveform so that the electrical waveform is configured to temporarily block conduction in less than 100% of the fibers within a portion of a nerve in close proximity to the electrode; and an electrode, electrically coupled to the waveform generator, located in proximity to the nerve and configured to deliver the electrical conduction block waveform to the nerve via at least one contact. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A neural prosthesis comprising:
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an external control unit configured to receive an input from a patient, the input modulating a parameter of an electrical waveform; and a waveform generator configured to adjust the electrical waveform based on the input and provide the adjusted electrical waveform to a nerve of a patient; wherein the electrical waveform is configured to provide a temporary, bi-directional, incomplete nerve block to the nerve at the electrode site. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification