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Optimized nerve fiber stimulation

  • US 4,640,286 A
  • Filed: 11/02/1984
  • Issued: 02/03/1987
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/02/1984
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for optimizing electrical stimulation of nerve fibers having predetermined refractory periods and enhanced excitability conditions that occur during known periods following the occurrence of an action potential, said method comprising:

  • generating a first pulse of positive polarity and applying said first pulse to nerve fibers to be electrically stimulated to thereby set said fibers;

    generating a second pulse of negative polarity and applying said second pulse to said nerve fibers to be electrically stimulated to cause excitation thereof, with said second pulse being generated at a time subsequent to said first pulse that is substantially equal to that of the refractory period for said nerve fibers then to be stimulated; and

    repeatedly generating said first and second pulses with each occurrence of said first and second pulses being timewise spaced from each adjacent first and second pulses a distance based upon the timewise occurrence of said enhanced excitability condition of said preselected nerve fibers to be stimulated to thereby optimize stimulation of said nerve fibers and substantially increase the activity thereof.

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