Dual channel implantation neurostimulation techniques

• US 5,948,007 A
• Filed: 04/30/1997
• Issued: 09/07/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Rise, Mark T., Starkebaum, Warren, Stein, Marc T., Hall, Donald L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LAYNO, CARL HERNANDZ
• Application Number:
  US08/847,651
• Time in Patent Office: 860 Days
• Field of Search: 607/43, 607/46, 607/66-70
• US Class Current: 607/67
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3615 Intensity
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36167 Timing, e.g. stimulation onset

Abstract

A first electrical signal and a second electrical signal are transmitted to one or more implanted leads including first and second electrodes, respectively. The first and second signals have a difference in frequency such that the combined potentials induce action potentials in a certain locus of electrically excitable tissue. Means are provided for adjusting the frequency difference, as well as the amplitudes of the signals so that the locus is altered.

Claims

1. A system for altering the locus of electrically excitable tissue in which action potentials are induced comprising in combination:

a first electrode adapted to be implanted adjacent said tissue;

a second electrode adapted to be implanted adjacent said tissue;

means for applying a first electrical signal having a first frequency and first amplitude to said first electrode and a second electrical signal having a second frequency and second amplitude to said second electrode, the frequency difference between said first frequency and said second frequency having a relationship such that the combined potentials induced in said locus by said first and second signals create action potentials in said locus; and

means for adjusting said first and second frequencies and said first and second amplitudes so that said locus is altered.

2. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for adjusting comprises means for making said first and second amplitudes substantially identical.

3. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second signals comprise sinusoidal signals.

4. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second signals comprise pulse signals.

5. A method for altering the locus of electrically excitable tissue in which action potentials are induced by means of first and second electrodes adapted to be implanted adjacent said tissue, said method comprising the steps of:

applying a first periodic electrical signal to said first electrode;

applying a second periodic electrical signal to said second electrode;

adjusting the difference in frequency between said first and second signals; and

adjusting the amplitudes of said first and second signals, such that the locus of the combined potentials induced by said first and second signals in which action potentials are created is altered, whereby the locus is positioned with respect to said tissue.

6. A method, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the step of adjusting said amplitudes comprises the step of making said amplitudes substantially identical.

7. A method, as claimed in claim 5, using sinusoidal signals for said first and second signals.

8. A method, as claimed in claim 5, using pulse signals for said first and second signals.