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 said nerve is refractory to further induction of action potentials; and
after applying said first electrical signal, altering said refractory period by applying a second electrical signal to said nerve during said refractory period, wherein said second electrical signal is effective to alter said refractory period and is unable to stimulate said nerve to evoke an action potential.
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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.
575 Citations
23 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 said nerve is refractory to further induction of action potentials; and after applying said first electrical signal, altering said refractory period by applying a second electrical signal to said nerve during said refractory period, wherein said second electrical signal is effective to alter said refractory period and is unable to stimulate said nerve to evoke an action potential. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. 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 nontarget tissue is refractory to further induction of action potentials; and after applying said first electrical signal, altering said refractory period of the non-target tissue by applying a second electrical signal to said nerve during said refractory period, wherein said second electrical signal is effective to alter said refractory period and has an insufficient magnitude to trigger an action potential in said non-target tissue. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. 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 said nerve to evoke an action potential, said nerve thereby entering a refractory period in which said nerve is in a refractory state, and during said refractory period after applying said first electrical signal, said electrical signal generator alters said refractory period by applying a second electrical signal to said nerve, said second electrical signal being effective to alter said refractory period and unable to stimulate said nerve to evoke an action potential. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. 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 after applying said first electrical signal, said electrical signal generator alters said refractory period of said non-target nerve fiber or tissue by applying a second electrical signal to said target nerve, said second electrical signal being effective to alter said refractory period and unable to trigger an action potential in said non-target nerve fiber or tissue. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification