Spinal cord stimulation with interferential current
First Claim
1. A method for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, the method comprising:
- positioning a first pair of implantable electrodes to a dura matter in an epidural space proximate to a subject'"'"'s spinal cord at predetermined locations;
positioning a second pair of implantable electrodes to the dura matter in the epidural space proximate to the subject'"'"'s spinal cord at predetermined locations; and
transmitting signals of first and second frequencies through the first and second pairs of implantable electrodes respectively, so that the signals of the first and second frequencies interfere with each other to produce at least one beat signal proximate to the subject'"'"'s spinal cord using a current with a base medium frequency of at least 500 Hz but no more than 20 KHz, and wherein a majority of the at least one beat signal is directionally distributed and controlled, enabling the at least one beat signal to avoid remaining in and shunting through cerebrospinal fluid proximate to the subject'"'"'s spinal cord, thereby recruiting dorsal column fibers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A stimulator and a method for the treatment of intractable pain syndromes by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is disclosed in which implantable electrodes positioned around a targeted area of the spinal cord transmit an interferential current that has a base medium frequency alternating current between 500 Hz-20 KHz. A digital signal processor generates a sine-wave-like waveform from a pulse generator which after further processing is used to generate at least two circuits for use in producing the beat frequency signal. An effective area of stimulation is controlled by the quantity of electrodes, positioning of the electrodes and electrode cross pattern orientation. Amplitude modulation of electrical circuits created at the electrode placements also augments the effective area of stimulation. The stimulator and method reduce accommodation of the body to the electrical stimulation and provide deeper penetration of the resultant signal.
24 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, the method comprising:
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positioning a first pair of implantable electrodes to a dura matter in an epidural space proximate to a subject'"'"'s spinal cord at predetermined locations; positioning a second pair of implantable electrodes to the dura matter in the epidural space proximate to the subject'"'"'s spinal cord at predetermined locations; and transmitting signals of first and second frequencies through the first and second pairs of implantable electrodes respectively, so that the signals of the first and second frequencies interfere with each other to produce at least one beat signal proximate to the subject'"'"'s spinal cord using a current with a base medium frequency of at least 500 Hz but no more than 20 KHz, and wherein a majority of the at least one beat signal is directionally distributed and controlled, enabling the at least one beat signal to avoid remaining in and shunting through cerebrospinal fluid proximate to the subject'"'"'s spinal cord, thereby recruiting dorsal column fibers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for treatment of chronic pain syndromes using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, the method comprising:
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positioning a first implantable lead to a dura matter in an epidural space proximate to a subject'"'"'s spinal cord at predetermined locations proximate to a targeted area, the first implantable lead including at least four electrodes; positioning a second implantable lead to a dura matter in an epidural space proximate to a subject'"'"'s spinal cord at predetermined locations proximate to a targeted area, the second implantable lead including at least four electrodes; and transmitting signals of first and second frequencies through the first implantable lead and the second implantable lead so that the signals of the first and second frequencies interfere to create at least one beat signal proximate to the targeted area using a current with a base medium frequency of at least 500 Hz but no more than 20 KHz, and wherein a majority of the at least one beat signal is directionally distributed and controlled, enabling the at least one beat signal to avoid remaining in and shunting through cerebrospinal fluid proximate to the subject'"'"'s spinal cord, thereby recruiting dorsal column fibers. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification