Locating a neural prosthesis using impedance and electrode height
First Claim
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1. A method of determining proper placement of a neural stimulation electrode array comprising:
- placing an electrode array of an implantable neural prosthesis in proximity of neural tissue;
sending a series of wireless command signals under automatic control to the implantable neural prosthesis to measure impedances, and thereby threshold of perception, across the electrode array after providing sub-threshold of perception stimulation pulses to neural tissue on each electrode;
communicating the impedances to a clinician via a wireless telemetry signal;
determining, by the impedances, the distance between the electrode array and neural tissue, as well as any defective electrodes;
selecting a proper chronic placement for the electrode array as the location providing the least distance between the electrode array and neural tissue, the lowest threshold of perception and the greatest dynamic range;
attaching the electrode array chronically to neural tissue in the proper chronic placement; and
stimulating neural percepts with the electrode array.
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Abstract
The invention is a method of identifying a preferred location for an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual subject. The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from subject to subject and array location to array location. Measure of impedance may be used to predict the electrode height from the neural tissue and, thereby, predict the preferred location. Alternatively, electrode height may be measured directly to predict the preferred location.
25 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of determining proper placement of a neural stimulation electrode array comprising:
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placing an electrode array of an implantable neural prosthesis in proximity of neural tissue; sending a series of wireless command signals under automatic control to the implantable neural prosthesis to measure impedances, and thereby threshold of perception, across the electrode array after providing sub-threshold of perception stimulation pulses to neural tissue on each electrode; communicating the impedances to a clinician via a wireless telemetry signal;
determining, by the impedances, the distance between the electrode array and neural tissue, as well as any defective electrodes;selecting a proper chronic placement for the electrode array as the location providing the least distance between the electrode array and neural tissue, the lowest threshold of perception and the greatest dynamic range; attaching the electrode array chronically to neural tissue in the proper chronic placement; and stimulating neural percepts with the electrode array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification