Apparatus and method for optimized stimulation of a neurological target
First Claim
1. An apparatus for stimulating a neurological target, comprising:
- at least one microelectrode positionable at the neurological target;
an impedance analyzer in electrical communication with each of the at least one microelectrodes, the impedance analyzer measures respective electrical impedance values indicative of a microelectrode-tissue interface at each of a plurality of different frequencies for each of the at least one microelectrodes;
a preferred-frequency detector in communication with the impedance analyzer, the preferred-frequency detector detects from among the electrical impedance values measured at each of the at least one microelectrodes, a respective preferred peak resistance frequency; and
a stimulation source in communication with at least one of the at least one microelectrodes, the stimulation source stimulates the neurological target at the respective preferred peak resistance frequency.
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Abstract
A preferred frequency is identified, being usable to stimulate a neurological target within a mammalian body using at least one microelectrode positioned at or near the target. To establish efficient and effective stimulation, an impedance analyzer is provided for measuring electrical impedance values indicative of a microelectrode-tissue interface across a range of different frequencies. A preferred one of the measured electrical impedance values is identified as being closest to a pure resistance. The neurological target can then be stimulated at or near the frequency associated with the preferred impedance value (peak resistance frequency), thereby promoting desirable traits, such as optimum charge transfer, minimum signal distortion, increased stimulation efficiency, and prevention of microelectrode corrosion. The peak resistance frequency can be used to determine an preferred pulse shape. A target can be identified by microelectrode measurements of neuronal activity and/or impedance magnitude at peak resistance frequency.
502 Citations
10 Claims
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1. An apparatus for stimulating a neurological target, comprising:
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at least one microelectrode positionable at the neurological target; an impedance analyzer in electrical communication with each of the at least one microelectrodes, the impedance analyzer measures respective electrical impedance values indicative of a microelectrode-tissue interface at each of a plurality of different frequencies for each of the at least one microelectrodes; a preferred-frequency detector in communication with the impedance analyzer, the preferred-frequency detector detects from among the electrical impedance values measured at each of the at least one microelectrodes, a respective preferred peak resistance frequency; and a stimulation source in communication with at least one of the at least one microelectrodes, the stimulation source stimulates the neurological target at the respective preferred peak resistance frequency. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification