Method and Apparatus for Application of a Neural Stimulus
AssigneeSaluda Medical Pty Ltd
InventorsJohn Louis Parker, James Hamilton Wah
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Abstract
A method of applying a neural stimulus with an implanted electrode array involves applying a sequence of stimuli configured to yield a therapeutic effect while suppressing psychophysical side effects. The stimuli sequence is configured such that a first stimulus recruits a portion of the fibre population, and a second stimulus is delivered within the refractory period following the first stimulus and the second stimulus being configured to recruit a further portion of the fibre population. Using an electrode array and suitable relative timing of the stimuli, ascending or descending volleys of evoked responses can be selectively synchronised or desynchronised to give directional control over responses evoked.
Claims31
(canceled)
A neuromodulation system comprising:
- an implantable device for suppressing pain by applying a neural stimulus, the implantable device comprising:
- a plurality of electrodes including at least one stimulus electrode and at least one sense electrode;
- a stimulus source for providing stimuli to be delivered from the at least one stimulus electrode to an electrically excitable tissue in the dorsal column of a patient;
- and
- measurement circuitry for measuring a neural response sensed at the at least one sense electrode and evoked in response to a stimulus;
- and
- a processor configured to set a threshold of the delivered stimuli based on the measured neural response by:
- comparing each of a plurality of measured neural responses to a corresponding stimulus intensity to determine a characteristic of a neural response growth curve, wherein the neural response growth curve is a relation of a neural response intensity to a stimulus intensity, and
- setting the threshold of the delivered stimuli based on the determined characteristic of the neural response growth curve,
- wherein the stimulus source is configured to provide the stimuli according to the threshold.
A method of suppressing pain by applying a neural stimulus, the method comprising:
- delivering stimuli from at least one stimulus electrode to an electrically excitable tissue in the dorsal column;
- measuring a neural response sensed at at least one sense electrode and evoked in response to a stimulus;
- and
- setting a threshold of the delivered stimuli based on the measured neural response by:
- comparing each of a plurality of measured neural responses to a corresponding stimulus intensity to determine a characteristic of a neural response growth curve, wherein the neural response growth curve is a relation of a neural response intensity to a stimulus intensity, and
- setting the threshold of the delivered stimuli based on the determined characteristic of the neural response growth curve,
- wherein the stimuli are delivered according to the threshold.
A neuromodulation system comprising:
- an implantable device for suppressing pain by applying a neural stimulus, the device comprising:
- a plurality of electrodes including at least one stimulus electrode and at least one sense electrode;
- a stimulus source for providing stimuli to be delivered from the at least one stimulus electrode to an electrically excitable tissue in the dorsal column of a patient;
- and
- measurement circuitry for measuring a neural response sensed at the at least one sense electrode and evoked in response to a stimulus;
- and
- a processor configured to set a maximum intensity of the delivered stimuli based on the measured neural response,
- wherein the stimulus source is configured to provide the stimuli according to the maximum intensity of the delivered stimuli.
A method of suppressing pain by applying a neural stimulus, the method comprising:
- delivering stimuli from at least one stimulus electrode to an electrically excitable tissue in the dorsal column of a patient;
- measuring a neural response sensed at at least one sense electrode and evoked in response to a stimulus;
- and
- setting a maximum intensity of the delivered stimuli based on the measured neural response,
- wherein the stimuli are delivered according to the maximum intensity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.