Method and apparatus for application of a neural stimulus
AssigneeSaluda Medical Pty Ltd
InventorsJohn Louis Parker, James Hamilton Wah
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims23
(canceled)
A method of controlling a neural stimulus, the method comprising:
- applying a neural stimulus from an electrode array comprising at least one stimulus electrode to a neural pathway of a patient, the stimulus being defined by at least one stimulus parameter, the electrode array being subject to movement relative to the neural pathway;
- measuring a neural response evoked by the stimulus, the neural response comprising an evoked compound action potential, wherein a distance between the electrode array and the neural pathway is subject to change induced by movement of the electrode array relative to the neural pathway;
- deriving from the measured neural response a feedback variable;
- comparing a target value with the feedback variable;
- adjusting, based on the comparison, a value of the at least one stimulus parameter;
- and
- repeating the applying, measuring, deriving, and adjusting,
- wherein the adjusting or the comparing reduces variations in recruitment induced by the change in distance.
An implantable device for controllably applying a neural stimulus, the device comprising:
- an electrode array comprising one or more stimulus electrodes and one or more sense electrodes;
- a stimulus source configured to deliver a stimulus via the one or more stimulus electrodes to a neural pathway, the electrode array being subject to movement relative to the neural pathway;
- measurement circuitry for measuring a neural response sensed at the one or more sense electrodes;
- and
- a control unit configured to:
- control application of a neural stimulus as defined by at least one stimulus parameter;
- measure via the measurement circuitry a neural response evoked by the stimulus, the neural response comprising an evoked compound action potential, wherein a distance between the electrode array and the neural pathway is subject to change induced by movement of the electrode array relative to the neural pathway;
- derive from the measured neural response a feedback variable;
- compare a target value with the feedback variable;
- and
- adjust, based on the comparison, a value of the at least one stimulus parameter, wherein the adjusting or the comparing reduces variations in recruitment induced by the change in distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.