Method and apparatus for altering neural tissue function
AssigneeRadionics, Inc.
InventorsMenno E. Sluijter, William J. Rittman, III, Eric R. Cosman
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for altering a function of neural tissue in a patient. An electromagnetic signal is applied to the neural tissue through an electrode. The electromagnetic signal has a frequency component above the physiological stimulation frequency range and an intensity sufficient to produce an alteration of the neural tissue, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain, and a waveform that prevents lethal temperature elevation of the neural tissue during application of the electromagnetic signal to the neural tissue.
Claims6
An apparatus for altering a function of neural tissue in a patient comprising:
- a) an electrode adapted to apply an amplitude modulated signal to the neural tissue of the patient;
- b) a signal generator that generates an amplitude modulated signal having at least one frequency component above a physiological stimulation frequency range, said amplitude modulated signal producing an alteration of a function of the neural tissue while producing an average power deposition in the neural tissue corresponding to non-lethal temperature elevation of said neural tissue when the amplitude modulated signal is applied to the neural tissue through said electrode, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain and being produced at least in part by said at least one frequency component above said physiological stimulation frequency range;
- and,
- c) an electromagnetic coupling between said signal generator and said electrode.
A method of altering a function of neural tissue in a patient, comprising:
- a) by an electrode, applying an amplitude modulated signal to the neural tissue of the patient;
- b) by a signal generator, generating an amplitude modulated signal having at least one frequency component above a physiological stimulation frequency range, said amplitude modulated signal producing an alteration of a function of the neural tissue while producing an average power deposition in the neural tissue corresponding to non-lethal temperature elevation of said neural tissue when the amplitude modulated signal is applied to the neural tissue through said electrode, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain and being produced at least in part by said at least one frequency component above said physiological stimulation frequency range;
- and
- c) electromagnetically coupling said signal generator to said electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.