Neuromodulation using energy-efficient waveforms
AssigneeIntelect Medical, Inc.
InventorsRandall York, Scott Kokones, Keith Carlton, Alan Greszler
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Abstract
Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying an electrical signal to a target site in the nervous system, such as the brain, where the electrical signal comprises a series of pulses. The pulses includes a waveform shape that is more energy-efficient as compared to a corresponding rectangular waveform. Non-limiting examples of such energy-efficient waveforms include linear increasing, linear decreasing, exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian waveforms. Also described are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses.
Claims26
A method for neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, comprising:
- applying an electrical signal to a site in a nervous system of the subject, wherein the electrical signal comprises pulses consisting of an energy-efficient waveform selected from the group consisting of exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian.
A neuromodulation apparatus comprising:
- an electrode comprising an electrode contact;
- and
- an implantable pulse generator coupled to the electrode;
- wherein the pulse generator is programmed to apply an electrical signal to the electrode contact, the electrical signal comprising pulses consisting of an energy-efficient waveform selected from the group consisting of exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian.
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores executable instructions for performing the following:
- obtaining a set of numeric values that define an energy-efficient waveform;
- and controlling a pulse generator to apply an electrical signal to an electrode contact, the electrical signal comprising pulses consisting of an energy-efficient waveform selected from the group consisting of exponential increasing, exponential decreasing and Gaussian.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.