The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 17, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 20, 2002
Gary W. King, Fridley, MN (US);
Rob Leinders, Maaslandstaat, NL;
Greg Hrdlicka, Plymouth, MN (US);
Michael D. Baudino, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Gary W. King, Fridley, MN (US);
Rob Leinders, Maaslandstaat, NL;
Greg Hrdlicka, Plymouth, MN (US);
Michael D. Baudino, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. In one embodiment, first and second pulses are applied to first and second electrodes, respectively, to generate first and second subthreshold potential areas, respectively, within the tissue. The locus within the tissue where action potentials are induced is determined by a superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas according to the physiological principle of electrotonus. In another embodiment, a two-dimensional array of electrodes are formed. The cathode may be positioned near the center of the two-dimensional array or may be left out. The first and second subthreshold areas may thereby be steered. An array of anodal rings may be used to contain the field of excitation.