Abstract: An apparatus for applying a signal to a nerve for the treatment of a disorder includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Each of the electrodes is adapted to be secured to a nerve of a patient. A signal generator is electrically connected to each of the first and second electrodes. The signal generator is adapted to create a signal having a first waveform at the first electrode and a second waveform at the second electrode. The waveforms have parameters selected to block propagation of neural action potentials. The waveforms have a repeating pattern of cycles of pulses with a delay period between at least selected ones of said pulses. In one embodiment, the first and second waveforms are out of phase for a cycle of one of the waveforms to occur during a delay period of the other of the waveforms.

Abstract: There is provided an implanted system and method for delivering subsonic mechanical waves to one or more selected patient areas, said areas including the patient's heart and/or lungs. The mechanical waves are delivered for the purpose of treating fibrillation or like arrhythmias, for enhancing lung gas exchange, enhancing cardiac muscle fiber relaxation, and enhancing coronary perfusion. Mechanical waves are generated in a frequency range of about 1,100,000 Hz, and preferably 1-50,000 Hz. The waves may be delivered continuously for short or long time periods, or may be controlled in timing either with respect to detected portions of a patient's heartbeat signal or in response to a detected event such as fibrillation. In one preferred embodiment, the implantable system includes a defibrillation shock generator and control for responding to a defibrillation event by first delivering a sequence of mechanical waves and then delivering an electrical defibrillation shock.

Abstract: There is provided an implanted system and method for delivering subsonic mechanical waves to one or more selected patient areas, said areas including the patient's heart and/or lungs. The mechanical waves are delivered for the purpose of treating fibrillation or like arrhythmias, for enhancing lung gas exchange, enhancing cardiac muscle fiber relaxation, and enhancing coronary perfusion. Mechanical waves are generated in a frequency range of about 1,100,000 Hz, and preferably 1-50,000 Hz. The waves may be delivered continuously for short or long time periods, or may be controlled in timing either with respect to detected portions of a patient's heartbeat signal or in response to a detected event such as fibrillation. In one preferred embodiment, the implantable system includes a defibrillation shock generator and control for responding to a defibrillation event by first delivering a sequence of mechanical waves and then delivering an electrical defibrillation shock.

Abstract: There is provided an implanted system and method for delivering subsonic mechanical waves to one or more selected patient areas, the areas including the patient's heart and/or lungs. The mechanical waves are delivered for the purpose of treating fibrillation or like arrhythmias, for enhancing lung gas exchange, enhancing cardiac muscle fiber relaxation, and enhancing coronary perfusion. Mechanical waves are generated in a frequency range of about 1-100,000 Hz, and preferably 1-50,000 Hz. The waves may be delivered continuously for short or long time periods, or may be controlled in timing either with respect to detected portions of a patient's heartbeat signal or in response to a detected event such as fibrillation. In one preferred embodiment, the implantable system includes a defibrillation shock generator and control for responding to a defibrillation event by first delivering a sequence of mechanical waves and then delivering an electrical defibrillation shock.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for detecting facial symmetry of patients with hemiparesis, or unilateral facial palsy, by facial impedance measurement which quantifies lack of facial symmetry and thereby provides a program for therapeutic stimulus of paralyzed facial muscles. A mid-line of facial current is generated between an upper electrode above the eyes and a lower electrode on the chin, the facial current being sub-threshold so as to avoid any muscle stimulus. Impedance measurements are taken by determining the voltage between symmetrically placed facial electrodes, or between electrode pairs consisting of one electrode positioned around the eye, cheek or mouth, and a reference electrode placed on the patient's chin so as to provide an effective bottom point of the Wheatstone bridge formed by the face.