Abstract: A system and method is described for preferentially stimulating dorsal column fibers while avoiding stimulation of dorsal root fibers. The invention applies hyperpolarizing pre-pulses and depolarizing pre-pulses to neural tissue, such as spinal cord tissue, through a lead placed over the spinal cord having the electrodes arranged on a line approximately transverse to the axis of the spine. To increase the threshold needed to stimulate dorsal root fibers, the anodal pulse given by each lateral contact of the electrodes has to be preceded by a depolarizing pre-pulse and simultaneously, the central electrode contact gives a hyperpolarizing pre-pulse, thereby reducing the stimulation threshold for the dorsal column fibers to subsequent depolarizing pulses.

Abstract: A system and method for performing multiple modes of electro-therapy with a portable electro-therapy device are disclosed. Preferably, the modes include an interferential mode, a pre-modulated interferential mode, a neuromuscular mode and a high volt pulse current mode. Additional protocols may be defined by combining or varying modes. The electro-therapy device uses a microprocessor to generate and control output signals. The microprocessor is contained within the housing of the electro-therapy device. The device includes a display and at least one keypad. The device also includes an electrode jack for attaching at least one pair of electrodes for outputting signals to a patient.

Abstract: A system and method for generating high voltage, pulsed electrical stimulation to a patient for therapeutic treatment. The apparatus includes a voltage controlled pulse generator network that provides an output waveform including three monophasic pulses. This waveform is output to an electrode set including two active electrodes and one ground electrode. The triple pulse monophasic wave pattern is capable of reverse polarities. Each electrode in the electrode set generates independently variable intensities, while still using the common ground element. The voltage output of each active electrode is independently variable with respect to each other. The pulse generator network may be controlled using a processor, and in particular, a microprocessor, for example. A common control pulse is initially generated. The control pulse triggers dual trigger pulses. Each trigger pulse includes three monophasic pulses. These pulses may be spaced 100 microseconds apart in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

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.

Abstract: A device for canceling unwanted excitation waves in an excitable tissue, particularly those causing cardiac tachyarrhythmias, which comprises circuitry for generating a unidirectional Device-Generated Excitation Wave (DGEW) in the tissue. The device comprises first and second stimulation electrodes, each fed by a power supply, which generate current impulses having magnitudes respectively lower and higher than the threshold level of the excitable tissue. The positions and activation timing of the electrodes are set so that the two impulses interact with each other only in one desired direction and every impulse except the desired DGEW decays.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating patients using electrical interferential therapy is disclosed. The apparatus uses multiple electrodes to define multiple treatment channels, with each channel having a discrete frequency and an adjustable beat frequency between all or selected channel pairs. This adjustment can be done between treatment sessions or can be done during the treatment session by the technician or by the apparatus as programmed. The multiple treatment channels can be used on the same patient, or can be used by the same or a different technician to treat additional patient(s).

Abstract: A system and method is described for preferentially stimulating dorsal column fibers while avoiding stimulation of dorsal root fibers. The invention applies hyperpolarizing pre-pulses and depolarizing pre-pulses to neural tissue, such as spinal cord tissue, through a lead placed over the spinal cord having the electrodes arranged on a line approximately transverse to the axis of the spine. To increase the threshold needed to stimulate dorsal root fibers, the anodal pulse given by each lateral contact of the electrodes has to be preceded by a depolarizing pre-pulse and simultaneously, the central electrode contact gives a hyperpolarizing pre-pulse, thereby reducing the stimulation threshold for the dorsal column fibers to subsequent depolarizing pulses.

Abstract: A multi-functional portable electro-medical device that is capable of providing muscle stimulation and interferential current stimulation. The multi-functional portable electro-medical device includes a multitude of safety features which are designed to prevent injury to the user while at the same time to ensure that the portable power electro-medical device is easy to use. The portable electro-medical device can be programmed to impart any combination of wave therapy to the patient.

Abstract: Undesirable cross-conduction between electrode pairs in a human-implantable dual channel neurostimulator is prevented. The first and second pairs of electrodes may, optionally, share a common electrode. The first electrode pair is stimulated and then recharged. Then, after a finite waiting period has elapsed, the second electrode pair is stimulated and then recharged. Then, after a finite waiting period, the process is repeated. A high impedance state is established across one of the electrode pairs while the other electrode pair is being stimulated and recharged. Such a high impedance state prevents current from flowing through one of the electrode pairs while the other electrode pair is being stimulated or recharged.

Abstract: The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. A first pulse having a first amplitude and a first pulse width is applied to a first electrode adapted to be adjacent the tissue to generate a first subthreshold potential area within the tissue. The first subthreshold potential area is determined by the first amplitude and the first pulse width. A second pulse having a second amplitude and a second pulse width is applied to a second electrode adapted to be adjacent the tissue to generate a second subthreshold potential area within the tissue. The second subthreshold potential area is determined by the second amplitude and the second pulse width. 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.

Abstract: A first electrical signal and a second electrical signal are transmitted to one or more implanted leads including first and second electrodes, respectively. The first and second signals have a difference in frequency such that the combined potentials induce action potentials in a certain locus of electrically excitable tissue. Means are provided for adjusting the frequency difference, as well as the amplitudes of the signals so that the locus is altered.

Abstract: The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. A first pulse having a first amplitude and a first pulse width is applied to a first electrode adapted to be adjacent the tissue to generate a first subthreshold potential area within the tissue. The first subthreshold potential area is determined by the first amplitude and the first pulse width. A second pulse having a second amplitude and a second pulse width is applied to a second electrode adapted to be adjacent the tissue to generate a second subthreshold potential area within the tissue. The second subthreshold potential area is determined by the second amplitude and the second pulse width. 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.

Abstract: An interferential wave, micro current device is disclosed. The device typically has a power supply, a frequency generator, a pulse generator, a pulse envelope generator, an electrical current controller, and four or more channels for applying micro amperes of electrical current to patient tissue. Each channel has two electrodes for completing a micro current electrical circuit through patient tissue. The controller provides a controlled amount of current in each channel from about 20 micro amperes to about 200 micro amperes at a frequency up to about 300 Hertz. Also disclosed are methods for treating lymphedema, edema, fibrosis and fibromylagea by application of interferential wave form micro current.

Abstract: The present invention features an portable, programmable interferential stimulator for the administering of neuromuscular electrotherapy to a human subject. A number of pre-programmed modulation modes are easily selectable using a keypad and a self-contained alpha-numeric display. Compliance data including the number, length and mode of usage sessions is captured and stored internally in non-volatile memory. Automatic shut-off at the end of a therapy session is also included. An optional bi-directional, serial interface allows for loading custom programs from an external computer session into the instant stimulator. The interface also allows for uploading compliance data to the external computer for analysis or archiving.

Abstract: A method of controlling a volume of neural tissue stimulation with electrodes placed in the intraspinal tissue, on the surface of the brain or deep in the brain in which first, second and third electrodes are implanted in or adjacent to the desired neural tissue. Anode/cathode relationships are established between the electrodes and pulses are presented to the electrodes so that fibers or cell bodies in said neural tissue are activated. Amplitude and/or pulse width of the pulses are varied to steer the locus of cell body or axon activation.

Abstract: A system and method for generating bio-active frequencies. Such generated frequencies are very precise and are accurate within 0.001 Hz. The frequencies are used to advantage in health science applications such as killing microorganisms and viruses and enhancing tissue regeneration and may be used in various commercial and industrial applications, such as food processing. A specific precise frequency synthesizer is controlled by a programmable control that instructs the synthesizer to generate a specific precise frequency or a series of precise frequencies. A keyboard is actuable by a user to select a specific frequency or sequence of frequencies or a preprogrammed series of frequencies. Depending upon the specific frequency being generated, a circuit gates the generated signal ON or OFF with a predetermined determinable periods being selected for such ON/OFF periods.

Abstract: An electrode array for implantation in volume-conductive media, such as living tissue, includes at least two closely spaced metal contacts, with arbitrary shapes, having large enough surface areas to preclude one or both from acting as a "point source." Through proper control of the shape of the contacts, and the impedance ratio between the metal-electrolyte interface and the intervening volume-conductive media, achieved through use of appropriate materials for the metal contacts in combination with electronic adjustment of the voltage pulse applied between the contacts, desirable "edge-effect" fields are created that better control and manage the distribution of the resulting stimulation current flowing between the contacts. Such control of the stimulation current distribution allows a given electrode array to be electronically tuned to better stimulate specific neurons found within the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus for multi-channel transverse epidural spinal cord stimulation uses a multi-channel pulse generator driving a plurality of electrodes mounted near the distal end of a lead. These electrodes are mounted in one or more lines, generally perpendicular to the lead axis, and have a planar surface along one surface of the lead. The lead is implanted adjacent to spinal cord dura mater with the electrodes transverse and facing the spinal cord. Pulses generated by the pulse generator for each channel are not simultaneous but are selectively offset in time and may be of equal or varying amplitude and of equal or varying duration. When the pulses given by the stimulator channels are offset in time and have sufficient amplitude and duration, overlapping areas of stimulation of the spinal area can be obtained. In the overlapping areas of stimulation, the frequency of stimulation is double the frequency of the pulses given by the each stimulator channel separately.

Abstract: A combined dual channel electromuscular stimulator for directing electrical pulses into the skin and a dual channel electromyograph for detecting electrical signals generated in muscles. The electromuscular stimulator includes electronic circuitry for generating electrical pulses, controlling the pulse rate and intensity and controlling various pulse characteristics. The pulses are administered by skin contacting electrodes. The electromyograph includes skin contacting electrodes for receiving input signals from the skin and electronic circuitry for receiving detected signals without interference with the stimulator output signals, amplifying, filtering and displaying the input signals. A control panel includes switches and controls for varying the various system parameters.

Abstract: An interferential stimulation device for providing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to a living body. The device applies current at two difference frequencies, each across two contact points on the body, spaced about a selected crossing point. The different frequencies produce at the crossing point a low frequency beat by the heterodyne process for specific stimulation at the crossing point. Electronic circuitry is provided to generate the desired signals and apply them through body contacting pads. Several modes for changing the stimulation smoothly, with the interference beat frequency ramped over a selected range over a selected time period provides superior results and prevents accommodation to the device. Several different ramp beat frequency ranges are provided, including a long range ramp, a relatively low frequency ramp and a relatively high frequency ramp.

Abstract: An interferential stimulator for applying two medium frequency alternating currents of slightly differing frequencies to the body of a living being so that they cross and interact to produce a low frequency therapeutic current at a selected point. A fixed frequency is generated and applied to the skin through a first electrode pair. A second frequency, differing from the first by from about 1 to 150Hz is applied through a second electrode pair. The electrodes are arranged to deliver a localized stimulation. At the crossing point of the four electrodes a low frequency beat or pulse is produced by the heterodyne process for specific point stimulation. The stimulator may be operated in any of several modes. First, constant stimulation may be applied at fixed frequency difference between electrodes. Second, the frequency difference can be decreased abruptly and returned to the original frequency difference over about 1 second.

Abstract: An electro-therapy apparatus includes at least two electrodes adapted to feed oscillating current to selected sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface remote from a treatment site. A common return electrode is provided at the treatment site which is subjected to the sum of the currents from the two feed electrodes. The feed electrodes may be contact feed electrodes or capacitative feed electrodes. The feed electrodes may operate at different frequencies so that the treatment site is stimulated by the beat frequency. This may be at or about 80 or 130 Hz, if an anaesthetizing effect is required.