Bipolar Stimulation/Recording Device With Widely Spaced Electrodes

Abstract

A bipolar stimulator probe suitable for application of intramuscular stimulation provides an active stimulator electrode and a reference electrode as part of a single tool. The separation between the electrodes is significantly greater than the electrode separation of known bipolar stimulator probes and bipolar bar electrode configurations. The probe tool may be configured to permit adjustment of the fixed relative position of the electrodes within a given range. By providing a relatively wide spacing between the two electrodes, the tool can be used to approximate the effect of monopolar stimulation with a separate reference electrode, with the electrical stimulus producing less pain to the patient compared to bipolar stimulation where the two electrodes are spaced apart by only 2-4 cm or less.

Description

[0001]This application is a divisional application of Ser. No. 11 / 830,235, filed Jul. 30, 2007, which claims the benefit of prior co-pending U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 834,184, filed Jul. 31, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Bipolar stimulator probes attachable to an electrical stimulator device or an electromyographic (EMG) device are commercially available for surface stimulation of peripheral nerves. Such apparatus provide both a stimulation electrode and a reference electrode on a single device. There are also bipolar bar electrode configurations, and sets of separate (individual) electrodes, for surface recording of nerve and muscle action potentials, and that can also serve to provide electrical muscle stimulation.[0003]These types of devices can be used in surface stimulation for eliciting muscle twitches of the type sought in a muscle pain and discomfort relieving method developed by the present inventor, referenced herein as Surface Applied Electrical Twi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a bipolar stimulator probe with a fixed distance between the active and reference electrodes. This distance should be significantly greater than the separation of known bipolar stimulator probes and bipolar bar electrode configurations. The distance between the electrodes should ideally be 15-16 cm (6 inches) for practical use. The probe tool may also allow for adjustment of the relative position of the electrodes within a given range. The invention provides an option for reducing pain to the patient compared to bipolar stimulation where the two electrodes are spaced apart by only 2-4 cm or less. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a more effective and efficient tool for treating small muscles in the face, hands and feet."

Problems solved by technology

Ideally, the two electrodes could be spaced as far apart as possible (perhaps by 2-3 feet or more), but it may not be clinically practical to have this type of very wide spacing provided by a bipolar electrode tool.

Such a device may be too heavy, bulky, and / or awkward for practical use.

Images