Onset-mitigating high-frequency nerve block

摘要

A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
providing a DC ramp to a nerve; providing a first alternating waveform having a first offset to the nerve after providing the DC ramp; providing a second alternating waveform having a second offset different than the first offset to the nerve after providing the first alternating waveform; and providing at least one steady-state waveform to the nerve after providing the second alternating waveform, wherein said method blocks nerve signal transmission in the nerve and mitigates onset activity in the nerve.