METHODS AND IMPLANTABLE APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL THERAPY

摘要

Some embodiments of the invention provide electrical therapy by delivering electrical pulses through at least one (and in some embodiments two or more) subcutaneously implanted electrode to stimulate one or more target nerves in a selected volume of tissue. Unlike conventional peripheral nerve stimulation or spinal column stimulation, there is no need to position the electrodes in direct contact with a specific nerve or the spinal column. Instead, the electrode can be implanted at an indeterminate distance from the target nerve. Other embodiments provide implantable neurostimulators with a pair of electrodes which can be connected to a common pulse system. Each electrode may include two or more contacts spaced 3 cm or more from one another and the electrodes are implantable at distances of 5 cm or more apart. The common pulse system may also be implantable.