TECHNIQUE FOR ADJUSTING THE LOCUS OF EXCITATION OF ELECTRICALLY EXCITABLE TISSUE

摘要

The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced, can be controlled. A first pulse (P1) having a first amplitude and a first pulse width is applied to a first electrode (18A) adjacent the tissue to generate a first subthreshold potential area (L10A) within the tissue. A second pulse (P2) having a second amplitude and a second pulse width is applied to a second electrode (16A) adapted to be adjacent the tissue to generate a second subthreshold potential area (L11A) within the tissue. The locus (L12A) 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. The location and size of this locus can be controlled by adjusting at least one of the first and second amplitudes and the first and second pulse widths or the time delay between the first and second pulses.