초록 ▼

An implantable living tissue stimulator avoids the use of conventional coupling capacitors in its output stage, yet still prevents an average dc current flow from flowing through living tissue in electrical contact with the stimulator. The output stage generates and applies a biphasic stimulating cu

An implantable living tissue stimulator avoids the use of conventional coupling capacitors in its output stage, yet still prevents an average dc current flow from flowing through living tissue in electrical contact with the stimulator. The output stage generates and applies a biphasic stimulating current pulse to selected paired output terminals. The terminals, in turn, are electrically connected to respective electrodes which are positioned so as to contact the living tissue to be stimulated. In one embodiment, special circuitry is employed within the output stage to block dc current flow through the living tissue and to balance the electrical charge that is delivered to the living tissue. In another embodiment, the electrodes themselves are made from a material that allows them to function as a capacitor. In yet an additional embodiment, the coupling capacitors are integrated into the leads that connect the output terminals of the output stage with the electrodes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [25.] An implantable living tissue stimulator comprising:a biphasic current pulse generator; andoutput circuit means for receiving a biphasic current pulse generated by the biphasic current pulse generator and directing such biphasic current pulse along an electrical current p

[ What is claimed is:] [25.] An implantable living tissue stimulator comprising:a biphasic current pulse generator; andoutput circuit means for receiving a biphasic current pulse generated by the biphasic current pulse generator and directing such biphasic current pulse along an electrical current path to a selected pair of a plurality of output terminals;said output circuit means comprisingprevention means for preventing an average dc current flow through the electrical current path, said prevention means comprising a plurality of circuit elements that do not include a coupling capacitor in the electrical current path.