Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for relieving zygopophysial joint related pain, comprising: a stimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes, each electrode being adapted for placement immediately adjacent to a medial branch of a spinal nerve root, the stimulator including: a controller operative to generate a series of pulses of sufficient electrical intensity to cause depolarization of a given medial branch and its articular branches, but not so strong as to cause depolarization of the spinal cord itself, and operator interface enabling the series of pulses to be tailored as a function of requisite pain relief; and a second set of electrodes for sensing myoelectrical activity generated by the muscles surrounding the medial branch, the controller being programmed to modulate the impulses generated by the stimulator in accordance with the demands of the individual.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for relieving zygopophysial joint related pain, comprising: a stimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes, each electrode being adapted for placement immediately adjacent to a medial branch of a spinal nerve root, the stimulator including: a controller operative to generate a series of pulses of sufficient electrical intensity to cause depolarization of a given medial branch and its articular branches, but not so strong as to cause depolarization of the spinal cord itself, and operator interface enabling the series of pulses to be tailored as a function of requisite pain relief; and a second set of electrodes for sensing myoelectrical activity generated by the muscles surrounding the medial branch, the controller being programmed to modulate the impulses generated by the stimulator in accordance with the demands of the individual.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stimulator is sealed within an enclosure suitable for implantation.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of relieving zygopophysial joint related pain, comprising the steps of: providing a stimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes; placing each electrode immediately adjacent to a medial branch of a spinal nerve root; and generating a series of pulses sufficient to depolarize the medial branch and its articular branches, but not so intense as to depolarize of the spinal cord itself.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of relieving zygopophysial joint related pain, comprising the steps of: providing a stimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes; placing each electrode immediately adjacent to a medial branch of a spinal nerve root; and generating a series of pulses sufficient to depolarize the medial branch and its articular branches, but not so intense as to depolarize of the spinal cord itself.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 3, further including the step of tailoring the pulses to suit the demands of a user of the stimulator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 3, further including the steps of: sensing the myoelectrical activity generated by the muscles surrounding the medial branch, and tailoring the pulses in accordance with the myoelectrical activity.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 3, further including the step of implanting the stimulator beneath the skin.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 3, further including the step of placing the electrodes subcutaneously.