Patent ID: 9662508
Date: 2017-05-30
CPC Classifications: A61B,A61K,A61M,A61N,A61P

Claim:
1. A method for creating a directed action potential in a targeted nerve comprising light sensitive protein, comprising: a. providing a light source; b. providing an implantable optical applicator configured to engage the targeted nerve and to deliver light to the targeted nerve, the implantable optical applicator operatively coupled to the light source and configured to deliver photons to the implantable optical applicator which may be emitted by the implantable optical applicator into the targeted nerve to cause a membrane polarization change in the targeted nerve; c. providing a power source; d. providing an implantable electrical stimulation applicator configured to engage the targeted nerve, the implantable electrical stimulation applicator operatively coupled to the power source and configured to deliver electrons to the implantable electrical stimulation applicator which may be emitted by the implantable electrical stimulation applicator into the targeted nerve to cause a membrane polarization change in the targeted nerve; and e. operatively coupling a controller to the light source and the power source, the controller configured to cause both current to flow to the implantable electrical stimulation applicator and photons to be directed to the implantable optical applicator, such that an action potential is created which propagates in a first desired direction along the nerve, and which does not substantially propagate in a reverse direction along the nerve.