Patent ID: 7899539
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. Method of stimulating a cavernous nerve, the method comprising: providing at least one implantable microstimulator comprising a capsule, a power source capable of generating energy, disposed in the capsule and configured and arranged to power the implantable microstimulator, and at least two cathodic electrodes and one anodic electrode forming a portion of a wall of the capsule; programming stimulation parameters for the cathodic electrodes to radially steer an electric field generated by the cathodic electrodes to apply stimulation that unidirectionally propagates action potentials along a cavernous nerve; and applying the stimulation to the cavernous nerve in accordance with the stimulation parameters to generate orthodromic action potentials traveling in one direction along the nerve, thereby limiting side effects of bidirectional stimulation.