Patent ID: 7974707
Filing Date: 2011-07-05
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An electrode assembly for delivering an electrical signal to a target nerve or nerve bundle of a patient's body, wherein said nerve or nerve bundle comprises an outer surface and an inner portion, said electrode comprising: a circumneural cathode adapted to substantially surround a first longitudinal portion of said target nerve or nerve bundle, said circumneural cathode comprising an inner surface adapted to contact said outer surface of said target nerve or nerve bundle, and a first plurality of fiber elements comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said fiber elements are coupled at said proximal end to said inner surface of said circumneural cathode and said fiber elements are capable of migrating into said inner portion of said target nerve or nerve bundle; and a circumneural anode adapted to substantially surround a second longitudinal portion of said target nerve or nerve bundle, said circumneural anode comprising an inner surface adapted to contact said outer surface of said target nerve or nerve bundle, and a second plurality of fiber elements comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said fiber elements are coupled at said proximal end to said inner surface of said circumneural anode and said fiber elements are capable of migrating into said inner portion of said target nerve or nerve bundle.