Patent ID: 8548604

Claim:
A system for directing action potentials unidirectional comprising: a microstimulator including: a capsule; a plurality of electrodes comprising at least one cathode and at least two anodes, configured with the at least one cathode between the at least two anodes, wherein at least two of the plurality of electrodes are disposed on the capsule; electrical circuitry disposed within the capsule and electrically connected to the at least one cathode and at least two anodes, wherein the electrical circuitry generates electric current applied by the at least one cathode and the at least two anodes; programmable memory disposed within the capsule and connected to the electrical circuitry, which programmable memory stores parameters determining the electric current generated by the electrical circuitry and applied by the at least one cathode and the at least two anodes; and a power source disposed with in the capsule and providing operating power to at least the electrical circuitry, wherein the microstimulator is configured and arranged to operate independently using the electrical circuitry, programmable memory, and power source to generate electric current for application to the at least one cathode and the at least two anodes; wherein the microstimulator is configured and arranged to generate and apply at least one depolarizing current and at least one hyperpolarizing current.