Importance

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Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, a functional electrical stimulation system enables upper-motor-neuron paraplegic patients and certain other paralyzed or partially paralyzed patients to stand and to take steps with the support of a walker in an independent fashion so that they are in control of the stimulation and, noting that they have very little or no sensation, that they still can obtain some feedback on the state of the system. In one embodiment, a compact and safe battery-operated stimulation system is provided that is of pocket size and that allows for non-invasive save and controlled stimulation using skin surface electrodes. The system of the present invention is a stimulation system for providing upper-motor-neuron paralyzed patients with capabilities of unbraced standing and unbraced walking, which consists of a single pulse power and amplifier that outputs various trains of stimulation pulses and which is totally under microprocessor generation and control, where the microprocessor`s microcomputer selectively performs multiplexing of the pulse trains and their selective alternate distribution to the various surface electrodes attached to the skin of the patient at the appropriate stimulation locations. It also controls pulse-width, pulse-frequency, pulse-amplitude and pulse-shape. The system measures, analyzes, computes, activates and implements safety measures to protect the patient during steps, when sitting down, and in case of a malfunctioning electrode.

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First Claim