Importance

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Abstract

A half-cuff electrode for mounting on a nerve comprising a hollow, semi-cylindrical body of nonconductive material having an open, U-shaped cross section with an interior base portion of the U-shaped cross section adapted to fit closely about a selected portion of the circumference of the nerve. The electrode may be secured in contact with the selected portion of the nerve by placing the nerve within the open, base portion of the body and applying to at least one leg of the U-shaped body a biasing force sufficient to retain the nerve within the body base portion. Since the electrode has a half-cuff design and the method used for securing it to the nerve leaves one side of the half-cuff open, the nerve is able to swell without compromising the circulation of nutrients through the nerve tissue. Preferably, in an additional step to minimize trauma to the nerve, the electrode also includes a resilient support extending from the body of the electrode which is used to secure the device without the application of excessive biasing forces to the nerve.

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First Claim