Methods and devices for optical stimulation of neural tissues

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6921413
APP PUB NO 20030208245A1
SERIAL NO

10333700

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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The present invention provides methods of directly stimulating neural tissue with optical energy. By stimulating neural tissue at wavelengths, laser pulses, and spot sizes disclosed herein, nerve stimulation may be used to uniquely stimulate neural tissue in way not afforded by other means of stimulation. It can allow basic scientists to study the properties of individual neurons or populations of neurons without piercing tissue with fragile microelectrodes. Furthermore, responses of neural tissue can be studied in a pure fashion without contamination by electrical artifact commonly seen with electrical stimulation. With respect to clinical uses, optical stimulation can be used to map function in subsections of peripheral nerves as an aid to operative repair. Finally, stimulation with optical energy does not require physical contact with the nerve which may be an advantage clinically when physical manipulation of neural tissue is not desired.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Konrad, Peter Old Hickory, TN 9 268
Mahadevan-Jansen, Anita Nashville, TN 45 1304
Mariappan, Karthikeyan Mountain View, CA 5 232

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