Electrode system for transcutaneous nerve and/or muscle stimulation

Abstract

An electrode system for transcutaneous nerve and/or muscle stimulation that includes a pair of stimulating electrodes and a stimulation current generator for generating a nerve and/or muscle stimulation current between the stimulating electrodes. The system also includes a current-injecting electrode arranged in proximity to one of the stimulating electrodes, and an injection-current generator located in the area of the current-injecting electrode. The current-injecting electrode and the corresponding injection-current generator reduce, or even eliminate, undesirable sensations resulting from an excitation of subcutaneous receptors by the stimulation current.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . An electrode system for transcutaneous nerve and/or muscle stimulation, comprising:
 a pair of stimulating electrodes;   a stimulation current generator configured for generating a nerve and/or muscle stimulation current between the stimulating electrodes;   a current-injecting electrode arranged in proximity to one of the stimulating electrodes; and   an injection current generator in an area of the current-injecting electrode, wherein the current-injecting electrode and the injection-current generator are configured, in use, to reduce undesirable sensations resulting from an excitation of subcutaneous receptors by the nerve and/or muscle stimulation current.   
     
     
         10 . The electrode system of  claim 9 , wherein the current-injecting electrode is arranged around the pair of stimulating electrodes. 
     
     
         11 . The electrode system of  claim 9 , wherein each stimulating electrode is surrounded by a current-injecting electrode. 
     
     
         12 . The electrode system of  claim 11 , wherein the stimulating electrode comprises at least a first part surrounded by a first part of the current-injecting electrode, wherein the first part of the current-injecting electrode is surrounded by a second part of the stimulating electrode, and wherein the second part of the stimulating electrode is surrounded by a second part of the current-injecting electrode. 
     
     
         13 . A method of generating a nerve and/or muscle stimulation current, comprising:
 placing the electrodes of the electrode system for transcutaneous nerve and/or muscle stimulation of claim  1  on a patient's skin;   delivering a stimulation current to the patient; and   delivering an injection current generated by the injection current generator in the area of the current-injecting electrode to the patient, wherein a form of the injection current is selected so as to reduce undesirable sensations resulting from excitation of subcutaneous receptors by the stimulation current.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the form of the injection current is selected so as to reduce a total current circulating in an area of the subcutaneous receptors. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the form of the injection current is selected so as to induce a blockage of nerve transmission between the subcutaneous receptors and the patient's brain. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the form of the stimulation current and the form of the injection current are selected so as to obtain a painless excitation of an area surrounding the subcutaneous receptors.