Fuzzy Logic Control of Heartrate by Electrical Block of Vagus Nerve.

Although vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can be used to reduce heartrate by enhancing parasympathetic activity, a fully controllable intervention would also require a method for downregulating parasympathetic activity. A direct current (DC) block can be applied to a nerve to block its action potential conduction. This nerve block can be used to downregulate parasympathetic activity by blocking afferent reflexes.

Accelerated Recovery of DC Blocking Using Repolarization.

Direct current (DC) can be applied to a nerve to generate a complete nerve block. However, using conventional platinum electrodes, reactions occur at the nerve interface causing damage to the nerve. The electrode can be separated from the nerve using a biocompatible, ionically conducting medium, which isolates the damaging reactions in a vessel away from the nerve.

A Novel Waveform for No-Onset Nerve Block Combining Direct Current and Kilohertz Frequency Alternating Current.

Kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) has been shown to produce a fast acting, reversible nerve block. The principal drawback to this technique is a short, but intense burst of firing at the initiation of the KHFAC which is referred to as the "onset response". The "onset response" can be eliminated by the use of a second electrode which delivers direct current (DC) briefly during the onset duration.