Techniques for selective activation of neurons in the brain, spinal cord parenchyma or peripheral nerve

摘要

Disclosed are techniques for therapeutically treating peripheral vascular disease. A sensor is implemented for sensing the extent of blood flow in a patient's limb or ischemic pain and generating a corresponding sensor signal. The signal is processed to determine the level of spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation to be applied. This information is provided to a signal generator which thereby provides electrical stimulation energy to one or more stimulation leads. Stimulation of the spinal cord, peripheral nerve or neural tissue ganglia thereby improves blood flow, helps restore tissue health and reduces the extent of ischemic pain in the limbs of a PVD patient or organs of other patients. Stimulation may be adjusted automatically to account for changing conditions of the patient throughout the day.