Generation of unidirectionally propagated action potentials in a peripheral nerve by brief stimuli.

Single, unidirectionally propagated action potentials can be elicited in peripheral nerves by electrical stimuli of short duration. Propagation in one direction is blocked anodically by means of a quasi-trapezoidal stimulus wave form and a modified tripolar electrode configuration. Propagation in the other direction proceeds unhindered. This technique may be applicable to collision blocking of motor nerves for neural prostheses.