Abstract: Methods for improving patient recovery after cerebral ischaemia are described. The methods include administering an electrical stimulus to a nerve of the patient innervating opposed leg muscles sufficient to cause isometric contraction of said muscles. The isometric contraction may result in improved or increased cerebral blood flow, and in some embodiments said electrical stimulation may be sufficient to alter electrical activity in the brain.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for preventing diastolic flow reversal and/or reducing peripheral vascular resistance in a patient. Also described are methods of cosmetic treatment, and methods of promoting delivery of therapeutic agents or contrast agents to bones and related tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for providing neuromuscular stimulation. The device comprises a positive electrode, a plurality of negative electrodes, a non-conductive substrate and a control unit for activating the electrodes. The control unit of the device activates the negative electrodes in a predetermined sequence, so as to deliver electrical stimulus to a user, wherein the predetermined sequence is repeated with an increasing level of stimulus until a predetermined outcome is achieved. Additionally each negative electrode of the devices comprises at least one conductive track mounted on the non-conductive substrate wherein at least one pair of negative electrodes overlap such that the conductive track or tracks of a first negative electrode of the pair overlap with the electrode footprint, but not the conductive tracks, of a second negative electrode of the pair.

Abstract: A neuromuscular stimulation device is described having a plastic casing housing a printed circuit board bearing control electronics, with the casing including an external integral flexible portion which is capable of being flexed into the interior of the casing so as to cause an electrically insulative substrate on which is carried an electrically conductive pathway to be pushed into contact with the PCB in order to complete an electrical circuit. Such a switch is relatively inexpensive to produce, as it has few moving parts, can be formed in a usual manufacturing process, and is robust.

Abstract: A neuromuscular stimulator device is described having a plastic casing housing control electronics which are maintained in contact with a power source by a metal retaining clip. The casing includes an integral cover which may be opened by breaking lines of weakness formed in the cover. The cover and clip are of such relative sizes and shapes so that once the cover is open, the clip may only be removed from the casing by deforming the clip. This deformation will ensure that the clip and other components cannot be replaced back in the casing, such that the device cannot easily be reused. In addition, the cover is not replaceable, due to the broken portions of the casing.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing microcirculation in the lower limb are described. The device includes a means for immobilizing the limb, for example a plaster cast, and an electrical stimulation device, which applies electrical stimulation to opposed leg muscles such that antagonistic and agonistic muscle groups contract near simultaneously, resulting in near isometric contraction. The combination of this contraction and the leg restraint have been found to markedly increase blood circulation and in particular microcirculation in the limb.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for neuromuscular stimulation of one or more muscles, or muscle groups, with one or more beneficial effects selected from increasing arterial, venous and capillary blood flow, increasing flux of interstitial fluid and lymphatic drainage, increasing tissue oxygenation, enhancing heat distribution, enhancing the distribution of pharmaceutical products, and enhancing performance and recovery from exertion in horses.

Abstract: A neuromuscular stimulator device is described having a plastic casing housing control electronics which are maintained in contact with a power source by a metal retaining clip. The casing includes an integral cover which may be opened by breaking lines of weakness formed in the cover. The cover and clip are of such relative sizes and shapes so that once the cover is open, the clip may only be removed from the casing by deforming the clip. This deformation will ensure that the clip and other components cannot be replaced back in the casing, such that the device cannot easily be reused. In addition, the cover is not replaceable, due to the broken portions of the casing.

Abstract: A neuromuscular stimulation device is described having a plastic casing housing a printed circuit board bearing control electronics, with the casing including an external integral flexible portion which is capable of being flexed into the interior of the casing so as to cause an electrically insulative substrate on which is carried an electrically conductive pathway to be pushed into contact with the PCB in order to complete an electrical circuit. Such a switch is relatively inexpensive to produce, as it has few moving parts, can be formed in a usual manufacturing process, and is robust.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for neuromuscular stimulation of one or more muscles, or muscle groups, with one or more beneficial effects selected from increasing arterial, venous and capillary blood flow, increasing flux of interstitial fluid and lymphatic drainage, increasing tissue oxygenation, enhancing heat distribution, enhancing the distribution of pharmaceutical products, and enhancing performance and recovery from exertion in horses.

Abstract: A device for identifying appropriate nerve stimulation points on a patient is described, for use with an electrical stimulation device. In a first embodiment, the device includes electrodes located on a flexible substrate, a conductive gel layer overlying the electrodes, and a partially conductive removable cover overlying the gel layer. The device may be operated initially with the cover in place to allow reduced stimulation to identify a suitable nerve stimulation point. The cover may then be removed, and the device operated at the identified point. The cover may include perforations allowing the gel to contact the patient; or may be a sacrificial gel layer.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing microcirculation in the lower limb are described. The device includes a means for immobilising the limb, for example a plaster cast, and an electrical stimulation device, which applies electrical stimulation to opposed leg muscles such that antagonistic and agonistic muscle groups contract near simultaneously, resulting in near isometric contraction. The combination of this contraction and the leg restraint have been found to markedly increase blood circulation and in particular microcirculation in the limb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for reduction of or treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the method comprising causing isometric stimulation of the leg muscles to promote blood flow. Other embodiments provide treatment for other circulatory disorders of the lower limbs and/or the systemic circulation.

Abstract: A device for identifying appropriate nerve stimulation points on a patient is described, for use with an electrical stimulation device. In a first embodiment, the device includes electrodes located on a flexible substrate, a conductive gel layer overlying the electrodes, and a partially conductive removable cover overlying the gel layer. The device may be operated initially with the cover in place to allow reduced stimulation to identify a suitable nerve stimulation point. The cover may then be removed, and the device operated at the identified point. The cover may include perforations allowing the gel to contact the patient; or may be a sacrificial gel layer.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of a nerve emanating from the sacral plexus for the treatment or alleviation of incontinence. In preferred embodiments, the lateral popliteal nerve is stimulated in the region of the popliteal fossa. The stimulation is noninvasive.