Patents by Inventor Bruce Simon

Bruce Simon has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8483832
    Abstract: Systems and devices for selectively applying electrical energy to a target region beneath a skin surface of a patient involve applying an electrical impulse to one or more electrodes on a skin surface of the patient to modulate one or more nerves at the target region, where the impulse is substantially blocked at nerves located between the target region and the skin surface such that only the nerves at the target region are modulated by the electrical impulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Simon
  • Patent number: 8401650
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. A device is provided having an enclosure within an outer wall formed from an electrically-permeable material to allow for electrical energy to pass from the interior of the enclosure through the outer wall. The device further includes an electrode positioned within the interior of the enclosure and a fluid passage coupled to the enclosure for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid into the interior of the enclosure such that the electrically conductive fluid couples the electrode with the electrically-permeable section of the outer wall. The conductive fluid allows for the passage of electrical energy from the electrode through the fluid and the outer wall of the enclosure for treatment of tissue on or in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: ElectroCore LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez, Hecheng Hu, Richard P. Dickerson, James R. Pastena, Puyun Guo
  • Publication number: 20120265280
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for treating hypotension, such as in cases of shock, including septic shock, anaphylactic shock and hypovolemia. The method includes the step of applying at least one electrical impulse to at least one selected region of a parasympathetic nervous system of the patient. The electrical impulse is sufficient to modulate one or more nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system to increase the ratio of blood pressure to heart rate and relieve the condition and/or extend the patient's life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ElectroCore LLC
    Inventors: JP Errico, Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez
  • Publication number: 20120185020
    Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical and magnetic nerve stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of averting imminent medical attacks using energy that is delivered noninvasively by the devices. The attacks comprise asthma attack, epileptic seizure, attacks of migraine headache, transient ischemic attack or stroke, onset of atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, onset of ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, panic attack, and attacks of acute depression. The imminence of an attack is forecasted using grey-box or black-box models as used in control theory. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, a vagus nerve in the neck of a patient is stimulated noninvasively to avert the attack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8209034
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating ailments provide for: inserting a balloon-electrode device into an esophagus of a mammal, the balloon-electrode device including: (i) a nasogastral (NG) having an internal passageway and an external surface, (ii) at least one electrode coupled to the external surface of the NG tube, (iii) a conductor extending through the internal passageway of the NG tube and electrically connecting to the electrode, and (iv) a balloon surrounding the electrode and a portion of the NG tube; inflating the balloon with fluid such that the electrode is substantially centrally located within an interior volume of the balloon; and applying at least one electrical signal to the electrode via the conductor such that an electro-magnetic field emanates from the electrode to at least one of nerves and muscles of the mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: ElectroCore LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez, Hecheng Hu, Richard P. Dickerson, James R. Pastena
  • Publication number: 20120101326
    Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical and magnetic nerve stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating lower urinary tract disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by the devices. The disorders comprise overactive bladder, urge incontinence, stress, incontinence, urge frequency, non-obstructive urinary retention and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, a posterior tibial nerve of a patient is stimulated non-invasively. Methods are disclosed for selecting protocol parameters for a nerve stimulation session for treating each individual patient, wherein modules of the bladder of the patient are represented as coupled non-linear oscillators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8142774
    Abstract: Methods of modifying stem cells and compositions of modified stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells, using electric or electromagnetic fields. In various embodiments, the present invention's methods are for the treatment of a human or other mammal subject in need thereof, comprising providing an in vitro culture comprising mesenchymal stem cells, administering an electric stimulation to the in vitro culture, and implanting the mesenchymal stem cells into the subject. Methods also include treatment of a human or other mammal subject, comprising implanting mesenchymal stem cells into the subject, and administering an electric stimulation to the mesenchymal stem cells in situ. Other embodiments include methods of administering electric stimulation in conjunction with growth factors to stem cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Simon
  • Publication number: 20120065698
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for treating hypotension, such as in cases of shock, including septic shock, anaphylactic shock and hypovolemia. The method includes the step of applying at least one electrical impulse to at least one selected region of a parasympathetic nervous system of the patient. The electrical impulse is sufficient to modulate one or more nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system to increase the ratio of blood pressure to heart rate and relieve the condition and/or extend the patient's life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ElectroCore LLC
    Inventors: JP Errico, Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez
  • Publication number: 20120029601
    Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20120029591
    Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20120010559
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Bruce Simon, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Publication number: 20110276112
    Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulator shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in contact with the electrodes. The conducting medium is also in contact with an interface element that may conform to the contour of a target body surface of the patient when the interface element is applied to that surface. When the interface element is made of insulating (dielectric) material, and disclosed stimulation waveforms are used, the power source need not supply high voltage, in order to capacitively stimulate the target nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20110276107
    Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including nasal or paranasal sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches). The devices and methods may also be used to treat rhinitis, sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis, irrespective of whether those disorders are co-morbid with a headache. They may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine or cluster headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8041428
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for treating hypotension, such as in cases of shock, including septic shock, anaphylactic shock and hypovolemia. The method includes the step of applying at least one electrical impulse to at least one selected region of a parasympathetic nervous system of the patient. The electrical impulse is sufficient to modulate one or more nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system to increase the ratio of blood pressure to heart rate and relieve the condition and/or extend the patient's life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ElectroCore LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Errico, Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez
  • Patent number: 8034014
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Bruce Simon, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Publication number: 20110230938
    Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20110190569
    Abstract: A novel non-invasive magnetic stimulator is used to modulate electrical activity of a patient's vagus nerve. Parameters of the stimulation are selected in such a way as to induce a state of euphoria in the patient. The methods and devices may be used for anesthesia, or to treat insomnia, depression, or premenstrual syndromes. They may be used as substitution withdrawal tools for individuals who otherwise would depend on substances and behaviors to achieve a euphoric state of mind, particularly individuals who abusively consume drugs, alcohol or food, or who exhibit behavioral disorders such as compulsive gambling. The devices and methods may also be used to prevent, manage, or relieve stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20110152967
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the non-invasive treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through delivery of energy to target nervous tissue, particularly the vagus nerve. The devices include a magnetic stimulator having coils with toroidal windings, which are in contact with an electrically conducting medium that is adapted to conform to the contour of a target body surface of a patient. The coils induce an electric current and/or an electric field within the patient, thereby stimulating nerve fibers within the patient. The stimulation brings about reduction of neuroinflammation in patients suffering from conditions comprising Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, postoperative cognitive dysfunction and postoperative delirium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20110125203
    Abstract: Devices and systems are disclosed for the non-invasive treatment of medical conditions through delivery of energy to target tissue, comprising a source of electrical power, a magnetically permeable toroidal core, and a coil that is wound around the core. The coil and core are embedded in a continuous electrically conducting medium, which is adapted to have a shape that conforms to the contour of an arbitrarily oriented target body surface of a patient. The conducting medium is applied to that surface by any of several disclosed methods, and the source of power supplies a pulse of electric charge to the coil, such that the coil induces an electric current and/or an electric field within the patient, thereby stimulating tissue and/or one or more nerve fibers within the patient. The invention shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve. In one embodiment, the device comprises two toroidal cores that lie adjacent to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20100305655
    Abstract: A method of treating motility conditions, such as an arrest of intestinal peristalsis, includes introducing an electrode through the esophagus and into the digestive tract of the patient and applying an electrical impulse to the electrode to modulate one or more nerves within the digestive tract such that intestinal peristalsis function is at least partially improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: John T. Raffle, Joseph P. Errico, Bruce Simon