Abstract: A system and method to treat neuromuscular conditions, including spinal cord injury, by what is characterized as dipole (two point) cortico-muscular stimulation. Two-point stimulation, with oppositely charged electrodes, allows pulsed, direct current to pass through the cortico-muscular pathway. The electrodes are placed on nerves, muscles, or a combination of both, that are on opposite sides of the spinal column, forming a current that passes across the spinal column. Further, an active electrode can be placed on the spinal column and a reference electrode can be placed outside the central nervous system. These methods improve functional recovery of the motor pathway.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method of introducing an interface element to interface with laryngeal structures of a subject includes forming a subperichondral tunnel on an outside of a cricoid cartilage arch and through the cricoid cartilage arch towards a cricothyroid joint to form an insertion route. The method also includes inserting a hollow needle into the insertion route to a posterior space of a cricoid cartilage plate of the subject, positioning at least one interface element along the insertion route for interfacing with the laryngeal structures of the subject, and retracting the hollow needle back along the insertion route.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing ankle sprain injuries. To protect the ankle joint from acute ankle supination or inversion sprain injuries, the device comprises a sensing part configured to sense data of an ankle motion; an analyzing part configured to analyze the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and a stimulating part configured to stimulate one or more lower limb muscles against the motion in light of a result of the analyzing. The method also involves sensing data of an ankle motion; analyzing the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and stimulating one or more lower limb muscles against the motion if the motion is a sprain motion.

Abstract: The training/medical electromyostimulating device according to the present invention is realized in the form of a garment to be worn by a person (PE); it comprises at least one electrical myostimulation signals generating device (EMS-LF-1, EMS-LF-2) adapted to generate electrical myostimulation signals at low pulse frequency; the or each device (EMS-LF-1, EMS-LF-2) is placed in the garment during normal use by the person (PE).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for improving sensitivity of a first sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism of a subject by stimulating a second sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism of the subject. For that purpose a noise is applied to the second sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism to improve the sensitivity of the first sensory, reflex and/or motor mechanism due to cross-modal SR interactions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for stimulating nerves are disclosed. In one embodiment adapted for stimulating excitable tissue, the invention includes drive circuitry, an acoustic transducer and a pair of electrodes.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for automated optimization of muscle stimulation energy. In some embodiments the disclosure optimizes stimulation parameters and/or stimulation location.

Abstract: A simple, electrical stimulation and non-invasive method for treating dysphagia and artificially promoting swallowing by simultaneous electrical stimulation of the pharyngeal and facial muscles. The device includes a plurality of electrodes selectively placed in electrical contact with tissue of a pharyngeal and oral-facial regions of a patient and a series of electrical pulses in contact with each of the plurality of electrodes with a generator. The generator includes a pulse rate modulator for generating the electrical pulses each having a frequency fixed at 80 hertz, a pulse width modulator for generating each pulse at a duration generally fixed at 300 microseconds, and a governor for regulating the electrical pulses such that at least one of current so as not to exceed 4.4 milliamps RMS or power so as not to exceed 9.6 MW RMS. The electrical pulses selectively stimulate muscles located proximate to the selectively placed electrodes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for electrically stimulating neural tissue of a patient and for determining neurotransmitter release in response to stimulation, the system comprises: pulse generating circuitry for generating electrical pulses; at least one electrical lead for conducting electrical pulses generated by the pulse generating circuitry to neural tissue, the at least one electrical lead comprising a plurality of electrodes; at least one electrochemical sensor for sensing an extracellular level of one or several neurotransmitters; circuitry for sampling a signal from the at least one electrochemical sensor; a controller for automatically applying stimulation to neural tissue using a plurality of electrode combinations, the controller generating data related to neurotransmitter release for each of the plurality of electrode combinations; and a display for displaying neurotransmitter release for electrode combinations to a clinician.

Abstract: A load detecting circuit has a primary side and a secondary side with a secondary side patient load impedance input having a patient-side opto-isolator and a secondary side reference resistance load input having a reference-side opto-isolator coupled to the secondary side patient load impedance input. The circuit also includes at least one primary side output resistor, wherein the patient-side opto-isolator and the reference-side opto-isolator drive the at least one primary side output resistor and an integrator for operatively controlling the secondary side and conveying the patient load input and the reference load input to the primary side, where the patient load input and the reference load input are powered by a secondary side transformer winding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating therapeutically active points and applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation thereto are disclosed. The apparatus includes patient applied therapeutic module, consisting of a fixture and a plurality of probes, and an actuating controlling module. The method including the steps of measuring local electrical impedances of a given skin surface area, identifying the points characterized by lower impedances, selecting the desired point/s and applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving mobility and/or the quality of synovial fluid of an affected articular joint are disclosed, wherein the joint is associated with at least a first muscle group and at least a second muscle group each having an antagonistic relationship for effecting mobility of the joint through a range of motion when recruited by natural neural impulses.

Abstract: A system for transferring spinal cord signals comprises a superior electrode and an inferior electrode. The superior electrode interfaces with a first portion of a spinal cord of a human body; and the inferior electrode interfaces with a second portion of the spinal cord. The superior electrode has at least one superior contact for receiving signals from the first portion of the spinal cord to transmit to the inferior electrode; and the inferior electrode has at least one inferior contact for transmitting signals received from the superior electrode to the second portion of the spinal cord.

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis, including: a frame, an inner layer coupled to an inner surface of the frame, an electrode base, and a connector assembly. The frame is configured to substantially envelop a limb, and includes a retention portion configured to retain the frame about the limb, and a mounting portion configured to be coupled to an electrical stimulator. The electrode base is coupled to the inner layer, and is configured to couple a surface electrode to the inner layer. The frame and the inner layer are configured such that the electrode base is disposed at a predetermined position relative to the limb. The connector assembly is configured to electrically couple the stimulator to the electrode base. At least a portion of the connector assembly is disposed within a connector opening defined by the frame.

Abstract: Methods and devices of stimulating nerves are disclosed. In one embodiment adapted for stimulating excitable tissue, the invention includes drive circuitry (12), an acoustic transducer (14) and a pair of electrodes (28).

Abstract: A method for providing motor control therapy for a user by altering a user's motional response is generally described. The method includes directing a user to perform a specified motion in accordance with a schedule. The method also includes detecting the user's motions and providing vestibular stimulation in an effort to teach a proper response.

Abstract: A medical device, such as an implantable medical device (IMD), determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep, and controls delivery of a therapy based on the sleep quality metric values. For example, the medical device may compare a sleep quality metric value with one or more threshold values, and adjust the therapy based on the comparison. In some embodiments, the medical device adjusts the intensity of therapy based on the comparison, e.g., increases the therapy intensity when the comparison indicates that the patient's sleep quality is poor. In some embodiments, the medical device automatically selects one of a plurality of therapy parameter set available for use in delivering therapy based on a comparison sleep quality metric values associated with respective therapy parameter sets within the plurality of available therapy parameter sets.

Abstract: Apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves which comprises a soft apparel provided with multi-pad electrodes on one side and activating means on the other side, wherein the activating means are adapted to allow activation and control of a delivered electrical pulse to each multi-pad electrode separately.

Abstract: A system is generally described for altering a user's motional response to sensory input and includes a current source and a first sensory input device configured to provide a first sensory input to a user. The system also includes a second sensory input device configured to provide a second sensory input to a user and a sensor device configured to detect motions associated with the user. Further, the system includes a control unit configured to receive signals from the sensor and receive sensory signals related to the first and second sensory inputs. The control unit generates control signals based on the signals and the sensory signals. Further still, the system includes electrical contacts configured to contact flesh of the user and deliver current from the current source to the vestibular system of the user in response to the control signals and the current is configured to cause the user to move in a predetermined manner if the user is not in the process of making the predetermined motion.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a user interface with a menu that facilitates stimulation therapy programming. The user interface displays a representation of the electrical leads implanted in the patient and at least one menu with icons that the user can use to adjust the stimulation therapy. The user may drag one or more field shapes from a field shape selection menu onto the desired location relative to the electrical leads. A manipulation tool menu may also allow the user to adjust the field shapes placed on the electrical leads, which represent the stimulation region. The programmer that includes the user interface then generates electrical stimulation parameter values for the stimulator to deliver stimulation according to the field shapes or field shape groups defined/located by the user. The field shapes may represent different types of stimulation representations, such as current density, activation functions, and neuron models.

Abstract: This invention comprises a totally implantable Eustachian tube activation device which is intended for patients suffering from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction ailment. The device electrically stimulates the muscles activating the Eustachian tube to perform the opening maneuver of the Eustachian tube valve to aerate the middle ear cavity. The unit is hermetically sealed in a suitable biocompatible container and implanted in a suitable location in close proximity to Eustachian tube. The frequency of the stimulation of the implant may be fixed or can be altered depending on the condition of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with (a) a muscle of a body of a subject and (b) an implanted functional device. An electrode is electrically coupled to the muscle. A compressible housing is compressed due to the movement of the muscle. An energy assembly includes a flywheel and an energy converter. The energy assembly (a) stores energy extracted from the movement of the muscle, by rotating the flywheel, (b) causes the muscle to undergo movement by driving a current into the muscle, via the electrode, using the stored energy, and (c) powers the implanted functional device using the stored energy. A chamber, in fluid communication with the housing, receives, from the compressible housing, fluid that is expelled from the compressible housing due to the compression of the compressible housing. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method of toning the facial muscles and tissues in selected target areas involves applying predetermined galvanic currents, frequencies, and polarities to the target areas in specific patters and with particular repetitions and movements selected to provide enhanced cosmetic effects, such as reduced lines and wrinkles, reduced depth of folds, and improved circulation to promote health and vitality.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and methods for determining if a nerve is nearby a device or a region of a device. In general, a device for determining if a nerve is nearby a device includes an elongate body having an outer surface with one or more bipole pairs arranged on the outer surface. Bipole pairs may also be referred to as tight bipoles. The bipole pairs may be arranged as a bipole network, and may include a cathode and an anode that are spaced relatively close together to form a limited broadcast field. In general, the broadcast filed is a controlled or “tight” broadcast field that extends from the bipole pair(s). Methods of using these devices and system are also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided such that electrical stimulation can be delivered to a patient's skeletal muscles in response to certain respiratory signals, such as when voluntary breathing is detected.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing ankle sprain injuries. To protect the ankle joint from acute ankle supination or inversion sprain injuries, the device comprises a sensing part configured to sense data of an ankle motion; an analyzing part configured to analyze the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and a stimulating part configured to stimulate one or more lower limb muscles against the motion in light of a result of the analyzing. The method also involves sensing data of an ankle motion; analyzing the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and stimulating one or more lower limb muscles against the motion if the motion is a sprain motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preventing, diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating bruxism as well as related diseases of an individual. In a first aspect the invention relates to an apparatus for preventing bruxism of an individual, comprising: means for applying a plurality of stimulation signals for providing relaxation of at least one of the masticatory and/or facial muscles of said individual, means for applying said stimulations signals with a predefined setting, and means for applying said stimulations signals independent of activity of said muscle(s). The invention may be suitable for both nocturnal and awake bruxism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for neuromuscular electrical stimulation to muscle tissue. Stimulation electrodes and sensors may be provided, such that signals provided by the sensors may affect the signals provided to the stimulation electrodes, thus providing a feedback. Stimulation electrodes may be provided on a stimulation pad and sensors may be provided on a sensing pad, which may be designed to conform to an anatomical feature. A system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation may also include temperature sensitive elements that may help prevent burns, especially for comatose, sedated, or patients in critical condition. The system may also include a cooling assembly for a stimulation pad.

Abstract: Techniques for validating operation of a medical device are disclosed. A data collection phase utilizes a first sensor carried by a patient to record patient parameter values indicative of conditions experienced by the patient (e.g, posture states.) Therapy parameter values describing therapy adjustments requested by the patient in response to the conditions are also recorded. Associations formed between the therapy parameter values and the patient parameter values are used to develop a closed-loop algorithm for control of an IMD having a sensor similar to the first sensor. An automated device such as a robotic arm uses the recorded patient parameter values to automatically reproduce, and to subject the IMD to, conditions present during the data collection phase. Therapy delivered by the IMD while under control of the closed-loop algorithm and while being subjected to the conditions is compared to the recorded therapy parameter values e to validate IMD operation.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a device having a stimulation sequence generator device, at least one implantable electrode for insertion in a brain of a human being, where the at least one implantable electrode is coupled to the stimulation sequence generator, a sensor for placement on a body part of the human being, and a controller coupled to the stimulation sequence generator device and the sensor. The controller can be operable to receive a signal from the sensor, extract from the signal characteristics corresponding to desirable movements of the body part of the human being to generate output data, detect a condition from the output data for predicting an upcoming tremor, and cause the stimulation sequence generator device to apply a stimulation to the at least one implantable electrode for a first period responsive to the detected condition to prevent the upcoming tremor.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus, a system and a method for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment involves monitoring the position of the tongue and/or the force exerted by the tongue and electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve to move the tongue into an anterior position or to maintain the tongue in an anterior position.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing electrical stimulation to a subject from a stimulation unit using a transmission line and a plurality of electrodes. The apparatus may include a plurality of discrete nodes, each adapted to connect to the transmission line for receiving the electrical stimulation and to connect with at least one pair of the plurality of electrodes. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for neuromuscular electrical stimulation to muscle tissue. Stimulation electrodes may be provided on a stimulation pad, configured to provide electrical stimulation to a target tissue. A system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation may also include pressure generating mechanisms that may provide a compressive force to a region with the target tissue, thereby removing some excess third space fluid from the region.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for electrical stimulation of muscle tissue. Electrodes (12) of an electrode array (13) are activated in accordance with a sequence of activation patterns, each pattern defining a subset of the electrodes (12) to be activated, each subset consisting of at least one electrode (12), by providing an electrical muscle stimulation signal to the muscle tissue via the subset of electrodes (12). Alternately with said activating of electrodes (12), a response signal associated with the respective activation pattern is received from a sensor (30; 12). Optionally, at least one electrode (12) is then selected for stimulation, corresponding to a location determined as being suitable for stimulation, and the muscle tissue is stimulated. The process may be repeated in order to track the location suitable for stimulation in a dynamic situation. Optionally, the orientation of body part is estimated from the measured response signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.

Abstract: A method for treating urinary incontinence is provided. The method includes providing a device having an expandable portion having an outer surface, a first electrode, and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes coupled to the outer surface of the expandable portion and configured to cause a contraction of a muscle in communication with the electrodes. The method further includes causing the expandable portion to inflate such that the first and second electrodes contact vaginal walls and causing a contraction of a muscle in communication with the electrode.

Abstract: A device and methods for performing a closed-chain exercise for the lower extremities of a human subject and, in particular, the legs, using stimulation. The device may include a sled for receiving the subject and for translating to and fro between a first, lower position in which the legs are at least partially bent and a second, higher position in which the legs are less bent than in the first position. A stimulator is provided for facilitating the performance of the closed-chain leg exercise by the subject to move the sled between the first and second positions, either by way of electrical signals provided directly to the applicable muscles or by way of sensory (e.g., visual) stimulation, with or without electro-muscular stimulation. In another aspect, adaptive feed-forward control may also be used to enhance the exercise regimen performed using the device.

Abstract: A method of treating shoulder dysfunction involves the use of a percutaneous, intramuscular stimulation system. A plurality of intramuscular stimulation electrodes are implanted directly into select shoulder muscles of a patient who has suffered a disruption of the central nervous system such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or cerebral palsy. An external microprocessor based multi-channel stimulation pulse train generator is used for generating select electrical stimulation pulse train signals. A plurality of insulated electrode leads percutaneously, electrically interconnect the plurality of intramuscular stimulation electrodes to the external stimulation pulse train generator, respectively. Stimulation pulse train parameters for each of the stimulation pulse train output channels are selected independently of the other channels. The shoulder is evaluated for subluxation in more than one dimension.

Abstract: A system includes an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes a control circuit and a motion sensing device. The motion sensing device is coupled to the control circuit, and the motion sensing device is configured to transmit signals to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to identify one or more steps of a patient using the motion sensing device signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for muscle stimulation and control of muscle stimulators are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an electrical muscle stimulator includes a belt having a plurality of stimulator pads, a pulse width modulator controlled by a feedback loop, the PWM providing output to control voltages of the stimulator pads, and a control unit to control the PWM and feedback loop. In various embodiments, the control unit monitors PWM output values during a rest phase of a cycle of the muscle stimulator, provides a contraction phase, and following a sag after the contraction phase, uses PWM values from the rest phase to set a voltage for a subsequent rest phase of a next cycle.

Abstract: A cell stimulating and measuring device which contains a larger number of electrodes than used in current stimulators and measuring devices. The larger number of electrodes is possible with the implementation of an addressing system to choose one or a plurality of electrodes from a larger set of available electrodes to be active. Moreover, the digital address and control lines passing from the battery/control electronics unit, to the stimulator and measuring device which contains the electrodes, are sent in serial form, which decreases the space used by the wires that must be minimized in a device implanted in a living organism. The system can be used to send current to electrically stimulate cells, and to connect the same, or other electrodes to a measuring unit for data collection, which can be used either for clinical or for research use.

Abstract: Methods and systems for neurostimulation and/or neurotelemetry of electrically-excitable biological tissue. Embodiments include implanting single or multiple semiconductor diodes and applying a high frequency electrical volume current. Neurostimulation embodiments include local rectification of the volume current by the diode, which can provide a pulsating electrical waveform capable of locally stimulating neural tissue, hi neurotelemetry embodiments, semiconductor diodes can be placed in contact with excitable tissue and a low level electrical carrier wave can be passed through the tissue and implanted diode whereby low level tissue bioelectric events intermodulate with the carrier wave and encode bioelectrical effects.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and system for obtaining baseline patient information. In some examples, a method may include acquiring first patient data, wherein the first patient data comprises at least one of first posture state data indicative of a plurality of posture states of a patient during a first time period or first therapy adjustment data indicative of a plurality of patient therapy adjustments made during the first time period; generating baseline patient information based at least in part on the first patient data; and comparing the baseline patient information to patient information generated based on second patient data. Therapy is not delivered to the patient according to a detected posture state of the patient during the first time period, and therapy is delivered to the patient according to the detected posture state of the patient during the second time period.

Abstract: A method of treating a wide variety of heretofore considered unrelated ailments comprises delivering electricity through a circuit in the body. The circuit includes at least four nerves leading from at least two of the patient's extremities to various nerve roots adjacent the spinal column. Electrical energy from an electrical interferential therapy device is delivered through electrodes on the extremities adjacent the nerve endings until symptoms of the diagnosed ailment ameliorates. Sending impulses from the periphery to the central nervous system appears to the help the body manufacture various neuropeptides and other chemicals which control the essential basics of the body's health and well being.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided such that electrical stimulation can be delivered to a patient's skeletal muscles in response to certain respiratory signals, such as when voluntary breathing is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a muscle synergy analysis which comprises detecting a myoelectric signal generated at each muscle of an antagonistic muscle pair group of a subject; calculating, as time-series data, an antagonistic muscle ratio of an antagonistic muscle pair at a myoelectric signal level from a myoelectric signal detected during a predetermined motion by the subject; and conducting multi variate analysis using the antagonistic muscle ratio at each time of the time-series data as a variable to calculate a principal component including at least a first principal component having high contribution to correlation.

Abstract: A distributed system comprises a programming device and a remotely located server. During a programming session, the programming device transmits programs and rating information associated with the programs to the server. The server presents the rating information to a clinician to assist the clinician in selecting from among programs tested during the programming session. The programming device may also transmit patient information and device configuration information to the server for storage with selected programs and rating information within a database as part of a patient record. Programs and information received from a plurality of programming devices and for a plurality of patients may be stored in the database and analyzed by the server to provide responses to user queries made by clinicians via programming devices.