Promoting Tissue Growth Or Healing Patents (Class 607/50)
  • Patent number: 7465566
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the regulation of gene expression by cells via the application of fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals so as to target diseased or injured tissue for treatment. By gene expression is meant the up regulation or down regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased tissue that include providing specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals and exposing tissue to the fields generated by the signals so as to regulate gene expression. In particular, methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of bone defects, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, and other disease states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Carl T. Brighton, Solomon R. Pollack
  • Publication number: 20080306571
    Abstract: A device for stimulating axon growth of the nerve cells in the spinal cord of mammals includes a device having a DC stimulus generator (356, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 388, 390, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378, 392, 394, 606, 608) having first and second oppositely polarized output terminals (341, 343, 345, 385, 648; 347, 349, 351, 387 646), first and second electrodes (340, 342, 344, 384, 612; 346, 348, 350, 386, 610) electrically coupled to the first and second terminals respectively, and a polarity reversing circuit (382, 380; 602, 604) electrically connected to the constant current DC stimulus generator and configured to reverse the polarity of the DC stimulus each time a predetermined period of time elapses. A method for stimulating axon growth of the nerve cells in the spinal cord of mammals includes providing such a device and implanting the provides device in a mammal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Richard B. Borgens, Pedro Irazoqui, John M. Cirillo
  • Publication number: 20080294222
    Abstract: There are disclosed methods and apparatus for attachment and reinforcement of tissue, and methods and apparatus for reinforcement of tissue. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an energy applicator configured to apply energy to generate heat within a target tissue to evaporate water to create dried tissue, and denature at least one of collagen and elastin to attach portions together, and a biopolymer applicator configured for to receive the heat generated to allow biopolymer material to change from solid to molten, and to allow the biopolymer to fill dried tissue to reinforce portions of the target tissue and provide a hermetic seal. In another embodiment, the method includes applying energy to tissue surfaces with an energy applicator, and applying a biopolymer material into the tissue surfaces with a biopolymer applicator disposed on a housing in connection with the energy applicator. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Schechter
  • Patent number: 7457667
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an article includes a primary surface, and a pattern of spaced dissimilar materials, on the primary surface. The pattern is to spontaneously produce electrical surface currents when brought into contact with an electrically conducting solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Silverleaf Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffry B Skiba
  • Publication number: 20080288035
    Abstract: A device for providing therapeutic treatment to a body part such as a joint to promote healing of the body part comprises a signal generator for generating a pulsed electromagnetic field based upon a selected treatment mode, a controller for storing the treatment mode and communicating the treatment mode to the signal generator, a heat source configured to provide thermal therapy to the body part, and monitoring means for monitoring the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic stimulating means. The device may also include telemetry means in communication with the monitoring means for remotely accessing the controller to modify the treatment mode. The device can also be disposable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Nesos Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jagjit Gill, Kin-Joe Sham, Bryan Armitage
  • Publication number: 20080275374
    Abstract: Apparatus in the form of a bandage for generating an electrostatic field which when placed in proximity to a wound or scar induces polarization therein to facilitate the healing process. Methods of treating wounds and scars particularly in humans utilizing the bandage is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Mark W. Smithers, Frank S. Silveira, David Jacofsky, Alan A. Waldman
  • Publication number: 20080269838
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the regulation of gene expression by cells via the application of fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals so as to target diseased or injured tissue for treatment. By gene expression is meant the up regulation or down regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased tissue that include providing specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals and exposing tissue to the fields generated by the signals so as to regulate gene expression. In particular, methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of bone defects, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, and other disease states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Inventors: Carl T. Brighton, Solomon R. Pollack
  • Publication number: 20080255633
    Abstract: Large tissue regions are treated using pairs of electrode arrays. The electrode arrays may be concave and disposed in tissue so that their concave portions are opposed to each other. Axial conductors may be provided extending from the arrays and toward each other in order to increase the heating of tissues lying along the axis between the deployed electrode arrays. By properly spacing the electrode arrays apart and selecting the diameters of the arrays, desired volumes of tissue may be treated, typically with a bipolar, radiofrequency current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Behl, Morton Grosser, Alexander L. Huang
  • Patent number: 7433738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for muscle stimulation, said device comprising a pulse generator unit (9) for producing and sending an electrical stimulation pulse; a control unit (10) for controlling the pulse generator unit (9) in order to adjust the amplitude and the frequency of the stimulation pulses and to cause the transmission of stimulation pulses to a muscle to be stimulated; a detection unit (11) for detecting the instantaneous, spontaneous or stimulated cardiac rhythm of the carrier of the device; a housing (12) receiving the pulse generator unit (9), the control unit (10), and the detection unit (11); a counting unit (13) and a memory unit (14) for counting and storing the number of stimulation pulses emitted within a definable time interval; and a determination unit (15) for determining the arithmetic average of the stimulation frequency within the definable time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Fides Finanz-Invest GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Klapproth, Eckart Ulbrich
  • Patent number: 7429471
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase gene expression in cartilage cells via the application of fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals in the treatment of diseased or injured articular cartilage. By gene expression is meant the up-regulation or down-regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased cartilage tissue that include generating specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals that generate fields optimized for reduction of matrix metalloproteinase gene expression and exposing cartilage tissue to the fields generated by specific and selective signals so as to regulate matrix metalloproteinase gene expression in such cartilage tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: Carl T. Brighton
  • Publication number: 20080215115
    Abstract: An RF diathermy coil assembly, including a generally elastically deformable patient conforming garment and a conductive coil secured to the garment. The conductive coil having a woven wire construction such that the coil can deform as the garment elastically deforms. The RF diathermy coil assembly can be used for wound healing in conjunction with muscle stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: COVENTINA HEALTHCARE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: James B. Bingham, Richard G. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20080215116
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for the regulation of Fibroblastic Growth Factor-2 mRNA and/or FGF-2 protein in bone cells and other tissues via capacitive coupling or inductive coupling of specific and selective electric and/or electromagnetic fields to the bone cells or other tissues, where the specific and selective fields are generated by application of specific and selective signals to electrodes or one or more coils or other field generating device disposed with respect to the bone cells or other tissues so as to facilitate the treatment of diseased or injured bone and other tissues. By gene expression is meant the up-regulation or down-regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Inventor: Carl T. Brighton
  • Publication number: 20080172105
    Abstract: A method for preventing and/or ameliorating inflammation. The method comprises irradiating a biological subject with an electromagnetic wave from an emitter, wherein the electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of about 1.5 to 100 ?m ?m, and the biological subject can be a peripheral vascular disease patient. Additionally, the method of the invention can improve the access blood flow and unassisted patency of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Chih-Ching Lin, Chyi-Ran Lee
  • Publication number: 20080161884
    Abstract: A method of treating a wound or preventing injury to a region susceptible to injury comprising the steps of placing a pair of electrodes placed spaced apart in the region of a wound and applying a predetermined sequence of current waveforms across the electrodes. The sequence of current waveforms comprises a first waveform comprising a series of current pulses having an amplitude in a range of from 80 to 300 ?A, having a frequency in a range from 0.5 to 1.5 pulses per second and a pulse width in a range from 333 to 1000 ms, a second waveform comprising a series of current pulses having an amplitude in a range of from 20 to 60 ?A, having a frequency in a range from 2 to 4 pulses per second and a pulse width in a range from 125 to 250 ms and a third waveform comprising a series of current pulses having an amplitude in a range of from 250 to 640 ?A, having a frequency in a range of from 80 to 120 pulses per second and a pulse width in a range from 4 to 6 ms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Chandler, Andrea Moretti, Richard Nagle, Christopher John Rainey, John Peter Southgate
  • Publication number: 20080140155
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an electromagnetic signal generating means for emitting signals comprising bursts of at least one of sinusoidal, rectangular, chaotic, and random waveforms, having a frequency content in a range of about 0.01 Hz to about 100 MHz at about 1 to about 100,000 waveforms per second, having a burst duration of 1 usec to 100 msec, and having a burst repetition rate from about 0.01 to about 1000 bursts/second, wherein the waveforms are adapted to a frequency response of a fibrous capsule formation and capsular contracture target pathway structure and to have sufficient signal to noise ratio of at least about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Arthur A. Pilla, Andre DiMino
  • Publication number: 20080132971
    Abstract: A method for altering the electromagnetic environment of respiratory tissues, cells, and molecules comprising establishing baseline thermal fluctuations in voltage and electrical impedance at a respiratory target pathway structure depending on a state of the respiratory tissue, configuring at least one waveform to have sufficient signal to noise ratio to modulate at least one of ion and ligand interactions whereby the at least one of ion and ligand interactions are detectable in the respiratory target pathway structure above the established baseline thermal fluctuations in voltage and electrical impedance, generating an electromagnetic signal from the configured at least one waveform; and coupling the electromagnetic signal to the respiratory target pathway structure using a coupling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Arthur A. Pille, Andre' Dimino
  • Patent number: 7376467
    Abstract: Neuromuscular stimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin outside the body. Neuromuscular stimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a steerable introducer that defines an interior lumen sized and configured to shield a percutaneous electrode from contact with tissue during advancement to a desired position within tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: NDI Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Thrope, Robert B. Strother, Joseph J. Mrva
  • Patent number: 7374916
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the regulation of aggrecan gene expression in cartilage cells via the application of fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals in the treatment of diseased or injured articular cartilage. By gene expression is meant the up regulation or down regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased cartilage tissue that include generating specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals that generate fields optimized for aggrecan gene expression and exposing cartilage tissue to the fields generated by specific and selective signals so as to regulate aggrecan gene expression in such cartilage tissue. The resulting methods and devices are useful for the targeted treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cartilage injury, and cartilage defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees Of The University of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: Carl T. Brighton
  • Publication number: 20080103550
    Abstract: In one example, the present invention is directed to a wound-healing patch including a flexible substrate, at least one wound electrode and at least one return electrode. In the invention, the wound electrode(s) is positioned on a portion of the flexible substrate designed to be placed over wounded tissue and the return electrode is positioned on a portion of the substrate remote from the wound-healing electrode and designed to be placed over healthy tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Stuart Wenzel, Mariam Maghribi, Mark Huang
  • Publication number: 20080103549
    Abstract: In one example, the present invention is directed to a wound-healing patch including a flexible substrate, at least one wound electrode, at least one guard electrode and at least one return electrode. The guard electrode is positioned between the wound and return electrodes in the electrical path of current traveling between the return and wound electrodes on the surface of the skin, sinking the surface current and force the wound current to travel deeper into the tissue. In the invention, the wound electrode(s) is positioned on a portion of the flexible substrate designed to be placed over wounded tissue and the return electrode is positioned on a portion of the substrate substantially surrounding the wound and guard electrodes and is designed to be placed over healthy tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Stuart Wenzel, Mariam Maghribi, Mark Huang
  • Patent number: 7354748
    Abstract: A method for applying therapeutic electrical signals and/or electromagnetic fields to a patient's knee for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other diseases, defects and injuries. The device that is used is operable in several modes to deliver signals to the patients knee so as to cause an electric and/or electromagnetic field to be generated that selectively up-regulates gene expression of Aggrecan and Type II Collagen while simultaneously selectively down-regulating the gene expression of metalloproteases. The device includes a signal generator that generates compound electric signals including a 60 kHz sine wave having a peak to peak voltage of approximately 4.6 V to 7.6 V and a 100% duty cycle signal that is generated for approximately 30 minutes and a 50% duty cycle signal that is generated for approximately 1 hour after the 100% duty cycle signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: Carl T. Brighton
  • Patent number: 7349740
    Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to methods for electrically stimulating transplanted biological material, such as transplanted cells, to improve the performance of the heart during systole. In particular, the invention is directed to devices and techniques for stimulating biological material transplanted in a myocardium of a heart during an ejection phase of a cardiac cycle. The transplanted biological material may include cells, such as skeletal myoblasts, precursor cells, endothelial cells, differentiated or undifferentiated stem cells, undifferentiated contractile cells, fibroblasts and genetically engineered cells. In general, stimulation of the transplanted biological material during the ejection phase of the cardiac cycle, when the aortic and pulmonary valves are open, provides hemodynamic assistance to the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhan Soykan, Donovan G. Maura
  • Publication number: 20080027509
    Abstract: Electrode systems and methods are provided for applying electrical stimulation to a wound or skin. The electrode systems may include a feedback sensor configured to detect at least one wound healing factor or other treatment factors and may adjust the electrical stimulation based on feedback sensor measurements. The electrode systems may include multiple center electrodes for attachment to the wound. Multiple therapies may be stored on the electrode systems and a selected one of the stored therapies may be applied. A timer may be included to indicate the length of time a therapy has been applied. The electrode system may include a control module configured as a flexible circuit which conforms to the shape of the wound or the skin to which it is applied. In addition, a medical kit may be supplied for use in applying therapies, including multiple control modules and multiple electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Biofisica LLC
    Inventors: Rafael Victor Andino, Christopher J. Brooks, Michael J. Keating, Courtney F. Morgan, Donald Van Royen
  • Patent number: 7321794
    Abstract: An atrial, anti-arrhythmia system and method are provided. The system comprises: at least two electrodes attached to the atrium for providing independently controlled stimulus through each electrode; detection circuitry that can sense atrial fibrillation or the cardiac cycle; and stimulus generator that can deliver stimulation through at least two electrodes to stop atrial fibrillation. The method for treating atrial fibrillation has three possible modes: a first mode for detecting ongoing atrial fibrillation and stopping it; a second mode for detecting the cardiac cycle and delivering stimuli to the atrium after it has already begun to contract in order to suppress the onset of atrial fibrillation; and a third mode which applies pacing pulses to the atrium in a timed sequence to pace and contract the atrium faster than the native rate to preempt the initiation of atrial fibrillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: James R Thacker, Kelly H McClure, Todd K Whitehurst, Philip H Lee
  • Patent number: 7319902
    Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for using electrochemistry to rejuvenate skin and underlying tissue and to build and strengthen muscles by applying pulses of DC electrical charge, at a duration in the range of about 0.2 to about 1 millisecond and a variable frequency in the range of about 400 to about 1200 Hertz, to the skin immersed into an container of an electrolyte by means of an anode immersed in or connected to the container to cause the muscle to twitch or only slightly contract with each pulse. The DC is applied at variable current amplitude of from about 1 to about 50 milliamperes, and a voltage in the range of about 50 to about 120 volts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory O'Kelly
  • Publication number: 20070282391
    Abstract: To provide an electrotherapeutic device that includes a special waveform shaper which shapes a voltage waveform so that the voltage will efficiently generate reducing ions, and supplies the resultant voltage to a director electrode plate, and that is easily operated during the treatment. An electrotherapeutic device arranges a waveform shaper 3 filled with pumice blocks or inorganic insulator powder and a predetermined amount of moisture in series between a direct current high negative voltage generator 2 and an output terminal 40 and supplies an output current of the direct current high negative voltage generator 2 in the form of a high negative voltage, which has a ripple of a special waveform superimposed thereof, to the output terminal 40 via the waveform shaper 3. The electrotherapeutic device further comprises a current sensor 6 for measuring a treatment current and a program controller 8 for regulating an output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Noboru Horiguchi, Hiroshi Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 7305269
    Abstract: A method and system of conditioning human skin and hair using a hand-held skin/hair conditioner having interchangeable interface conductors that are contoured to enhance electrical conductivity between the conditioner and a variety of body areas. Each of the interchangeable interface conductors are preferably formed to maximize surface area contact with a variety of body surfaces such as scalp/hair, body skin, and facial skin. In a preferred embodiment, the skin/hair conditioner is formed to fit comfortably and controllably in a user's grasp while providing maximum contact with the selected body surface. The skin/hair conditioner includes an audio signal generator and a vibration mechanism to alert a user of a change in status of the conditioner. The interface conductors may be (1) smoothly rounded, (2) include teeth, (3) spherical or hemispherical (4) include multiple rounded nodules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Proventure (Far East) Limited
    Inventors: Stuart A. Cook, Bruno Gimelli, James N. Doyle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7203550
    Abstract: In a cardiac stimulating device, an infection control current is generated and applied to a subject in whom a medical device is implanted by completing a circuit including an entirely electrically conductive exterior of a housing of the device, an electrode carried by an electrode lead of the device, and an electrically conductive surface of a proximal portion of the electrode lead, extending from the housing to a location, after implantation, situated beyond entry of the electrode lead into the venous system and before entry of the electrode lead into the superior vena cava. The infection control current can be a current with a square waveform, and the circuit can be completed at selected times, such as only during the refractory period of the subject's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical AB
    Inventors: Mark Kroll, Johan Eckerdal, Martin Obel, Eva Micski
  • Patent number: 7199110
    Abstract: Injuries to the central nervous system, particularly spinal cord injuries, are treated by administering a purine nucleoside or analog to the patient and, optionally, electrically stimulating the site of injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignees: Purdue Research Foundation, Indiana University Research & Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Richard B. Borgens, Scott A. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7194316
    Abstract: A handheld head treatment device and method for reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth by supplying current and laser light to a user's head. The device includes a current generator disposed within a housing configured to output a current for passage into the user's head and a laser source and guide means disposed within the housing configured to output and direct respective portions of the laser beam outward from the hair treatment device toward the user's head when the hair treatment device is in use. The method comprises the step of directing a series of different current and laser treatments to a portion of the scalp wherein the programmed current treatments are sequentially administered and include a continuous and pulsed direct current treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Elysee Beauty Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick Bousfield, Mark Chandler, Sanny Chiu
  • Patent number: 7177695
    Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for the treatment of early stage wounds, i.e. those wounds that have resulted in little or no breach of the skin tissue. The invention utilizes non-ablative laser or non-coherent electromagnetic radiation applied to a stage one or two wound to stimulate wound healing, destroy viral and bacterial bodies, and prevent the development of such wounds into higher stage wounds. An appropriate wavelength is chosen from the range of 193 nm to 10.6 microns, and is delivered at a power density of about at least 1 W/cm2 over a predetermined treatment duration typically in the range of 1 second to 3 minutes. To achieve the desired energy density, radiation is typically delivered at a power between 1 Watt and 15 Watts, with an average power of 5–10 Watts. Early stage wounds that can be addressed with this invention include but are not limited to spider or other insect bites, bee stings, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and poison ivy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: CefamOptec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly Moran
  • Patent number: 7155288
    Abstract: An implantable system is provided that includes: a cell repopulation source comprising genetic material, undifferentiated and/or differentiated contractile cells, or a combination thereof capable of forming new contractile tissue in and/or near an infarct zone of a patient's myocardium; and an electrical stimulation device for electrically stimulating the new contractile tissue in and/or near the infarct zone of the patient's myocardium or otherwise damaged or diseased myocardial tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc
    Inventors: Orhan Soykan, Maura G. Donovan
  • Patent number: 7133723
    Abstract: The cell enhancing device for an electrical pulse cosmetic meter, wherein the composite pulse generating device comprising an electrical pulse generating device, generating an electrical pulse sequence of a predetermined electrical pulse amplitude, wherein a frequency of said electrical pulse sequence is adjustable, a waveform adjuster, converting said electrical pulse sequence to a composite pulse sequence, and outputting said composite pulse sequence to a cosmetic head of said electrical pulse cosmetic meter. The present invention has the advantages of being small in size and light in weight. Furthermore, it greatly enhances circulation in skin structure of body, so as to achieve effective cosmetic results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Misty Li-Ming Chang
    Inventor: Eukki Qi Yu
  • Patent number: 7130692
    Abstract: A portable device for applying therapeutic electrical signals and/or electromagnetic fields to a patient's knee for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other diseases, defects and injuries. The device is operable in several modes to deliver signals to the patients knee so as to cause an electric and/or electromagnetic field to be generated that selectively up-regulates gene expression of Aggrecan and Type II Collagen while simultaneously selectively down-regulating the gene expression of metalloproteases. The device includes a signal generator that generates compound electric signals including a 60 kHz sine wave having a peak to peak voltage of approximately 4.6 V to 7.6 V and a 100% duty cycle signal that is generated for approximately 30 minutes and a 50% duty cycle signal that is generated for approximately 1 hour after the 100% duty cycle signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Carl T. Brighton, Michael D. Carlozzi
  • Patent number: 7123961
    Abstract: An exemplary method for stimulating an autonomic nerve that includes delivering power to, for example, an electrode at a set power level, determining whether the delivering achieved an autonomic response that affected cardiac function, and delivering power to the electrode at a reduced power level if the delivering affected the cardiac function. An exemplary device for performing such an exemplary method. Other exemplary methods and exemplary devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, Gene A. Bornzin
  • Patent number: 7117034
    Abstract: An method and method for generating an electrical signal for use in biomedical applications, including two timing-interval generators, each optionally driving a multistep sequencer; analog, digital or hybrid means for combining the resulting timed signals into a complex electrical signal; optional filtering means for blocking direct current, removing selected frequency components from the resulting signal, and/or providing voltage step-up if needed; and conductive means for coupling the resulting signal to a human or animal body, food, beverage or other liquid, cell or tissue culture, or pharmaceutical material, in order to relieve pain, stimulate healing or growth, enhance the production of specific biochemicals, or devitalize selected types of organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Healthonics, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Kronberg
  • Patent number: 7110826
    Abstract: A beauty device is provided that offers conditions that are appropriate for electrical stimulation that is designed to resolve wrinkling, sagging and such of skin conditions. A pair of electrically conductive gloves and that include silver conductive material is worn on both hands that have been clad in insulated gloves. A combination of ultra-weak electrical currents that are comprised of a combination of multiple types of current wave forms made up of alternating current square-waves of differing patterns are provided from the electrical current control device and applied to the surface of the skin in areas such as the face through the electrically conductive gloves by having the gloves come into contact with the skin, thereby reducing the wrinkles, sagging and such of the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Shingo Motoi
  • Patent number: 7089060
    Abstract: A method for activating a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor of one or more cells includes positioning an electromagnetic field generator in proximity to a VEGF receptor such that the flux of an electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator will extend through the VEGF receptor. The method also includes generating an electromagnetic field, using the electromagnetic field generator, having a rate of fluctuation that activates the VEGF receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: AMEI Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Fitzsimmons
  • Patent number: 7079899
    Abstract: A method of promoting the healing of a wound disposed in soft tissue and having a physical extent is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing control circuitry to control the application of electrical current through a plurality of electrodes; applying three or more electrodes to the surface of the soft tissue around and in proximity to the wound, wherein each of the three or more electrodes is connected to the control circuitry; conducting an electrical current through the three or more electrodes, such that one electrode functions as a current source and one or more of the remaining electrodes functions as a current sink; and switching the function of acting as a current source and as a current sink among the electrodes. A device and suitable control circuitry are also disclosed. Feedback control is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Loma Linda University
    Inventor: Jerrold S. Petrofsky
  • Patent number: 7041343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a substrate structure for oriented neurite outgrowth, wherein a basic substrate is provided, characterized in that at least one alignment layer is deposited on said substrate and a mono- or multi-layer of a liquid crystal material is deposited on said at least one alignment layer or a combined alignment layer is deposited on said substrate, thereby providing a structured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Sony International (Europe) GmbH
    Inventors: Gabriele Nelles, Akio Yasuda
  • Patent number: 7031775
    Abstract: An implantable system is provided that includes: a cell repopulation source comprising genetic material, undifferentiated and/or differentiated contractile cells, or a combination thereof capable of forming new contractile tissue in and/or near an infarct zone of a patient's myocardium; and an electrical stimulation device for electrically stimulating the new contractile tissue in and/or near the infarct zone of the patient's myocardium or otherwise damaged or diseased myocardial tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhan Soykan, Maura G. Donovan
  • Patent number: 7027860
    Abstract: A microstimulator or neural prosthesis is powered and operative in response to an externally applied RF signal which includes a power component and control component. A slow rise time storage circuit stores RF power during a charging period and a fast rise time triggering circuit responsive to a fast rise time input triggers the device for producing output pulses following a selected delay time. The duration of the delay controls the current level of the output pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Keith Walter Bruninga, Lisa Wittenkeller Riedy, Paul Joseph Zaszczurynski
  • Patent number: 7024239
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of chronic wounds using electromagnetic energy. The apparatus includes a generator and at least one applicator. The generator can produce electromagnetic energy and the applicator can apply the electromagnetic energy produced by the generator. A detector is disposed on the applicator that can measure the field strength of the electromagnetic energy applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Regenesis Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank R. George, Arthur A. Loya, Mary C. Ritz, Robert T. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7020527
    Abstract: An ophthalmic treatment apparatus includes an electrode which is set on a place to apply electrical stimulation to cells constituting a retina; and an electrical stimulation pulse generator which is connected to the electrode, for generating, from the electrode, a predetermined electrical stimulation pulse whose electric current is set at 20 ?A or more but not exceeding 300 ?A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Morimoto, Tomomitsu Miyoshi, Takashi Fujikado, Yasuo Tano, Yutaka Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7016737
    Abstract: A method of promoting the healing of a wound disposed in soft tissue and having a physical extent is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing control circuitry to control the application of electrical current through a plurality of electrodes; applying three or more electrodes (101–103) to the surface of the soft tissue around and in proximity to the wound (12), wherein each of the three or more electrodes is connected to the control circuitry; conducting an electrical current (14) through the three or more electrodes, such that one electrode functions as a current source and one or more of the remaining electrodes functions as a current sink; and switching the function of acting as a current source and as a current sink among the electrodes. A device and suitable control circuitry are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Loma Linda University
    Inventor: Jerrold S. Petrofsky
  • Patent number: 7010353
    Abstract: A method for treating a soft tissue wound is provided and includes the steps of providing a signal generator in electrical communication with first and second electrodes, disposing the first and second electrodes on a skin surface on opposing sides of the soft tissue wound and applying an electric field in the soft tissue wound by generating a voltage at a frequency within a range of 20 to 100 kHz and having a symmetrical waveform with an amplitude within a range of 0.1 to 20 volts peak to peak through said first and second electrodes. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment the signal generator is an AC generator generating a sine wave voltage and in accordance with second and third preferred embodiments, the signal generator is a bipolar DC generator, all generating a symmetrical waveform at a frequency of 60 kHz, with an amplitude of about 5 volts peak to peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: EBI, L.P.
    Inventors: Jean C. Gan, Bruce J. Simon, Jay Penchina
  • Patent number: 6988004
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for stimulating angiogenesis. The method comprises the steps of electrically stimulating muscle below the threshold for muscle contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Bioheart, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kanno, Yasufumi Sato
  • Patent number: 6978173
    Abstract: A device for influencing cell-growth mechanisms in vessels, in particular blood vessels, of a human or animal body, wherein to influence the cell growth mechanisms there is provided an excitation device (5; 5??) which is adapted to produce stimulation currents in a region to be treated of the vessel (3; 3??), wherein the frequency and/or the modulation frequency of the stimulation currents is in the range of frequencies at which distribution of secondary messenger substances controlling cell growth in the cells of the vessel (3; 3??) is influenced. Implant for influencing cell-growth mechanisms in such vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Biotronik Mess- und Therapiegeraete GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Stoll, Robert Schmiedl
  • Patent number: 6975907
    Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating regeneration and repair of damaged spinal nerves, comprising at least two electrodes placed intravertebrally near the site of spinal axon injury and delivering DC current thereto. A method for stimulating regeneration and repair of damaged spinal nervous tissue, comprising placing electrodes intravertebrally near the site of spinal cord injury and applying DC current at a level sufficient to induce regeneration and repair of damaged spinal axons but less than the current level at which tissue toxicity occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: DynaMed Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Zanakis, Philip A. Femano
  • Patent number: 6955642
    Abstract: A noninvasive method and apparatus for treating living tissue with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) having selectively reduced high-frequency signal components, with improved bioresponse provided by magnetic field amplitudes less than approximately 40 ?T, and most preferably in the range of 4–10 ?T. Such amplitude levels for the disclosed PEMF signal are particularly effective with a treatment duration in the range of 0.25–2 hours/day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: EBI, LP
    Inventor: Bruce J. Simon