With Two Pulse Signal Components Patents (Class 607/70)
  • Patent number: 11975194
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency. The systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue may be used to increase the efficacy of treatment in patients with Parkinson's Disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merrill Birdno
  • Patent number: 11724105
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method of determining muscle efficiency and inefficiency in a patient or subject and being able to quantitatively determine measurements that communicate between practitioners the condition, the health, and the efficiency state of any muscle. The efficiency of a muscle is defined by the ability of the brain to bridge a proper communication to the muscle by sending normal action potentials; the bridge is often compromised during injury, improper training, or from poor habits of bodily movement. The standardization of these efficiencies allows for the isolation of particular areas of the muscles that are inefficient and efficient. Further, with varied application of specific electrical pulses, a bridge that mimics the natural action potential is provided and can enhance muscle efficiency in a way that achieves higher levels of success in bodily healing and physical training than in any prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Neurological Fitness Equipment and Education LLC
    Inventors: Ki Yong O, Garrett Salpeter
  • Patent number: 10792500
    Abstract: A system for electro-therapeutically treating a patient includes a stimulatory device electromagnetically coupled with the nervous system of a patient, an electrical power supply, and a control mechanism structured to energize the stimulatory device by way of the electrical power supply at a stimulation frequency. The control mechanism is further structured to control the energizing so as to produce a treatment signal encoded in the energizing and having a treatment signal frequency equal to or less than the stimulation frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas J. Carrico
  • Patent number: 10617870
    Abstract: A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra
  • Patent number: 10201709
    Abstract: An example of a system may include a depletion block neural stimulator and a depletion block controller. The depletion block neural stimulator may be configured to deliver a depletion block stimulation to a nerve. The depletion block stimulation may include a series of pulses at a pulse frequency within a range between about 100 Hz to about 1000 Hz. The depletion block controller may be configured to communicate with the depletion block neural stimulator and control the depletion block stimulation. The depletion block controller may be configured to receive a start depletion block signal and respond to the received start depletion block signal by initiating the delivery of the depletion block stimulation to the nerve, and the depletion block controller may be configured to receive a stop depletion block signal and respond to the received stop depletion block signal by terminating the delivery of the depletion block stimulation to the nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, David J. Ternes, Juan Gabriel Hincapie Ordonez, Stephen B. Ruble, Jason J. Hamann, Arjun D. Sharma
  • Patent number: 9403014
    Abstract: A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra
  • Patent number: 9375575
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is placed in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 ?s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, David K. L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8983628
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8983629
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exercise-induced bronchospasm and post-operative bronchospasm. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that activate neural pathways to reduce the release of acetycholine from airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons within the brain of the patient. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers to produce the bronchodilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8923981
    Abstract: Systems of and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue that may generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation is shown and disclosed herein. The temporal patterns of stimulation may include intervals between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) that change or vary over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention may provide a lower average frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, Jr., David T. Brocker
  • Patent number: 8874229
    Abstract: A method comprises applying a first open-loop electrical signal to a neural structure at a first rate. The method also comprises applying a closed-loop electrical signal to the neural structure in response to an event detection, thus causing an overall rate at which electrical stimulation is applied to the neural structure to exceed the first rate. The method further comprises applying a second open-loop electrical signal to a neural structure at a second rate that is lower than the first rate, thus causing the overall rate to be reduced to the first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Colborn
  • Patent number: 8812131
    Abstract: A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Rafael Carbunaru, Matt I. Haller
  • Patent number: 8750984
    Abstract: A device for stimulation via electric and magnetic fields is provided. The autonomic/vegetative nervous system can be controlled by signals in the frequency ranges of 0.05 to 0.15 Hz and 0.15 to 0.30 Hz, respectively. By addition of characteristic sinusoidal oscillations between the head and a peripheral area with the corresponding low-frequency sympathetic or parasympathetic control frequency as base oscillation and with application-typical EEG frequencies and higher-frequency sinusoidal oscillations in the range of ca. 250 to 1500 Hz, characteristic stimulation programs are established. These are applied by field applicators in the upper body area and in the lower body. The associated mat applicators distribute field energy. The field applicator is equipped with a combination of a magnetic-field-generating coil arrangement and an electrode arrangement generating the electric field. The electrode generating the electric field can at the same time be designed as a magnetic-field-generating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Actegy Ltd.
    Inventors: Stewart Penny, Manfred Krauss, Roland Fischer, Werner Schmidt, Mario Mobius
  • Publication number: 20140155960
    Abstract: The method and system described herein relate to stimulating nerve tissue using a pulse generator. A stimulus is created that comprises a signal that is produced from a frequency spectrum having a power spectral density per unit of bandwidth proportional to 1/f?, wherein ? is excludes 0. The stimulus is provided from the pulse generator to at least one stimulation lead; and applied to nerve tissue via one or several electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Patent number: 8694121
    Abstract: A programmable switching circuit with charge pumps for a bio-stimulator is disclosed. A programmable controlling circuit generates a set of binary bits according to a controlling program and then uses a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter for outputting to the pulse signal generating circuit so as to generate two pulse signals with the predetermined waveforms and different phases. Then, according to these two pulse signals with different phases, two charge pumps included in a charge pump regulating circuit output currents with specific voltage intensity through two output routes. The amplitude of the current is determined by the capacitor on each output route. Additionally, the programmable controlling circuit determines which route to be outputted so as to control and switch the polarities and current amplitude of a bio-stimulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventor: Weichih Hu
  • Patent number: 8649863
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a heart of a subject, including a set of one or more electrodes. A control unit paces the heart by driving a first electric current via the electrode set into tissue of the subject, in accordance with a first set of parameters. The control unit stimulates nitric oxide production by a portion of the heart by driving a second electric current via the electrode set into the portion of the heart, in accordance with a second set of parameters. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rainbow Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Amir Dagan, Yotam Reisner, Offer Glasberg, Nitai Hanani, Gal Ariav
  • Patent number: 8620449
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a three-dimensional antenna that may be used for an implantable medical device (IMD). The antenna includes a first antenna portion that includes a plurality of segments arranged substantially parallel to one another in a first plane. The antenna further includes a second antenna portion that includes a plurality of segments arranged substantially parallel to one another in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. The antenna further includes a third antenna portion that includes a plurality of segments arranged substantially parallel to one another in a third plane. The plurality of segments of the third portion are coupled between segments of the first and second portions. The third plane is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanzhu Zhao, Quentin S Denzene
  • Patent number: 8606359
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a medical device having a baroreflex stimulator to generate a stimulation signal, the stimulation signal being adapted to stimulate a baroreflex, and a controller to communicate with the baroreflex stimulator and implement a baroreflex stimulus regimen to vary an intensity of the baroreflex stimulation provided by the stimulation signal to maintain stimulation efficacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Rossing, Robert S. Kieval, David J. Serdar, Bruce J. Persson
  • Patent number: 8231556
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis, Dennis Bourget
  • Publication number: 20120059438
    Abstract: The method and system described herein relate to stimulating nerve tissue using a pulse generator. A stimulus is created that comprises a signal that is produced from a frequency spectrum having a power spectral density per unit of bandwidth proportional to 1/f?, wherein ? is excludes 0. The stimulus is provided from the pulse generator to at least one stimulation lead; and applied to nerve tissue via one or several electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Patent number: 8027721
    Abstract: External pacemaker systems and methods deliver pacing waveforms that minimize hydrolysis of the electrode gel. Compensating pulses are interleaved with the pacing pulses, with a polarity and duration that balance the net charge at the electrode locations. The compensating pulses are preferably rectangular for continuous pacing, and decay individually for on-demand pacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Physio-Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7949403
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation system and method for the treatment of neurological disorders is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical stimulation system includes channels of electrodes positioned in electrical contact with tissue of a neuromuscular target body region of a patient to provide pattered neuromuscular stimulation to the patient's musculature. In addition, at least one electrode from a channel is positioned in electrical contact with a tissue of the motor control region of the brain. A series of patterned electrical pulses are then applied to the patient through the channels to provide peripheral neuromuscular stimulation, and a direct current is applied transcranially to the brain. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Accelerated Care Plus Corp.
    Inventors: Francis X. Palermo, J. Chris Castel
  • Patent number: 7890182
    Abstract: A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Rafael Carbunaru, Matthew I. Haller
  • Patent number: 7824341
    Abstract: A method of identifying the fossa ovalis in a patient by positioning one or more electrodes against the tissue of the interatrial septum of the patient and acquiring unipolar and/or bipolar electrograms of the tissue of the interatrial septum while moving the electrodes to a plurality of positions against the tissue of the interatrial septum. The fossa ovalis is identified on the basis of unipolar voltage reduction, signal fractionation, broadened signal, reduced signal slew rate, reduced local myocardial impedance, increased phase angle and/or increased pacing threshold. An apparatus for identify the fossa ovalis is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Subramaniam C. Krishnan
  • Patent number: 7801614
    Abstract: Baroreflex activation is achieved by providing suitable control signals to a baroreflex activation device. A method comprises establishing a therapy interval (possibly on the order of minutes to hours, or possibly of indefinite duration), within the therapy interval, establishing a plurality of dose intervals, and generating an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal has a time dependence such that the average electrical power applied to the baroreflex activation device differs between first and second portions of at least some dose intervals. Another method comprises establishing a series of therapy interval portions, during at least some therapy intervals, establishing a plurality of burst intervals (perhaps having durations commensurate with an interval between heartbeats), and generating an electrical output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Rossing, Robert S. Kieval, David J. Serdar, Bruce J. Persson
  • Patent number: 7689289
    Abstract: The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. Substantially non-simultaneous first and second pulses are applied to first and second electrodes, respectively, to generate both first and second action potentials and first and second subthreshold potential areas, within the tissue. The locus within the tissue where additional action potentials are induced may be determined by a superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas according to the physiological principle of electrotonus. Superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas provides deep tissue suprathreshold potential areas of adjustable locus wherein additional action potentials are induced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. King
  • Patent number: 7623926
    Abstract: Baroreflex activation is achieved by providing suitable control signals to a baroreflex activation device. A method comprises establishing a therapy interval (possibly on the order of minutes to hours, or possibly of indefinite duration), within the therapy interval, establishing a plurality of dose intervals, and generating an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal has a time dependence such that the average electrical power applied to the baroreflex activation device differs between first and second portions of at least some dose intervals. Another method comprises establishing a series of therapy interval portions, during at least some therapy intervals, establishing a plurality of burst intervals (perhaps having durations commensurate with an interval between heartbeats), and generating an electrical output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Rossing, Robert S. Kieval, David J. Serdar, Bruce J. Persson
  • Publication number: 20070282399
    Abstract: A programmable switching circuit with charge pumps for a bio-stimulator is disclosed. A programmable controlling circuit generates a set of binary bits according to a controlling program and then uses a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter for outputting to the pulse signal generating circuit so as to generate two pulse signals with the predetermined waveforms and different phases. Then, according to these two pulse signals with different phases, two charge pumps included in a charge pump regulating circuit output currents with specific voltage intensity through two output routes. The amplitude of the current is determined by the capacitor on each output route. Additionally, the programmable controlling circuit determines which route to be outputted so as to control and switch the polarities and current amplitude of a bio-stimulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Weichih Hu
  • Publication number: 20070219599
    Abstract: A medical apparatus, for artificially stimulating internal tissue of an animal, applies a composite voltage pulse to a pair of electrodes implanted in the animal. The composite voltage pulse is formed by a first segment and a second segment contiguous with the first segment, both of which have generally rectangular shapes. The amplitude of the first segment is significantly greater than, e.g. at least three times, the amplitude of the second segment. However, the second segment has a significantly longer duration than the first segment, e.g. at least three times longer. Preferably the integrals of the first and second segments are substantially equal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Cherik Bulkes, Stephen Denker
  • Patent number: 7167752
    Abstract: An electronic acupressure aide and stimulating device implemented using a hand-held or palm-held electronic computing device or another computing device which may be a designated unit. The electronic acupressure aide and stimulating device allows a practitioner to apply a pulse sequence to a set of predetermined acu-points such as those related to acupressure, acupuncture, trigger points or Jin-Shin Jyutsu, to name a few. A displayed chart related to the acu-points identifies the health condition and the pulse sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Catherine Lin-Hendel
  • Patent number: 7167754
    Abstract: An alterphasic inverting stimulation strategy for use with a multichannel cochlear implant system consumes less power than similar strategies, yet provides better sound quality. The alterphasic inverting strategy is a strategy wherein stimulation pulses are strictly sequential, and wherein the timing and polarity of the channels is chosen such that positive and negative pulses are alternating in time in accordance with a defined pattern that staggers application of the pulses spatially across all the channels and inverts the polarity of pulses that are near each other either spatially or in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Stefaan Peeters, Filiep Vanpoucke
  • Patent number: 7130696
    Abstract: A method of producing percutaneous electrode array is disclosed for applying therapeutic electrical energy to a treatment site in the body of a patient. The array comprises a plurality of electrode microstructures which are inserted into the epidermis, thereby overcoming the inherent electrical impedance of the outer skin layers and obviating the need to prepare the skin surface prior to an electro-therapy treatment. The array preferably includes an adhesion layer to help keep the electrode microstructures inserted into the epidermis during the duration of the therapeutic treatment, and temperature and condition monitoring devices to ensure proper treatment and enhance patient safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Biowave Corporation
    Inventors: John Carter, Bradford Siff
  • 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: 7013179
    Abstract: A percutaneous electrode array is disclosed for applying therapeutic electrical energy to a treatment site in the body of a patient. The array comprises a plurality of electrode microstructures which are inserted into the epidermis, thereby overcoming the inherent electrical impedance of the outer skin layers and obviating the need to prepare the skin surface prior to an electro-therapy treatment. The array preferably includes an adhesion layer to help keep the electrode microstructures inserted into the epidermis during the duration of the therapeutic treatment, and temperature and condition monitoring devices to ensure proper treatment and enhance patient safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Biowave Corporation
    Inventors: John Carter, Bradford Siff
  • Patent number: 6990376
    Abstract: A method and system for selective inhibition of somatic nerve fibers in a mixed nerve containing both somatic and autonomic nerve fibers where the method finds use in treatment of chronic pain, spastic muscles and for sensory and motor control of a bladder. The methods and systems utilize alternate phase rectangular electrical pulses. An electrical pulse generator is coupled to a nerve. An alternate phase high frequency, low amplitude pulse is first applied to selectively inhibit somatic nerves when present in a mixed nerve. An alternate phase low frequency, high amplitude phase pulse subsequently supplied to stimulate the autonomic nerve fibers and in the case of the sacral root will permit a controlled voiding of the bladder and bowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Emil A. Tanagho, Curtis A. Gleason
  • Patent number: 6988006
    Abstract: The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. In one embodiment, first and second pulses are applied to first and second electrodes, respectively, to generate first and second subthreshold potential areas, respectively, within the tissue. The locus within the tissue where action potentials are induced is determined by a superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas according to the physiological principle of electrotonus. In another embodiment, a two-dimensional array of electrodes are formed. The cathode may be positioned near the center of the two-dimensional array or may be left out. The first and second subthreshold areas may thereby be steered. An array of anodal rings may be used to contain the field of excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. King, Rob Leinders, Greg Hrdlicka, Michael D. Baudino
  • Patent number: 6944503
    Abstract: Pulsed electrical stimulation is applied to selected tissues via electrodes positioned on and/or in the body. Each electrode is connected to an output (108) of the apparatus. Each output (108) is connected between a high side switch (110) and a low side switch (112) of a switching array. Each stimulation pulse is subdivided into a number of time periods. By operation of the switches (110, 112) each electrode can be selected to operate as an anode or a cathode or neither during any given time period. The spatial and/or time summation of the anode-cathode currents is controlled to selectively to stimulate selected regions and/or types of tissues, typically nerve tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: BMR Research and Development Limited
    Inventors: Louis Michael Crowe, Conor Michael Minogue
  • Patent number: 6853863
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient is disclosed, which provides two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Biowave Corporation
    Inventors: John Carter, Bradford Siff
  • Patent number: 6834206
    Abstract: A method for applying a therapeutic signal (24) to a body portion (34) of a subject (20) to encourage hair growth utilizes an apparatus (22) that includes a first electrode (28) and a second electrode (32). The first electrode (28) is secured in contact with the skin surface of the subject (20) remote from the body portion (34), and the second electrode (32) is positioned at the body portion (34). The therapeutic signal (24) is provided at a conductive pod (114) of the second electrode (32). The second electrode (32) is manipulated by an operator to apply a circular motion (134) to the body portion (34) underlying the conductive pod (114). The circular motion (134) is repetitively applied as the conductive pod (114) is moved across the body portion (34) to loosen connective tissue at the body portion (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Sono-Therapy Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvester A. Pitzen, Elizabeth Pitzen
  • Patent number: 6792315
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient is disclosed, which provides two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Biowave Corporation
    Inventors: John Carter, Bradford Siff
  • Patent number: 6778860
    Abstract: A defibrillator circuit for generating a rectangular waveform across a patient from capacitively stored energy and employing a plurality of capacitors initially chargeable to a common voltage and thereafter sequentially switchable into parallel relation with one another so as to raise the voltage supplied to an H-bridge circuit from a point of decay back to said common voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Cameron Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan H. Ostroff, Gary R. Mezack
  • Patent number: 6760627
    Abstract: An electro-therapy apparatus and method for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient, having means for providing two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus and method requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Biowave Corporation
    Inventors: John Carter, Bradford Siff
  • Patent number: 6662053
    Abstract: A tissue stimulation system includes an electrode assembly having at least three electrodes spaced to be stimulated in a patient. A programmable stimulator is connected to and provides stimulation pulses to the electrode assembly. A programming data in the stimulator defines, for each of the at least three electrodes, individual stimulation pulses of varying polarity and at least one of amplitude, frequency, pulse width and pulse shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: William N. Borkan
  • Publication number: 20030171954
    Abstract: A healthcare management program designed to reduce the risk of having adverse outcomes, and the costs of liability associated with those adverse outcomes, during the provision of healthcare. The management program is provided by a healthcare vendor to a healthcare provider for a fixed fee. The management program includes a plan of care that defines protocols to utilize during the provision of care to customers, documentation tools that provide evidence of the treatment and progress of each customer, and indemnity instruments which distribute the risks associated with the provision of care between the healthcare provider and the healthcare vendor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Tempur World, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel F. Guerin, Ricky J. Fontaine, David P. Morgan, Phillip J. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 6567702
    Abstract: A method of eliciting analgesia in a human subject by Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TCES) is provided. Electrodes are secured to the skin of the subject's head and used to apply an electrical current to the electrodes. The current includes a direct current combined with rectangular current pulses (alternating current) delivered at a frequency of between 30 and 65 Hz. The frequency at which the pulses are delivered is periodically changed to a different value within the 30-65 Hz range. The total current supplied, a sum of the DC component and a Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) of the current pulses, preferably has a value between 0.2 and 20 mA. The method is used during surgery and the post-operative procedure, and may also be used to treat a wide variety of neurological and other conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Vladimir Nekhendzy, Mervyn Maze
  • Patent number: 6512955
    Abstract: A system and method for generating high voltage, pulsed electrical stimulation to a patient for therapeutic treatment. The apparatus includes a voltage controlled pulse generator network that provides an output waveform including three monophasic pulses. This waveform is output to an electrode set including two active electrodes and one ground electrode. The triple pulse monophasic wave pattern is capable of reverse polarities. Each electrode in the electrode set generates independently variable intensities, while still using the common ground element. The voltage output of each active electrode is independently variable with respect to each other. The pulse generator network may be controlled using a processor, and in particular, a microprocessor, for example. A common control pulse is initially generated. The control pulse triggers dual trigger pulses. Each trigger pulse includes three monophasic pulses. These pulses may be spaced 100 microseconds apart in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas J. McEnany, Michael Carroll
  • Patent number: 6363284
    Abstract: A non-invasive method for the treatment of sores having substantially zero electrical activity, including the steps of: (a) situating a pair of spaced-apart electrodes in contact with healthy tissue on opposite sides of an area containing cells to be treated, (b) externally inducing and maintaining a percutaneous flow of electrical current between the electrodes through the area by establishing an external voltage wave form across the electrodes, (c) monitoring the area for independent electrical activity, wherein the sores are sores having substantially zero electrical activity, and (d) if the independent electrical activity is not sustained: reapplying step (b). The treatment method is particularly appropriate for bedsores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: LifeCare Ltd.
    Inventor: Zvi Nachum
  • Patent number: 6223084
    Abstract: An apparatus for the correction of alterations of the arch of the foot comprises a source of electric current with multiple step waveforms of variable duration and amplitude pulses, said source is connected to electrodes to be placed on the body of the patient to be treated, Detectors of the resistance existing at the ends of said electrodes during the use of the apparatus measuring means and transducers of the data supplied by the detectors and means for processing the resistance parameters obtained produce self-regulation of the generated waveforms. The electrodes are placed on different points of the patient's leg and foot according to the existing alteration. The apparatus allows a method based on electrostimulations with stepped pulse wave forms for treating and healing non-malforming alterations of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Correctionpes S.R.L.
    Inventors: Antonio Lepore, Francesco Pettrone, Ivo Rendina, Antonio Vozza
  • Patent number: 6083252
    Abstract: The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. A first pulse having a first amplitude and a first pulse width is applied to a first electrode adapted to be adjacent the tissue to generate a first subthreshold potential area within the tissue. The first subthreshold potential area is determined by the first amplitude and the first pulse width. A second pulse having a second amplitude and a second pulse width is applied to a second electrode adapted to be adjacent the tissue to generate a second subthreshold potential area within the tissue. The second subthreshold potential area is determined by the second amplitude and the second pulse width. The locus within the tissue where action potentials are induced is determined by a superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas according to the physiological principle of electrotonus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. King, Michael D. Baudino
  • Patent number: 5549656
    Abstract: A combined dual channel electromuscular stimulator for directing electrical pulses into the skin and a dual channel electromyograph for detecting electrical signals generated in muscles. The electromuscular stimulator includes electronic circuitry for generating electrical pulses, controlling the pulse rate and intensity and controlling various pulse characteristics. The pulses are administered by skin contacting electrodes. The electromyograph includes skin contacting electrodes for receiving input signals from the skin and electronic circuitry for receiving detected signals without interference with the stimulator output signals, amplifying, filtering and displaying the input signals. A control panel includes switches and controls for varying the various system parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Med Serve Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans W. Reiss