Patent classifications
A61N1/36
Evaluation of vagus nerve stimulation using heart rate variability analysis
An implantable vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) system includes a sensor configured to measure ECG data for a patient, a stimulation subsystem configured to deliver VNS to the patient, and a control system configured to perform a heart rate variability analysis with the ECG data. In some aspects, performing the heart rate variability analysis includes measuring R-R intervals between successive R-waves for the ECG data measured during a stimulation period and a baseline period, plotting each R-R interval against an immediately preceding R-R interval for each of the stimulation period and the baseline period, and determining at least one of a standard deviation from an axis of a line perpendicular to an identity line for each of the stimulation period plot and the baseline period plot or a centroid of each of the stimulation period plot and the baseline period plot.
Electrodes for hearing devices and related methods
A hearing device for electrically coupling to skin of a user includes a body having a housing forming at least part of an outer surface. The device includes an acoustic transducer and an electrode disposed at least partially in the body. The electrode includes an outer conductor disposed at least partially in the housing and an inner conductor electrically coupled to the outer conductor and disposed subflush to the outer surface. A method of forming the hearing device includes providing a cast shell, forming an elastomeric conductor in a cavity of the cast shell, and removing a thin outer wall of the cast shell to form the housing of the hearing device.
Systems and methods for multi-modal and non-invasive stimulation of the nervous system
Systems and methods are provided to combine multiple stimulation modalities to significantly increase the effectiveness of non-invasive stimulation. Multiple sensor and stimulation devices and modalities can be combined into a single, compact unit that minimizes the need for additional sensors or stimulation devices. The system features several subunits, referred to as sensory and stimulation devices (SSD), that are integrated into a headphone setup. The system is controlled by a centralized controller that communicates with all of the SSDs and with an external computer system that delivers learning material synchronized with the delivery of stimulations and the collection of user responses based on physiological signals.
Method and apparatus for application of a neural stimulus
A method of applying a neural stimulus with an implanted electrode array involves applying a sequence of stimuli configured to yield a therapeutic effect while suppressing psychophysical side effects. The stimuli sequence is configured such that a first stimulus recruits a portion of the fibre population, and a second stimulus is delivered within the refractory period following the first stimulus and the second stimulus being configured to recruit a further portion of the fibre population. Using an electrode array and suitable relative timing of the stimuli, ascending or descending volleys of evoked responses can be selectively synchronised or desynchronised to give directional control over responses evoked.
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STIMULATING SKIN CELLS USING A MICROCURRENT
A device for electrically stimulating skin, in particular for stimulating the activity of fibroblasts, including an electronic circuit for generating a sawtooth biphasic or cyclic alternating electric current; at least two electrodes connected to the electronic circuit, which are configured so as to be applied to the skin in order to allow the electric current generated to pass therethrough.
ABSORPTION ENHANCING WEARABLE DEVICE
Provided are mechanisms and processes for enhancing absorption of therapeutic agents into the skin. Therapeutic agents may include lotions, creams, ointments, and solutions. Electrodes are used to apply a voltage to create an electric field to enhance penetration of the agent through the epidermal layer of the skin. The voltage applied may vary between 5V and 36V depending on the skin type or type of substance. The electrodes may be integrated into a wearable device such as a glove, sleeve, mask, bandage, etc.
Flexible sheet for neuromuscular stimulation
A flexible sheet for neurostimulation has a flexible non-conductive substrate matrix in which electrodes are embedded along a lower surface. Electrically conductive wires extend from the electrodes through the flexible substrate to another exterior surface of the substrate. Methods of making the flexible sheet and making a device using the flexible sheet are also disclosed.
Implantable pulse generator carrier used to interface with multiple lead sizes
An apparatus and method of electrically coupling a previously implanted stimulation lead with a replacement neurostimulator device. The apparatus and method configured to operably couple a proximal portion of a neuromodulation adapter including a plurality of electrical conductors spaced apart at a first pitch spacing to a corresponding plurality of electrical terminals of a replacement neurostimulator device, and operably couple a distal end of the neuromodulation adapter including a plurality of conductor elements and an electrically active set screw spaced part of a second pitch spacing to a corresponding plurality of electrical connectors of a previously implanted stimulation lead.
Systems and methods for non-obtrusive adjustment of auditory prostheses
Systems and methods for performing non-obtrusive, automatic adjustment of an auditory prosthesis are disclosed. A control expression can be detected during a conversation. Upon detection of the control expression, an audio setting adjustment can be selected and applied to the auditory prosthesis. Multiple adjustments can be made in response to identifying multiple control expressions during a conversation.
Electrical techniques for biomarker detection in a cochlea
A method, including energizing one or more electrodes of a cochlear electrode array to induce a current flow in the cochlea at a plurality of temporal locations, measuring one or more electrical properties at one or more locations in the cochlea resulting from the induced current flow at the plurality of different temporal locations and determining whether or not trauma has occurred based on a change between the measured electrical properties from the first temporal location to the second temporal location.