Patent classifications
A61N1/0521
METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATING ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Methods and devices for treating erectile dysfunction are disclosed. Methods are aimed at reducing blood outflow from penile tissue by delivering energy to specific penile tissue that controls blood outflow from the penile tissue and causing remodeling of the specific penile tissue. Devices may be configured to generate RF energy and to apply the generated RF energy to a penis to thereby elevate a temperature of internal penile tissue above a predetermined temperature value while maintaining a penile surface below a predetermined temperature threshold. The predetermined temperature value may be set to initiate synthesis and/or a regeneration of collagen fibers in a collagen-rich penile connective tissue and/or to increase oxygenation of endothelial cells, initiate angiogenesis and neovascularization in a vascular penile tissue. Additionally, electrical penile stimulation is disclosed, possibly applicable in conjuncture with the erectile dysfunction treatment.
DEVICE AND METHOD TO SELECTIVELY AND REVERSIBLY MODULATE A NERVOUS SYSTEM STRUCTURE TO INHIBIT THE PERCEPTION OF PAIN
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for selectively and reversibly modulating targeted neural and non-neural tissue of a nervous system for the treatment of pain. An electrical stimulation is delivered to the treatment site that selectively and reversibly modulates the targeted neural- and non-neural tissue of the nervous structure, inhibiting the perception of pain while preserving other sensory and motor function, and proprioception.
Device for obtaining male contraception
There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid in the vas deferens in order to obtain a controlled male contraception. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow vas deferens, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the vas deferens. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the vas deferens, or for actively moving the fluid in the vas deferens, with a low risk of injuring the organ.
System and method for minimally invasive lead implantation for cavernosal nerve stimulation controlled and powered wirelessly from an external source
Provided is a system and method for cavernosal neuromodulation as directed by a wireless remote controller and power supply. The system including: an implantable lead having at least one electrode structured and arranged to be disposed proximate to the cavernous nerve in a penis; a portable power supply; and a controller having wireless communication electronics and control circuitry associated with the wireless communication electronics structured and arranged to wirelessly couple the power supply to the at least one electrode, the controller further structured and arranged to permit a user to select at least one instruction set for the at least electrode. The controller and power supply may be provided by a control ring. An associated method of use is also provided.
Bladder fullness level indication based on bladder oscillation frequency
A bladder fullness level of a patient may be determined based on a frequency of mechanical oscillations of the bladder of the patient. The bladder may mechanically oscillate in response to the occurrence of non-micturition contractions of the bladder of the patient, which are contractions not associated with urine release. The frequency at which the bladder oscillates, e.g., following a non-micturition contraction, may have a correlation to the bladder fullness level. In some examples, a medical device may be configured to control the delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to the patient based on the oscillation frequency of the bladder. In addition, or instead to controlling therapy based on the oscillation frequency of the bladder, a notification, such as a patient or patient caretaker notification, may be generated (e.g., automatically by a processor of a device) based on the oscillation frequency of the bladder.
ELECTRO-STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REHABILITATION AND TREATMENT OF PELVIC DISORDERS
An implantable stimulation system having a stimulation unit coupled to a programmable controller, a stimulation circuit and an array of electrodes disposed on a pair of flexible paddles is provided for selectively stimulating at least one pelvic (e.g., cavernous) nerve. The programmable controller is pre-programmed to run an excitation electrode routine that selectively scans the electrode arrays with a series of directional current flows to optimize electrode selection for use in stimulating a nerve. The implantable stimulation system may be programmed to run a first stimulation pulse sequence corresponding to a first mode for invoking a rapid erectile response, a second nerve rehabilitation stimulation mode for rehabilitating neural transmission in a cavernous nerve, a third penile rehabilitation mode for reducing penile fibrosis, and/or a fourth bladder nerve rehabilitation mode for rehabilitating neural transmission in nerves that control the lower urinary tract. Methods of operating the system also are provided.
Intravaginal Electrical Stimulation Device for Treating Female Pelvic Pain
An intravaginal electrical stimulation device for treating pelvic pain in a female patient includes, in one embodiment, a set of intravaginal components comprising a frame, at least one pair of paracervical electrodes, an intravaginal capsule, a socket in the proximal end of the intravaginal capsule, an electrode plug that plugs into the socket, and connecting wires that electrically couple the electrode plug to the paracervical electrodes. The intravaginal components are designed to inserted into the patient's vagina so that one or more electrodes are in direct contact with the vaginal epithelium in the lateral vaginal fornices. In some embodiments, a cutaneous electrode may be included to be attached to the skin of the female patient. A microprocessor and an electrical stimulation generator are operable to cause low-voltage electrical current to flow through the intravaginal electrodes, the cutaneous electrode, or both, to create one or more electrical fields that neuromodulate the intrapelvic nerves of the patient. An external controller, which communicates with the intravaginal components over a wireless data communications channel, sends instructions to and receives status updates from the microprocessor inside the intravaginal capsule. In some embodiments, the electrical stimulation generator is located inside an external electrical stimulator generator (EESG) worn outside the body, instead of being located in an intravaginally worn intravaginal capsule, and the EESG is electrically coupled to the intravaginal components via one or more connecting wires that pass through the orifice of the female patient's vagina.
Device and method to selectively and reversibly modulate a nervous system structure to inhibit the perception of pain
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for selectively and reversibly modulating targeted neural and non-neural tissue of a nervous system for the treatment of pain. An electrical stimulation is delivered to the treatment site that selectively and reversibly modulates the targeted neutral- and non-neural tissue of the nervous structure, inhibiting the perception of pain while preserving other sensory and motor function, and proprioception.
Method and apparatus for identifying the ureter during a minimally-invasive procedure
A method for identifying a ureter during a medical procedure, the method comprising: providing an electrical stimulator comprising: a shaft having at least one electrode; and a power supply connected to the at least one electrode for providing an electrical signal to the at least one electrode; advancing the shaft so that the at least one electrode contacts tissue; operating the power supply so that the electrical signal is applied to the tissue; and visually observing the tissue to determine the presence of a ureter in the tissue.
Pelvic muscle exerciser
The present invention is directed to a device which may be used to interactively exercise pelvic muscles. This is expected to prevent the need for more intrusive surgical procedures, to improve the life of women and men that suffer from incontinence, to help women strengthen their pelvic muscles after birth to enable subsequent vaginal births rather than caesarean sections. The invention relates to a pelvic muscle exercise monitor that is a suppository/tampon type internal unit that may be placed within either the rectum or the vaginal canal and which sends signals to a remote receiver, typically a smart phone, but possibly a dedicated device or a computer.