Patent classifications
A61N1/36003
Systems and methods to reduce sensor interference associated with electrical therapies
A method of reducing stimulation signal interference with an electrical monitoring device includes sensing an electrical interference signal at a first location in a body resulting from delivery of an electrical muscle stimulation signal at a second location in the body, and delivering an electrical counter signal to the patient that destructively interferes with the electrical interference signal to prevent interference with the electrical monitoring device.
Functional electrical stimulation ergometer including automatic spasm control
This invention controls stimulation levels and cycling cadence on an FES ergometer to minimize or prevent the occurrence of spasm in spinal cord injured or other neurologically impaired patients.
Methods and Systems for Tremor Reduction
A tremor-reduction system is provided that delivers electric current to a body region of a subject that is associated with a tremor. A computing device stores received data associated with a tremulous movement of the body region and determines measurements associated with the stored data. If a magnitude of the most recent tremulous movement is the same as or greater than magnitudes associated with prior tremulous movements, characteristics of a subsequent electric current to be applied to the body region may be adjusted.
MONITORING AND REGULATING PHYSIOLOGICAL STATES AND FUNCTIONS VIA SENSORY NEURAL INPUTS TO THE SPINAL CORD
Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient.
Structural integration and enhanced control of functional electrical stimulation in an exoskeleton device
An integrated functional electrical stimulation (FES) system includes a component of a mobility assistance device, and an FES system mounted within the component. The FES system includes an FES stimulator that is embedded within the component, and a plurality of FES jacks that are electrically connected to the FES stimulator and are located on the component. The FES jacks are configured to receive a plurality of FES electrodes, and an electrical stimulation output from the FES stimulator is conducted through the FES jacks to the FES electrodes. In a wireless embodiment, the FES stimulator is configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal for applying an electrical stimulation output to the plurality of FES electrodes, and the FES jacks are eliminated. The FES stimulator may be embedded within a back portion of the hip component of an exoskeleton device, and in the wired embodiment the FES jacks are located on wing portions of the hip component.
DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME GAIT MODULATION AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREOF
Apparatus, systems, and methods for real-time gait modulation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a functional electrical stimulation (FES) device is disclosed comprising one or more wearable articles, a control unit comprising a wireless communication module, one or more processors, one or more memory units, a portable power supply, an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) generator, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising at least a gyroscope and an accelerometer. The FES device can also comprise one or more electrode arrays configured to be in physical contact with the limb of the user. The processors can be programmed to execute instructions to retrieve readings from the IMU, calculate a gait cycle percentage by inputting at least the IMU readings into a machine learning algorithm, and instruct the EMS generator to provide electrical stimulation via the one or more electrode arrays based in part on the gait cycle percentage calculated.
SYSTEMS FOR CLOSED-LOOP ULTRASOUND-IMAGING BASED CONTROL AND RELATED METHODS
Systems and methods for closed-loop ultrasound imaging-based control are described herein. An example system includes an ultrasound transducer, and a controller operably coupled to the ultrasound transducer. The controller includes a processor and memory, the memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon. The controller is configured to receive an ultrasound imaging signal associated with a subject's muscular activity from the ultrasound transducer; process the ultrasound imaging signal to obtain a feedback signal; and control a device interfacing with the subject based on the feedback signal.
Systems and methods for tissue treatment
A method for aesthetic soft tissue treatment includes placing at least one applicator in contact with the patient's body. The applicator has at least one electrode. Electrotherapy and radio frequency therapy are provided to the soft tissue, optionally with overlay or sequentially. A handheld applicator may be used, with the applicator moving during the therapy, which may provide muscle stimulation in the patient, or provide an analgesic effect during the treatment. A spacing object may be positioned between the skin of the patient and the applicator.
Method and device for enhanced blood flow
A non-invasive method and device for promoting a localized change in a flow of blood through a blood vessel in a limb segment of a body by a series of electrically stimulated contractions of muscle tissue in the limb segment, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a device including: (i) first, second and third electrodes, each adapted to operatively contact the limb segment; (ii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the electrodes, adapted to produce a series of electrical impulses to the limb segment via the electrodes, and (iii) a control unit adapted to control the signal generator to produce the series of electrical impulses; (b) positioning the electrodes on the limb segment, wherein the first electrode is positioned on a lower end of the lower leg, the second electrode is positioned on the lower leg, and the third electrode is positioned on an upper end of the lower leg, whereby the first and third electrodes are disposed on opposite ends of the lower leg, and the second electrode and one of the first and third electrodes are disposed on a same end of the lower leg; (c) effecting a sequence of muscular contractions of the lower leg, by operations including: (i) applying a first electrical impulse between the electrodes on the same end of the lower leg to induce a first muscular contraction of a first portion of the tissue; and (ii) applying at least a second electrical impulse between the first and third electrodes to induce a longitudinal muscular contraction of a second portion of the muscular tissue; and (d) repeating operations (i) and (ii), to repeatedly induce the contractions, to effect the increased flow of blood.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION AND ENHANCED CONTROL OF FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IN AN EXOSKELETON DEVICE
An integrated functional electrical stimulation (FES) system includes a component of a mobility assistance device, and an FES system mounted within the component. The FES system includes an FES stimulator that is embedded within the component, and a plurality of FES jacks that are electrically connected to the FES stimulator and are located on the component. The FES jacks are configured to receive a plurality of FES electrodes, and an electrical stimulation output from the FES stimulator is conducted through the FES jacks to the FES electrodes. In a wireless embodiment, the FES stimulator is configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal for applying an electrical stimulation output to the plurality of FES electrodes, and the FES jacks are eliminated. The FES stimulator may be embedded within a back portion of the hip component of an exoskeleton device, and in the wired embodiment the FES jacks are located on wing portions of the hip component.