Stimulation using EA of LI-4, LI-11, GV-14 and GV-20 in humans, horses, and rodents results in mobilization of MSCs into systemic circulation. Methods are provided for increasing mesenchymal stem cells in the circulating blood of a mammal by contacting acupuncture points LI-4, LI-11, GV-14, and GV-20 of the mammal with a therapeutically effective amount of EA stimulation to mobilize MSCs into the circulating blood of the mammal. Methods for treating damaged tissue, specifically damaged tendons are also provided. Isolated mesenchymal stem cells made according to these methods, methods of isolated them, and stem cell banks that store them are also provided.

Electrical stimulation of neural activity in the neural innervation of the spleen that is associated with neurovascular bundles provides a useful way to treat acute medical conditions, such as trauma, hemorrhaging and shock.

An Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed that is capable of sensing a degree to which recruited neurons in a patient's tissue are firing synchronously, and of modifying a stimulation program to promote desynchronicity and to reduce paresthesia. An evoked compound action potential (ECAP) of the recruited neurons is sensed as a measure of synchronicity by at least one non-active electrode. An ECAP algorithm operable in the IPG assesses the shape of the ECAP and determines one or more ECAP shape parameters that indicate whether the recruited neurons are firing synchronously or desynchronously. If the shape parameters indicate significant synchronicity, the ECAP algorithm can adjust the stimulation program to promote desynchronous firing.

An implant system is provided, which includes an implant, including an implant body and an electrode disposed on the implant body; and a hollow needle, which is configured to be percutaneously advanceable into tissue of a subject. The hollow needle is shaped so as to define a lumen dimensioned to house the implant; at a distal end of the hollow needle, a distal end opening configured to facilitate passage of the implant therethrough from the lumen; and a lateral wall shaped so as to define a window therethrough to the lumen. Other embodiments are also described.

The present disclosure is directed to a portable system and method for modulating targeted neural and non-neural tissue of a nervous system to block nerve conduction for the treatment of pain. A high-efficiency portable electrical stimulation system is provided that allows a user to carry the system and move around freely while continuously receiving therapy. The electronic control system is configured to deliver high-frequency electrical stimulation at a therapeutic level, for an intended duration (e.g., up to 24 hours or more) at a manageable and/or comfortable weight for a person, to the target nerve.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an intravaginal electrical neurostimulation device for treating pelvic pain and external genital pain in female patients capable of delivering targeted electrical stimulation to the pelvic nerves, the paracervical nerves and the sacral nerves using an electrode that is in direct contact with the paracervical vaginal epithelium in the posterior and lateral vaginal fornices. Beneficially, devices constructed and used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be used without the aid of a medical practitioner and can be dynamically controlled and adjusted by the patient to provide personalized electrical stimulation patterns when the patient is experiencing pain or when she anticipates the onset of pelvic pain due to, for example, menstruation or sexual intercourse. Embodiments of the present invention typically comprise a set of intravaginal components and a set of extravaginal components. The set of intravaginal components include a frame, a paracervical electrode (or electrodes), and a paracervical electrode connecting wire (or wires) that exit the vagina through the vaginal orifice. The set of extravaginal components comprises the IVENS Stimulator (IS), an electrical stimulation generator, an optional external controller, a cutaneous electrode (or electrodes), a cutaneous electrode connecting wire (or wires), and the portion of the paracervical electrode connecting wire or wires that are outside of the vagina.

Vagal nerve stimulation devices and methods are provided for treating medical conditions, such as conditions associated with insufficient dopamine and/or endogenous opioids in the brain. A device includes one or more electrodes having a contact surface for contacting an outer skin surface of a patient and an energy source coupled to the electrodes. The energy source generates one or more electrical impulses and transmits the electrical impulses to the electrodes and transcutaneously through the outer skin surface of the patient at or near a vagus nerve. The one or more electrical impulses is sufficient to modulate the vagus nerve and release dopamine and/or endogenous opioids in a brain of the patient.

A smooth muscle stimulation device is intended for use with any one of a variety of electrosurgical units (ESU's) of the type used in tissue resection and other procedures that risk damage to non-target tissues. The smooth muscle stimulation devices typically include an enclosure with stimulation circuitry configured to generate a stimulatory electrical signal which when delivered to a target anatomy induces an observable response in the target anatomy during a medical procedure. An input connector on the enclosure detachably couples to a power output of the ESU, and an output connector on the enclosure detachably couples to an electrosurgical tool. Switching circuitry within the enclosure selectively connects either the power output of the ESU or the stimulatory electrical signal of the stimulation circuitry to the output connector in response to user input.

A method of and apparatus for treating tissue wherein a handpiece with a cartridge of motor driven needles is placed in contact with tissue. The motor is energized to drive the needles. Energy is applied energy to the needles. Tissue impedance at the start of treatment is measured. Tissue impedance at the end of treatment is measured. The operator is then notified that corrective action is needed if the measured ending impedance is higher than the measured starting impedance indicating the needles are not inserted into the tissue.

Provided is a paracentesis assistance system that identifies the type of biological tissue. The paracentesis assistance system (10) comprises a measurement device that applies high-frequency waves to at least two electrodes (31 and 32) of an electrode needle (3) inserted into a biological tissue (9), and repeatedly measures the electrical impedance of the biological tissue (9) where the electrode (31) is located, the electrodes being arranged at the tip of the electrode needle in a longitudinal direction; and an identification device (2) that identifies the type of biological tissue (9) based on the temporal change in the repeatedly measured electrical impedance.