A61N1/36057

Stimulation devices and methods

Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.

Method and apparatus for the treatment of focal dystonia
09802047 · 2017-10-31 ·

A method and apparatus for using low levels of electrical stimulation to treat focal dystonia by stimulating the afferent nervous system and/or altering the function of the gamma motor neurons innervating muscles which experience symptomatic spasms.

SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR ANCHORING A LEAD FOR NEUROSTIMULATION OF A TARGET ANATOMY
20170333702 · 2017-11-23 ·

A lead having proximal and distal ends. At the distal end, a first branch includes a first biasing member and a first insulation covering. The first biasing member is disposed within the first insulation covering, which in turn includes a first inner surface. At the distal end, a second branch includes a second biasing member and a second insulation covering. The second biasing member is disposed within the second insulation covering, which in turn includes a second inner surface. The branches define a receiving channel and a stimulation region. The biasing members are movable away from each other to receive a target anatomy through the receiving channel and biasly movable toward each other to retain the target anatomy within the stimulation region. An electrode is disposed on one or both of the inner surfaces adjacent to the stimulation region, and is operable to stimulate the target anatomy.

Dual prophylactic and abortive electrical stimulation

Prophylactic stimulation and abortive electrical stimulation are delivered to a cranial nerve, including, e.g. an occipital or trigeminal nerve to treat symptoms of various conditions, including, e.g. occipital neuralgia or migraines.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RESTORING VOLUNTARY CONTROL OF LOCOMOTION IN NEUROMOTOR IMPAIRMENTS

It is disclosed an apparatus for restoring voluntary control of locomotion in a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment comprising a multidirectional trunk support system and a device for epidural electrical stimulation. The robotic interface is capable of evaluating, enabling and training motor pattern generation and balance across a variety of natural walking behaviors in subjects with neuromotor impairments. Optionally, pharmacological cocktails can be administered to enhance rehabilitation results. It is also disclosed a method for the evaluation, enablement and training of a subject suffering from neuromotor impairments by combining robotically assisted evaluation tools with sophisticated neurobiomechanical and statistical analyses. A method for the rehabilitation (by this term also comprising restoring voluntary control of locomotion) of a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment in particular partial or total paralysis of limbs, is also disclosed.

SELECTIVE STIMULATION TO MODULATE THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
20170274212 · 2017-09-28 ·

Systems, methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of a variety of medical conditions by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies. Typically, the target anatomy includes one or more dorsal root ganglia, dorsal roots, dorsal root entry zones, or portions thereof. Such target stimulation areas are utilized due in part to their effect on the sympathetic nervous system.

NERVE CUFF ELECTRODE FOR NEUROMODULATION IN LARGE HUMAN NERVE TRUNKS
20170246453 · 2017-08-31 ·

A durable nerve cuff electrode for achieving block of an action potential in a large diameter nerve.

Externally powered implantable stimulator

An example method includes receiving, by an implantable device and from an external device, an energy signal; transducing, by the implantable device, the energy signal into electrical power; outputting, by the implantable device and to the external device, a feedback signal that represents an absolute level of the electrical power transduced from the energy signal, wherein the feedback signal includes a first portion that represents a relative level of the electrical power transduced from the energy signal and a second portion that represents a reference voltage level; and delivering, by the implantable device, a level of electrical stimulation therapy proportional to the absolute level of the electrical power transduced from the energy signal.

Method to enhance afferent and efferent transmission using noise resonance

Methods of providing therapy to a patient are provided. In one method, the patient has a neuron to which a sub-threshold biological electrical stimulus is applied. The method comprises applying electrical noise energy to the neuron, wherein resonance between the biological electrical stimulus and the electrical noise energy is created, such that an action potential is propagated along the axon of the neuron. In another method, the patient has a neuron to which a supra-threshold biological electrical stimulus is applied. This method comprises applying supra-threshold electrical noise energy to the neuron, thereby preventing an action potential from being propagated along the axon of the neuron. Still another method comprises applying an electrical stimulus to a neuron, and applying supra-threshold electrical noise energy to the neuron, thereby preventing or reversing any neurological accommodation of the neuron that may occur in response to the electrical stimulus.

System and method for selective neural activation using high-frequency electrical stimulation

A system and method is provided for preferentially stimulating a portion of neural tissue including a first type of neurons and a second type of neurons. The method includes defining a waveform characterizing an electrical stimulus, wherein the waveform includes an amplitude-modulated wave of the electric stimulus. The method also includes applying the electrical stimulus having the defined waveform to a stimulating element located in proximity to the neural tissue to selectively activate the first type of neurons while leaving the second type of neurons one of substantially unaffected and suppressed in response to the electrical stimulus.