Patent classifications
A61N1/36153
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING TOLERANCE THRESHOLDS FOR NEUROSTIMULATION
An example of a system for delivering neurostimulation using a stimulation device and controlling the delivery of the neurostimulation may include a programming control circuit and a stimulation control circuit. The programming control circuit may be configured to program the stimulation device for delivering the neurostimulation according to a pattern of neurostimulation pulses defined by one or more stimulation waveforms. The stimulation control circuit may be configured to determine the pattern of neurostimulation pulses with the one or more stimulation waveforms constrained by one or more thresholds, and may include threshold circuitry that may be configured to receive one or more known values of the one or more thresholds and to determine needed values of the one or more thresholds by executing an algorithm allowing for prediction of the needed values of the one or more thresholds based on the one or more known values.
CLOSED-LOOP SPINAL CORD ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM
The invention provides a closed-loop spinal cord electrical stimulation system, including a spinal epidural electrical stimulation electrode, a low limb electrical stimulation electrode, a closed-loop electrical stimulator and a controller. The spinal epidural electrical stimulation electrode, the low limb electrical stimulation electrode and the controller are electrically connected to the closed-loop electrical stimulator respectively. The spinal epidural electrical stimulation electrode is used for applying a first electrical stimulation to the spinal epidural site, and the low limb electrical stimulation electrode is used for applying a second electrical stimulation to a low limb. The voltage of the first electric stimulation is 400-600 mV, the voltage of the second electric stimulation is 1 V-1.5 V, and the stimulation frequency of the both is 10-20 Hz. The stimulation system can send electrophysiological signals similar to sensorimotor neural circuitry to the subject with spinal cord injury, and can activate and remodel the neural circuit.
Systems and methods for treating mental and neurological disorders involving abnormally high brain connectivity
A method of using deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treating mental disorders associated with high connectivity in brain circuits, such as cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuits, is provided. The method comprises providing a first electrical signal having a first frequency to a first electrode implanted at a first location within a brain circuit and providing a second electrical signal having a second frequency to a second electrode implanted at a second location within the brain circuit. The first frequency and the second frequency are unequal.
EPIDURAL STIMULATION AND SPINAL STRUCTURE LOCATING TECHNIQUES
Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) systems and techniques for accessing and locating targeted spinal cord segments are disclosed. In some examples, a method includes providing a first set of electrodes of an EES system at a first set of locations on the dura mater of a spine of a mammal, the first set of locations on the dura mater corresponding to a first muscle group of the mammal; providing a second set of electrodes of the epidural electrical stimulation system at a second set of locations on the dura mater of the spine of the mammal, the second set of locations on the dura mater corresponding to a second muscle group of the mammal; and stimulating the first and second sets of locations on the dura mater by electrically energizing the first and second sets of electrodes, respectively, thereby activating the first and second muscle groups in a coordinated manner.
IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODES WITH REMOTE POWER DELIVERY FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Implantable electrodes with power delivery wearable for treating sleep apnea, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes non-implantable signal generator worn by the patient and having an antenna that directs a mid-field RF power signal to an implanted electrode. The implanted electrode in turn directs a lowerfrequency signal to a neural target, for example, the patient's hypoglossal nerve. Representative signal generators can have the form of a mouthpiece, a collar or other wearable, and/or a skin-mounted patch.
DEVICE AND METHOD TO SELECTIVELY AND REVERSIBLY MODULATE A NERVOUS SYSTEM STRUCTURE TO INHIBIT 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 pain while preserving other sensory and motor function, and proprioception.
Compliance voltage monitoring and adjustment in an implantable medical device
An architecture is disclosed for an Implantable Pulse Generator having improved compliance voltage monitoring and adjustment software and hardware. Software specifies which stimulation pulses are to be measured as relevant to monitoring and adjusting the compliance voltage. Preferably, specifying such pulses occurs by setting a compliance monitoring instruction (e.g., a bit) in the program that defines the pulse, and the compliance monitor bit instruction may be set at a memory location defining a particular pulse phase during which the compliance voltage should be monitored. When a compliance monitor instruction issues, the active electrode node voltages are monitored and compared to desired ranges to determine whether they are high or low. Compliance logic operates on these high/low signals and processes them to decide whether to issue a compliance voltage interrupt to the microcontroller, which can then command the compliance voltage generator to increase or decrease the compliance voltage.
Method and apparatus for determining tolerance thresholds for neurostimulation
An example of a system for delivering neurostimulation using a stimulation device and controlling the delivery of the neurostimulation may include a programming control circuit and a stimulation control circuit. The programming control circuit may be configured to program the stimulation device for delivering the neurostimulation according to a pattern of neurostimulation pulses defined by one or more stimulation waveforms. The stimulation control circuit may be configured to determine the pattern of neurostimulation pulses with the one or more stimulation waveforms constrained by one or more thresholds, and may include threshold circuitry that may be configured to receive one or more known values of the one or more thresholds and to determine needed values of the one or more thresholds by executing an algorithm allowing for prediction of the needed values of the one or more thresholds based on the one or more known values.
BRAIN STIMULATION THERAPY
A stimulation therapy system dynamically modifies therapy intensity based on measured neurotransmitter levels. In some examples, the system delivers, via an electrode implanted in a brain of a patient and stimulation circuitry, an electrical stimulus; monitors an electrical current generated by the stimulation circuitry to deliver the electrical stimulus; determines, based on the electrical current, a value representative of a concentration of dopamine in the brain of the patient; determines, based on the value representative of the concentration of dopamine, a value for one or more stimulation parameters that at least partially define electrical stimulation therapy; and delivers, via the electrode, the electrical stimulation therapy.
BIPHASIC NEURAL STIMULATION TO IMPROVE CEREBRAL CONDUCTION SPEED AND MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTIONING
Methods, devices and systems to improve neural stimulation by applying biphasic waveforms including a positive anodal pulse followed by a negative cathodal pulse to speed conduction and improve mitochondrial function in conditions such as cerebellar dysfunction (such as gluten ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia, and Alzheimer's disease). Improved neural stimulation of more distal brain structures may interrupt epileptic seizures. Additionally, biphasic waveforms including a positive anodal pulse followed by a negative cathodal pulse speed wound healing by lowering the cell membrane potential of the skin, and may stimulate the release of hormonal secretions or insulin by proper placement of electrodes.