Apparatus and Method for Photonic Physiological and Neurological Stimulation

Abstract

An apparatus and method utilizes photonics, particularly lasers, and biometric feedback for physiological and neurological stimulation. While many areas of the body are candidates, such laser stimulation is particularly directed to the outer ear. Lasers positioned over the ear stimulate targets on the outer ear for pain and stress management and regulation of the autonomic nervous system to affect symptoms and clinical conditions. Laser positioning, wavelength, aiming, focus, power, power density, timing, and sequencing are managed and modified dynamically in real time to effect a personalized and effective treatment protocol.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A method of physiologically and neurologically stimulating target points on the outer ear of a subject, the method comprising the steps of: (a) mounting the concave portion of a cup-shaped housing over each ear of the subject, each housing comprising: a plurality of laser lights positioned at least partially within the concave portion, each laser light mounted to be aimed and focused on a target point on the outer ear, each laser light in operable communication with a driver; and a video camera positioned at least partially within the concave portion, each video camera mounted to view the outer ear and a beam spot produced by each laser light, the video camera in operable communication with the driver and in operable communication with a command module; (b) placing at least one sensor in sensory communication with the subject, the sensor in operable communication with the command module, the sensor adapted to sense at least one physiological or neurological status of the subject, the sensor further adapted to output the at least one physiological or neurological status to the command module; (c) initiating the command module to energize the laser lights at minimum power and beam spot onto the surface of the outer ear; (d) initiating the command module to adjust laser targeting onto initial target points; (e) initiating the command module to adjust at least one performance variable of at least one laser light; (f) initiating the command module to compare a sensor output from before Step (e) to the sensor output from after Step (e); and (g) initiating the command module to determine if an optimum level of sensor output has been achieved.

3. An apparatus for photonic physiological stimulation of at least one target point on a subject, the apparatus comprising: a housing adapted to be positioned over the at least one target point; at least one light source selected from the group consisting of laser, light-emitting diode, and combinations thereof, the at least one light source positioned on the housing whereby light from the light source is focusable onto the at least one target point; at least one sensor, the at least one sensor in sensory communication with the subject, the sensor adapted to sense at least one physiological or neurological status of the subject, the sensor further adapted to output the at least one physiological or neurological status; a driver, the driver operably connected to the at least one light source, the driver capable of powering and controlling the at least one light source; and a command module, the command module operably connected to the driver and operably connected to the sensor, the command module adapted to: (a) control at least one performance variable of the at least one light source, the at least one performance variable selected from the group consisting of light wavelength, power, power density, voltage, current, pulse pattern, pulse frequency, beam spot diameter, angle of incidence, and combinations thereof; (b) receive at least one status output from the sensor; (c) adjust at least one performance variable of at least one laser light; (d) subsequent to adjusting at least one performance variable (c), evaluate any change in the status output; (e) subsequent to evaluating any change in the status output (d), determine if the status output is optimized; and (f) adjust at least one performance variable of at least one laser light (c) if the status output is not optimized.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a further housing, wherein each housing is cup-shaped, each housing adapted to fit the concave portion of the housing over an ear of the subject.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the at least one light sources is a laser.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the laser is capable of emitting light having a wavelength of between about 390 nm and about 700 nm.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one physiological or neurological status is selected from the group consisting of blood pressure, blood flow, pulse, heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, electromyocardiographic response, respiration rate, respiration pattern, galvanic skin response, pupil dilation, trabecular-ciliary process distance, magnetic resonance imaging, brain waves, physical movements, muscle tension, self reporting, and combinations thereof.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one performance variable is selected from the group consisting of light wavelength, power, power density, voltage, current, pulse pattern, pulse frequency, beam spot diameter, angle of incidence, and combinations thereof.

9. A method for the photonic physiological stimulation of at least one target point on a subject, comprising the steps of: (a) placing a housing over at least one target point, the housing comprising at least one light source selected from the group consisting of laser, light-emitting diode, and combinations thereof, the light source positioned on the housing whereby light from the light source is focusable onto the target point; (b) placing at least one sensor in sensory communication with the subject, the sensor adapted to sense at least one physiological or neurological status of the subject, the sensor further adapted to output the status; (c) energizing the light source at the target point at minimum power and beam spot; (d) noting the sensor output; (e) modifying at least one performance variable of the light source; (f) noting the sensor output; (g) comparing the sensor output noted in Step (e) with the sensor output noted in Step (f); (h) returning to Step (e) if the sensor output noted in Step (f) has not reached an optimum.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the physiological or neurological status is selected from the group consisting of blood pressure, blood flow, pulse, heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, electromyocardiographic response, respiration rate, respiration pattern, galvanic skin response, pupil dilation, trabecular-ciliary process distance, magnetic resonance imaging, brain waves, physical movements, muscle tension, self reporting, and combinations thereof.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one performance variable is selected from the group consisting of light wavelength, power, power density, voltage, current, pulse pattern, pulse frequency, beam spot diameter, angle of incidence, and combinations thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL FIGURES

[0034] The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying figures. The figures are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification, illustrate several embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. For purposes of illustration, drawings may not be to scale.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an overview of an embodiment of the present invention, including a headset with multiple light sources, physiological and neurological feedback sensors exemplified by a blood pressure sensor, heart- and respiration-related sensors, a galvanic skin response sensor, a pulse oximeter, ocular-related sensors, a controller, and a command module.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows, first, a laser-based apparatus with ear modules for housing lasers, driver electronics to power and control the lasers, and related components mounted on the head of a subject and second, a partial cutaway showing the laser directed onto the outer ear and also showing a fiducial mark placed on the ear.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a view from the ear of an embodiment using tracks to position the light sources and an imaging camera.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows the contours of the outer ear and noting preferred general target points for photonic stimulation.

[0039] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an exemplary overall system flowchart of a photonic stimulation session.

[0040] FIG. 6 is an exemplary screenshot of the graphical user interface during a photonic stimulation session.

[0041] In describing the various embodiments of the invention, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates the various components of an exemplary overall system for photonic physiological and neurological stimulation. Shown are a headset 100 which includes one or more lasers 102 (not shown in FIG. 1, but see FIGS. 2 and 3) in each cup-like housing 104 covering the ears 106 (not shown in FIG. 1, but see FIG. 2) to deliver photonic stimulation to the subject 108. To provide physiological and neurological feedback, various monitors may be used, either alone or in combination, exemplarily shown as a blood pressure monitor 110, heart- and respiration-related monitors 112, a galvanic skin response (GSR) monitor 114, a pulse oximeter monitor 116, and ocular-related monitors 118. Although not specifically shown, such feedback may also include pulse, respiration rate and pattern, heart rate variability (HRV), pupil dilation, trabecular-ciliary process distance (TVPD), electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyocardiographic response (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), movements, muscle tension, and self reporting. A driver 120 communicates, either wirelessly or via hardwired connections 122, with the various components in the headset 100, including the lasers 102, and a command module 124, which command module 124 also communicates, either wirelessly or via hardwired connections 122, with feedback monitors 110, 112, 114, 118. Each element of the system shown in FIG. 1 is described in more detail below. While not shown, a laser 102 mounted on a hand wand could also be used to reach other parts of the subject 108.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a head-mounted apparatus 100 which includes cup-like housings 104 adapted to position one or more lasers or light sources 102 over one or both ears 106 of a subject 108. The lasers 102 are operably connected to the housing 104, optionally by one or more laser mounts 126. Additionally, driver electronics (not shown) may be operably connected to the laser 102 through the laser mount 126. Also shown is a cord 128 connecting the head-mounted apparatus 100 and the components associated with the housing 104 with the driver 120 and power supply (not shown). Alternatively, the power supply and a small driver 120 may be placed onboard and the driver 120 communicate wirelessly 122. While not shown, a sound system may be employed to provide voice contact with the subject 108 and/or to provide music.

[0044] Shown in cutaway in FIG. 2 is the headset 100 and the housing 104 over the ear, and including the laser mount 126 and the laser 102, and showing a laser beam 130 directed to a target point 132 on the ear 106 (also identified with a fiducial mark 138). While power may be supplied onboard and controls managed wirelessly, FIG. 2 shows a hardwired connector cord 128. Reference is also made to FIG. 3 which shows an embodiment with multiple laser mounts 126 and lasers 102. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art, such multiple lasers 102, may be employed under various protocols.

[0045] The headset 100 may be of any suitable design that enables the housings 104 to position the lasers 102 over the ear 106. The housings 104 may be solid, cup-like devices as shown, may be perforated to provide air circulation, may be just frames, or may comprise track-like structures 134 (as shown in FIG. 3 and described in related text) to which are operably connected one or more lasers 102 and laser mounts 126. With a track-like structure of FIG. 3, the lasers 102 may be movably coupled to the tracks 134 and allowed to slide along the tracks 134 to assist in directing the laser beam 130 (FIG. 2). Such an arrangement could also facilitate positioning the laser 102 directly over a target point 132 to allow for the beam 130 to strike normal to the surface of the ear 106.

[0046] The light sources, preferably lasers 102, generally operate in the visible range of about 390 to about 700 nm, but may also operate in the ultraviolet range below about 390 nm or in the infrared up to about 900 nm. Turning now to Tables 1-3, typical visible range wavelengths include blue (e.g., about 405 nm up to about 475 nm), green (532 nm), and red (e.g., 650 nm).

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Model Red-50 mW 650ML(120)-50-1242-XL650 nm Output Power 50 mW Wavelength 650 nm Working Voltage 3~6 V Working Current No Working Temperature 15-35 deg. C. Duty Cycle No TTL No Laser Shape Line Divergence Length 1-3 m at 1 m; Width <2 mm at 1 m Focusable Yes Material and Color Metal LD No Lens Glass Waterproof No Heatsink No Memory No Dimensions 12.5 mm 12.5 mm 42 mm Working Life No Package No

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Model Blue-Violet-405 nm 2000 mW 405MD- 2o00-1242-wA-XL Output Power 200 mW Wavelength 405 nm Working Voltage 3~5 V Working Temperature 10~40 deg. C. Duty Cycle No TTL No Laser Shape dot Waterproof No Heatsink No Memory No Dimensions 14.5*45 mm Working Life No Package 1 405 nm 2000 m@laser dot module w/adapter

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Model 532 nm Green = 20 mW YH-N-20 Output Power 20 mW Wavelength 532 nm Working Voltage 2.9-3 V Working Current <280 mA Working Temperature 15~35 deg. C. Duty Cycle 40 secs. ON, 20 secs. OFF TTL No Laser Shape dot Divergence <25 25 mm at 15 m Focusable N/A Material and Color Brass LD No Lens Glass Waterproof No Heatsink No Memory No Dimensions 13 (34 + 16) mm Working Life No Package No

[0047] Sources include Laserlands, a professional laser manufacturer, retailer, and distributor based in Wuhan City, China. Also suitable are lasers 102 of the vertical-cavity surface-emitting type (VCSEL). VCSELs emit a beam 130 vertically from their emitting surface, thus making them easier to aim, facilitating a beam 130 that is normal to the surface at the target point 132, and enabling a tighter beam spot. Beam spots on the order of 1 mm in diameter are preferred and preferably the focal length of the beam 130 can be adjusted via a focusing bezel (not shown) to adjust the size of the beam spot. Power is generally in the range of about 5 mW to about 500 mW, with a preferred range of between about 5 mW and 50 mW. Power densities can range as low as 5 mW/cm.sup.2 or less and as high as 500 mW/cm.sup.2. Different wavelengths result in different action on the tissues (e.g., heating, ionization, excitation, photochemical response). And, since light absorption is wavelength dependent, the wavelength also affects the depth of penetration of the light, but is generally about 1 mm from the surface. Lasers 102 which are tunable by varying the wavelengths are also possible.

[0048] Looking again at FIG. 2 (and also FIG. 3), laser mounts 126 and driver electronics (not shown) may be adapted to provide a full range of functionality to the lasers 102. First, it is useful for the lasers 102 to be easily mounted and changed. For example, attachment of the lasers 102 to mounts 126 may be magnetic or with a snap fit, friction fit, turn-and-lock, or locking wheel. The lasers 102 may also be clipped or screwed into the mounts 126. Further mounting options include a ball-shaped base for the laser 102 to enable free movement to be angled up to 20 degrees or more from center on a 360-degree arc. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, other mountings and attachments are possible within the bounds and spirit of the invention.

[0049] Driver electronics enable the lasers 102 to be fully adjustable and controllable. First, the lasers 102 can be moved to position each laser 102 directly over a target point 132 (see FIGS. 2 and 4), via tracks 134 (best seen in FIG. 3), for example, to enable the beam 130 to be directed normal to the surface as discussed above. Second, the lasers 102 may be angled along their axis to change the point to which the beam is directed. This provides further flexibility in directing the laser 102 onto the desired target point 132.

[0050] In addition to positioning and directing the lasers 102, driver electronics may also adjust which lasers 102 are activated, for example, depending upon the desired effects, which wavelengths are desired. Further, other operational variables of the lasers 102 such as total power and total power density of selected lasers 102 may be manipulated. Depending upon the protocol, power to the lasers 102 may be increased or decreased and, with selected lasers 102, the diameter of the beam 130 striking the target point 132 can be adjusted. (See Table 4.)

[0051] Power to the lasers 102, controlled by varying the current, for example, may follow specific time patterns, depending upon the session protocol. Exemplary profiles include a constant, plateau-like profile and a pulsed profile. Pulse rates can range from 1 Hz to 200 Hz. Other profiles are also contemplated, such as random, sinusoidal, and sawtooth. (See Table 4.)

[0052] Turning again to FIG. 3, an internal view of a cup-like housing 104 is shown, including lasers 102, positioning structures (not shown), such as actuators, including piezoelectric motors, linear electromagnetic actuators (LEA), stepper motors, and voice coil motors (VCM), tracks 134, and an imaging camera 136. The imaging camera 136 need not be limited to the visual spectrum, but may also be able to image wavelengths in the ultraviolet and/or infrared spectrum. As discussed above, the positioning structures and tracks 134 position the laser 102 and direct the laser beam 130 (FIG. 2) toward the target point 132 (FIG. 2). In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging camera 136 facilitates directing the laser beam 130 to the target point 132. The camera 136 captures the contours of the ear 106 (FIGS. 2 and 4) and identifies target points 132 (FIGS. 2 and 4). Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 2, the camera 136 can identify fiducial marks 138. Once the target point 132 is identified, the laser 102 may be properly positioned and the laser beam 102 (FIG. 2) directed to the target point 132 (FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0053] Turning now to FIGS. 2-4 and 6, in one phase of operation, the imaging camera 136 captures an image of the contours of the ear 106. The image may then be compared with a target point 132 based on the contours of the ear 106. Alternatively, if a fiducial mark 138 has been placed onto the ear 106, the camera 136 can recognize the fiducial mark 138 as the desired target point 132. By comparing the focus of the laser beam 130 with the desired target point 132, the laser beam 130 may be accurately directed to the target point 132. Further operations are discussed below and with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0054] Turning now to FIG. 4, while classical acupuncture identifies over 200 acupuncture sites in the ear 106, FIG. 4 first identifies five of the preferred target points 140, 142, 144, 146, 148 for stimulation by laser beams 102. They are Omega 2 140, located on the internal body of the helix, Shen Men 142, located at the apex of the triangular fossa, Point Zero 144, located at the junction of the conchal ridge and the ascending helix, Cingulate Gyms 146, located at the intertragic notch, and Thalamus 148, located at the base of the wall of the antitragus, adjacent to the inferior concha. These sites may be used as target points 132. Knowing the location of these sites on the anatomical topography of the ear 106 enables the laser beam 130 to be positioned and directed with the assistance of the imaging camera 136 (FIG. 3). Other sites on the ear 106 include Point O 160, the trigeminal zone 168, and stellate ganglion 170. Anatomical sites include the thumb 152, sympathetic 154, the liver 156, the hypothalamus 158, the shoulder 162, the maxilla 164, and the eye 166.

[0055] There are many physiological and neurological sensors which may be used to provide biometric feedback data which may be used either dynamically in real time, or later to modify the protocol in a future session. Such data include blood pressure, pulse, blood flow, heart rate variability (HRV), blood oxygen saturation, electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyocardiographic response (EMG), respiration rate, respiration pattern, galvanic skin response (GSR), pupil dilation, trabecular-ciliary process distance (TCPD), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), movements, muscle tension, and self reporting. By providing real-time feedback of selected physiological and neurological measurements, the command module 124 in cooperation with the driver 120 (FIG. 1) can modify the laser protocol accordingly to optimize the protocol. Table 4 below is an exemplary list of dependent and independent variable which can be used during a session.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Dependent Variables Independent/Control Variables blood pressure (e.g., related to stress) light wavelength (e.g., near blood flow infrared, ultraviolet, blue, pulse (e.g., related to stress green)* and alertness) power density (e.g., joules/cm.sup.2)* heart rate variability (HRV) light beam diameter* (e.g., related to stress) light angle* blood oxygen saturation voltage* electromyocardiographic current* response (EMG) shape respiration rate (e.g., related to stress) target point respiration pattern pulse pattern (e.g., sinusoidal, galvanic skin response (GSR) saw-tooth)* pupil dilation (e.g., related to pulse frequency* relaxation, stress and alertness) beam spot diameter* trabecular-ciliary process angle of incidence* distance (TCPD) beam combination(s) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) order of stimulation brain waves (e.g., EEG) movements body temperature (e.g., core and peripheral) muscle tension (e.g., related to relaxation and stress) self reporting (e.g., pain, sense of well-being) *Also known as performance variables.

[0056] An exemplary overall system flowchart of a session is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Specific elements referred to in this discussion of FIGS. 5A and 5B are shown in other figures and described in related text. A session may begin at Start 180. First, Determine initial target points.andPlace fiducial marks as desired 182. Next, Energize lasers at minimum power and beam spot 184. Next, Manually or automatically adjust laser targeting to initial target points or fiducial marks 186 then Set initial control variables 188. If Automated session? 190 is Yes 198, go to Reference 2 192, if No 196, go to Reference 3 194. At Reference 2 192, Command module evaluates physiological and neurological variables and adjusts control variables 200. (See FIG. 1 and Table 4.) Adjustments may be based upon, for example, perturbing an Independent/Control Variable (Table 4) and check the effects on related Dependent Variables. If Optimum reached? 202 is No 204, loop back to Command module evaluates physiological and neurological variables and adjusts control variables 200. If Optimum reached 202 is Yes 206, Complete protocol 208 and End 210. The determination of the optimum will be based upon the response of the physiological and neurological variables to changes to the independent/control variables. By way of example only, if the goal is to reduce blood pressure, adjustments/perturbations are made to performance variables (Table 4) and blood pressure monitored. By mapping the response surface of blood pressure to performance variables, an optimal set of one or more performance variables may be found.

[0057] At Reference 194, Manually evaluate physiological and neurological variables and manually adjust control variables 212. (See FIG. 1 and Table 4.) If Optimum reached? 214 is No 216, loop back to Manually evaluate physiological and neurological variables and manually adjust control variables 212. Adjustments may be based upon, for example, perturbing an Independent/Control Variable (Table 4) and check the effects on related Dependent Variables. If Optimum reached 214 is Yes 218, Complete protocol 208 and End 222. As with the automated loop, the determination of the optimum will be based upon the response of the physiological and neurological variables to changes to the independent/control variables.

[0058] For example, to initialize a fibromyalgia session, the galvanic skin response (GSR) is measured within the concha 150 (FIG. 4) of the ear 106 to detect pathologic points. The concha 150 is then stimulated on detected points with, for example, near infrared light at about 5 mW on a 5 mm diameter target point 132 at a frequency of about 4.56 Hz for about 10 minutes. Ten minutes after the first stimulation, GSR is measured and pathologic points treated again for a further 10 minutes. The session is then ended. Treatment may continue about every 15 days for six months.

[0059] As a further example, for hypotension, thumb 152, hypothalamus 158, sympathetic 154, and liver 156 (FIG. 4) are stimulated bilaterally in that order for one minute each with near infrared light at about 5 mW for 12 minutes and repeated weekly. The biometric variable of interest would be systemic blood pressure.

[0060] As a further example, for shoulder pain, the ipsilateral ear is examined for GSR in the region of the following points: shoulder 162, maxilla 164, trigeminal zone 168, eye 166, Point O 160, and Point Zero 144 (FIG. 4). A 5 mW blue laser light is used operated at 26.5 Hz for 5 minutes. Subsequently, using the same control settings, the following points are stimulated for five minutes: stellate ganglion 170 and maxilla 164. The session is ended with another five minutes with the laser 102 placed over the greatest pain on the shoulder.

[0061] Turning now to FIG. 6, an exemplary screen shot is shown of the command station 124. At the upper left is a view as seen from the imaging camera 136 (FIG. 3) which can show where the laser beam 130 is shining or where various target points or fiducial marks 132 are found. To the right are mouse or touch screen controls for the various lasers 102 being used. A real-time graph 234 shows, for example, the intensity of the lasers 102 during the session. Finally, at the bottom, the general protocol 236 is shown.

[0062] While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the following claims.