公开(公告)号：US20080161881A1

公开(公告)日：2008-07-03

申请号：US11834650

申请日：2007-08-06

申请人： Andrew W. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Alan J. Levy ,  Carlton B. Morgan ,  Katrina S. Firlik

发明人： Andrew W. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Alan J. Levy ,  Carlton B. Morgan ,  Katrina S. Firlik

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61N1/375 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0539 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/36103 ,  A61N1/3756

摘要： The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain). Certain embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention electrically stimulate the brain at a stimulation site where neuroplasticity is occurring. The stimulation site may be different than the region in the brain where neural activity is typically present to perform the particular neural function according to the functional organization of the brain. In one embodiment in which neuroplasticity related to the neural-function occurs in the brain, the method can include identifying the location where such neuroplasticity is present. In an alternative embodiment in which neuroplasticity is not occurring in the brain, an alternative aspect is to induce neuroplasticity at a stimulation site where it is expected to occur. Several embodiments of these methods that are expected to produce a lasting effect on the intended neural activity at the stimulation site use electrical pulses that increase the resting membrane potential of neurons at the stimulation site to a subthreshold level.

公开(公告)号：US20100274305A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-28

申请号：US12771198

申请日：2010-04-30

申请人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Alan J. Levy ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D. Firlik ,  W. Doughlas Sheffield

发明人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Alan J. Levy ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D. Firlik ,  W. Doughlas Sheffield

IPC分类号： A61N1/00

CPC分类号： A61N1/36103 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/3756 ,  C12N13/00

摘要： The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for stimulating cells implanted in the regions of nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. Accordingly, the functionality of the cells can be improved, for example, by differentiating undifferentiated or partially undifferentiated cells into neurons or other cells having action potentials. The method can also include promoting directional growth and connectivity of fully differentiated neural cells implanted in a patient's nervous system through electrical enhancement, for example, electrical stimulation via an anode and cathode. Methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).

摘要翻译： 以下公开内容描述了用于刺激植入神经系统诸如脑，脊髓或周围神经的区域中的细胞的几种方法和装置。 因此，可以通过例如将未分化或部分未分化的细胞分化成具有动作电位的神经元或其他细胞来改善细胞的功能。 该方法还可以包括通过电增强（例如经由阳极和阴极的电刺激）促进植入患者神经系统中的完全分化的神经细胞的定向生长和连通性。 根据本发明的方法可用于治疗脑损伤（例如中风，创伤等），脑疾病（例如，阿尔茨海默氏症，皮克病，帕金森病等）和/或脑部疾病（例如，癫痫，抑郁症 等）。 根据本发明的方法还可以用于增强正常，健康的大脑（例如学习，记忆等）的神经功能，或用于控制感觉功能（例如疼痛）。

公开(公告)号：US20120253442A1

公开(公告)日：2012-10-04

申请号：US13438513

申请日：2012-04-03

申请人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Brad Fowler ,  Andrew D. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Alan J. Levy ,  Kent Leyde

发明人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Brad Fowler ,  Andrew D. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Alan J. Levy ,  Kent Leyde

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61N1/32 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0539 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/375 ,  A61N1/3756 ,  A61N1/40

摘要： A device and method for intracranial electrical stimulation to effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient, by electrical stimulating the brain at a site where neuroplasticity is occurring or is expected to occur, where the stimulation site may be different than the region in the brain where neural activity is typically present to perform the particular neural function according to the functional organization of the brain. In one embodiment in which neuroplasticity is related to the neural-function occurs in the brain, identifying the location where such neuroplasticity is present or expected to occur. Where neuroplasticity is not occurring in the brain, an alternative aspect is to induce neuroplasticity at a stimulation site where it is expected to occur. The methods can use electrical pulses that increase the resting membrane potential of neurons at the stimulation site to a subthreshold level.

摘要翻译： 用于颅内电刺激的装置和方法，通过在发生或预期发生神经可塑性的部位电刺激脑，刺激部位可能不同于 神经活动通常存在以根据脑的功能组织执行特定神经功能的脑。 在脑中发生神经功能与神经功能相关的一个实施方案中，鉴定存在或预期发生这种神经可塑性的位置。 在脑中不发生神经可塑性的情况下，另一方面是在预期发生的刺激部位诱导神经可塑性。 这些方法可以使用电脉冲，其将刺激部位的神经元的静息膜电位增加到亚阈值水平。

公开(公告)号：US20100145427A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-10

申请号：US12710964

申请日：2010-02-23

申请人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Brad Fowler ,  Andrew D. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Alan J. Levy ,  Kent Leyde

发明人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Brad Fowler ,  Andrew D. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Alan J. Levy ,  Kent Leyde

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

CPC分类号： A61N1/32 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0539 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/375 ,  A61N1/3756 ,  A61N1/40

摘要： The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Certain embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention electrically stimulate the brain at a stimulation site where neuroplasticity is occurring or is expected to occur. The stimulation site may be different than the region in the brain where neural activity is typically present to perform the particular neural function according to the functional organization of the brain. In one embodiment in which neuroplasticity related to the neural-function occurs in the brain, the method can include identifying the location where such neuroplasticity is present or expected to occur. In an alternative embodiment in which neuroplasticity is not occurring in the brain, an alternative aspect is to induce neuroplasticity at a stimulation site where it is expected to occur. Several embodiments of these methods that are expected to produce a lasting effect on the intended neural activity at the stimulation site use electrical pulses that increase the resting membrane potential of neurons at the stimulation site to a subthreshold level.

摘要翻译： 以下公开内容描述了用于治疗或以其他方式实现患者神经功能变化的颅内电刺激的几种方法和装置。 根据本发明的方法的某些实施方案在神经可塑性发生或预期发生的刺激部位电刺激脑。 刺激部位可能不同于大脑中通常存在神经活动的区域，以根据脑的功能组织来执行特定的神经功能。 在与神经功能相关的神经可塑性发生在脑中的一个实施方案中，该方法可以包括鉴定存在或预期发生这种神经可塑性的位置。 在脑中不发生神经可塑性的替代实施方案中，替代方面是在预期发生的刺激位点处诱导神经可塑性。 预期对刺激部位的预期神经活动产生持久影响的这些方法的若干实施方案使用增加刺激部位的神经元的静息膜电位至亚阈值水平的电脉冲。

公开(公告)号：US07672730B2

公开(公告)日：2010-03-02

申请号：US10606202

申请日：2003-06-24

申请人： Andrew D. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Alan J. Levy

发明人： Andrew D. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Alan J. Levy

IPC分类号： A61N1/18

CPC分类号： A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0539 ,  A61N1/08 ,  A61N1/36021 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/36103 ,  A61N1/3756

摘要： Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.

摘要翻译： 用于治疗患者脑部受损的神经功能的方法和装置。 在一个实施方案中，用于治疗患者脑部神经功能的方法包括确定要执行多个治疗期间以恢复与神经功能相对应的功能能力的治疗期。 该方法通过识别与神经功能相关联的患者的脑中或其上的刺激部位，并且将电极定位至少接近所识别的刺激部位来继续。 然后通过向刺激部位提供电刺激治疗来治疗患者。 治疗可以包括在治疗期间向电极传送电刺激信号。 在治疗期满后，该方法包括防止电刺激信号传递到刺激部位。

公开(公告)号：US07945330B2

公开(公告)日：2011-05-17

申请号：US12244610

申请日：2008-10-02

申请人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D. Firlik

发明人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D. Firlik

IPC分类号： A61N1/36

CPC分类号： A61N1/36021 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/0553 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/36185 ,  A61N1/375 ,  A61N1/3756 ,  G06F19/00

摘要： Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively, coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device. The controller includes a computer operable medium that generates command signals that define the stimulus delivered by the pulse system, evaluates the response signals from the sensing device, and determines a desired configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus to be delivered to the therapy electrodes.

摘要翻译： 用于自动优化刺激参数和/或电极配置以向患者提供神经刺激的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，系统包括电极阵列，其具有被配置为植入病人的可植入支撑构件和由支撑构件承载的多个治疗电极。 系统还可以具有可操作地耦合到治疗电极的脉冲系统以将刺激传递到治疗电极，以及被配置为附接到患者的感测位置的感测装置。 感测装置响应于刺激产生响应信号。 该系统还可以包括可操作地耦合到脉冲系统和感测装置的控制器。 控制器包括计算机可操作介质，其产生定义由脉冲系统传递的刺激的命令信号，评估来自感测装置的响应信号，并且确定用于治疗电极的期望配置和/或期望的刺激以被传送到 治疗电极。

公开(公告)号：US07305268B2

公开(公告)日：2007-12-04

申请号：US09978134

申请日：2001-10-15

申请人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D. Firlik

发明人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D. Firlik

IPC分类号： A61N1/18

CPC分类号： A61N1/36021 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/0553 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/36185 ,  A61N1/375 ,  A61N1/3756 ,  G06F19/00

摘要： Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device. The controller includes a computer operable medium that generates command signals that define the stimulus delivered by the pulse system, evaluates the response signals from the sensing device, and determines a desired configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus to be delivered to the therapy electrodes.

摘要翻译： 用于自动优化刺激参数和/或电极配置以向患者提供神经刺激的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，系统包括电极阵列，其具有被配置为植入病人的可植入支撑构件和由支撑构件承载的多个治疗电极。 系统还可以具有可操作地耦合到治疗电极的脉冲系统以将刺激传递到治疗电极，以及被配置为附接到患者的感测位置的感测装置。 感测装置响应于刺激产生响应信号。 该系统还可以包括可操作地耦合到脉冲系统和感测装置的控制器。 控制器包括计算机可操作介质，其产生定义由脉冲系统传递的刺激的命令信号，评估来自感测装置的响应信号，并且确定用于治疗电极的期望配置和/或期望的刺激以被传送到 治疗电极。

公开(公告)号：US07236831B2

公开(公告)日：2007-06-26

申请号：US10410526

申请日：2003-04-08

申请人： Andrew D. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Evan Gliner

发明人： Andrew D. Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Evan Gliner

IPC分类号： A61N1/00

CPC分类号： A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0539 ,  A61N1/36014 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/361 ,  A61N1/375 ,  A61N1/3756

摘要： The present disclosure suggests methods of selecting a stimulation site for stimulating a patient's brain or methods of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body function. In one exemplary implementation, such a neural function may be effectuated by selecting a stimulation site, positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site, and applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode. If one aspect, this stimulation site may be selected by a) identifying a second body function that is a corollary to the impaired body function, and b) determining a corollary location of the patient's brain that is associated with the second body function and is ipsilateral to the impaired body function.

摘要翻译： 本公开内容提出了选择用于刺激患者的大脑的刺激部位的方法或者与受损的身体功能相关联的患者的神经功能的方法。 在一个示例性实施方案中，可以通过选择刺激部位，在刺激部位定位至少第一电极，以及施加电势以使电流通过第一电极来实现这样的神经功能。 在一个方面，该刺激部位可以通过以下方式来选择：a）识别作为受损身体功能的必然结果的第二身体功能，以及b）确定与第二身体功能相关并且是同侧的患者的大脑的推论位置 对身体功能受损。

公开(公告)号：US20090093862A1

公开(公告)日：2009-04-09

申请号：US12244610

申请日：2008-10-02

申请人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D. Firlik

发明人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D. Firlik

IPC分类号： A61N1/00

CPC分类号： A61N1/36021 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/0553 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/36185 ,  A61N1/375 ,  A61N1/3756 ,  G06F19/00

摘要： Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively, coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device. The controller includes a computer operable medium that generates command signals that define the stimulus delivered by the pulse system, evaluates the response signals from the sensing device, and determines a desired configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus to be delivered to the therapy electrodes.

摘要翻译： 用于自动优化刺激参数和/或电极配置以向患者提供神经刺激的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，系统包括电极阵列，其具有被配置为植入病人的可植入支撑构件和由支撑构件承载的多个治疗电极。 系统还可以具有可操作地耦合到治疗电极的脉冲系统以将刺激传递到治疗电极，以及被配置为附接到患者的感测位置的感测装置。 感测装置响应于刺激产生响应信号。 该系统还可以包括可操作地耦合到脉冲系统和感测装置的控制器。 控制器包括计算机可操作介质，其产生定义由脉冲系统传递的刺激的命令信号，评估来自感测装置的响应信号，并且确定用于治疗电极的期望配置和/或要传送到 治疗电极。

公开(公告)号：US08121695B2

公开(公告)日：2012-02-21

申请号：US12619188

申请日：2009-11-16

申请人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D Firlik

发明人： Bradford Evan Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew D Firlik

IPC分类号： A61N1/00

CPC分类号： A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/0553 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/36185 ,  A61N1/375 ,  A61N1/3756 ,  A61N1/3787

摘要： Test procedures for determining a neural stimulation threshold of a patient. In one embodiment, the procedure includes applying a test stimulation signal to the patient and monitoring the patient for a response to the test stimulation signal. The procedure can further include determining a first neural stimulation threshold and calculating a second neural stimulation threshold. The first neural stimulation threshold corresponds to the lowest intensity test stimulation signal that evokes a patient response. The second neural stimulation threshold corresponds to a treatment stimulation signal directed toward affecting a neural activity within the patient.

摘要翻译： 用于确定患者的神经刺激阈值的测试程序。 在一个实施例中，该过程包括将测试刺激信号应用于患者并监测患者对测试刺激信号的响应。 该过程还可以包括确定第一神经刺激阈值并计算第二神经刺激阈值。 第一神经刺激阈值对应于唤起患者反应的最低强度测试刺激信号。 第二神经刺激阈值对应于针对影响患者内的神经活动的治疗刺激信号。