公开(公告)号：US08090446B2

公开(公告)日：2012-01-03

申请号：US12099415

申请日：2008-04-08

申请人： Brad Fowler ,  Justin Hulvershorn ,  Bradford E. Gliner ,  Leif R. Sloan

发明人： Brad Fowler ,  Justin Hulvershorn ,  Bradford E. Gliner ,  Leif R. Sloan

IPC分类号： A61N1/36

CPC分类号： A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/36025

摘要： Methods for providing electrical stimulation therapy to a cortex of a patient via a plurality of electrodes proximate to the cortex and a pulse generator implanted in the patient. One embodiment of a method in accordance with the invention comprises determining whether the current applied via the plurality of electrodes results in a sufficient current density in the cortex. The current density, for example, may need to be high enough to induce a response in the patient for determining the activation threshold of the specific stimulation site, or the current density may need to be high enough to perform a specific therapy. If the current density is not sufficient, the method continues by selecting a subset of the plurality of electrodes, and applying electrical current to the cortex via the subset of the electrodes. For example, if the current density is not sufficient when the current is applied to the full plurality of electrodes at approximately the maximum output of the pulse generator, then the current level from the pulse generator can be applied to only a subset of the electrodes to effectively increase the current density in the cortex at the active electrodes.

摘要翻译： 用于通过靠近皮层的多个电极和植入患者中的脉冲发生器向患者的皮层提供电刺激治疗的方法。 根据本发明的方法的一个实施例包括确定经由多个电极施加的电流是否导致皮层中的足够的电流密度。 例如，电流密度可能需要足够高以在患者中诱导用于确定特定刺激部位的激活阈值的响应，或者电流密度可能需要足够高以执行特定治疗。 如果电流密度不足，则该方法通过选择多个电极的子集，并且经由电极的子集将电流施加到皮质来继续。 例如，如果电流密度在脉冲发生器的大致最大输出处施加到整个多个电极上时电流密度不足，则来自脉冲发生器的电流电平可以仅施加到电极的子集 有效增加有源电极皮质中的电流密度。

公开(公告)号：US20090099622A1

公开(公告)日：2009-04-16

申请号：US12099415

申请日：2008-04-08

申请人： Brad Fowler ,  Justin Hulvershorn ,  Bradford E. Gliner ,  Leif R. Sloan

发明人： Brad Fowler ,  Justin Hulvershorn ,  Bradford E. Gliner ,  Leif R. Sloan

IPC分类号： A61N1/36

CPC分类号： A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/36025

摘要： Methods for providing electrical stimulation therapy to a cortex of a patient via a plurality of electrodes proximate to the cortex and a pulse generator implanted in the patient. One embodiment of a method in accordance with the invention comprises determining whether the current applied via the plurality of electrodes results in a sufficient current density in the cortex. The current density, for example, may need to be high enough to induce a response in the patient for determining the activation threshold of the specific stimulation site, or the current density may need to be high enough to perform a specific therapy. If the current density is not sufficient, the method continues by selecting a subset of the plurality of electrodes, and applying electrical current to the cortex via the subset of the electrodes. For example, if the current density is not sufficient when the current is applied to the full plurality of electrodes at approximately the maximum output of the pulse generator, then the current level from the pulse generator can be applied to only a subset of the electrodes to effectively increase the current density in the cortex at the active electrodes.

摘要翻译： 用于通过靠近皮层的多个电极和植入患者中的脉冲发生器向患者的皮层提供电刺激治疗的方法。 根据本发明的方法的一个实施例包括确定经由多个电极施加的电流是否导致皮层中的足够的电流密度。 例如，电流密度可能需要足够高以在患者中诱导用于确定特定刺激部位的激活阈值的响应，或者电流密度可能需要足够高以执行特定治疗。 如果电流密度不足，则该方法通过选择多个电极的子集，并且经由电极的子集将电流施加到皮质来继续。 例如，如果电流密度在脉冲发生器的大致最大输出处施加到整个多个电极上时电流密度不足，则来自脉冲发生器的电流电平可以仅施加到电极的子集 有效增加有源电极皮质中的电流密度。

公开(公告)号：US20070179558A1

公开(公告)日：2007-08-02

申请号：US11344453

申请日：2006-01-30

申请人： Bradford Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Brad Fowler ,  Leif Sloan

发明人： Bradford Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Brad Fowler ,  Leif Sloan

IPC分类号： A61N1/18

CPC分类号： A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0539 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/37247

摘要： Systems and methods for varying electromagnetic and adjunctive neural therapies are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes applying electromagnetic signals to a target neural population of a patient over a first period of time in accordance with a first mode (e.g., including signal delivery to the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system, via implanted or non-implanted devices). The method can further include applying electromagnetic stimulation to the patient over a second period of time in accordance with a second mode different than the first mode. Varying the mode between the first period of time and second period of time can increase the efficacy and/or longevity of the stimulation. Systems in accordance with other embodiments can support multiple signal delivery devices.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于改变电磁和辅助神经疗法的系统和方法。 根据一个实施例的方法包括根据第一模式（例如，包括通过植入的或通过植入的中枢神经系统或周围神经系统的信号传递）向第一时间段的患者的目标神经群体施加电磁信号 非植入设备）。 该方法还可以包括根据与第一模式不同的第二模式在第二时间段内向患者施加电磁刺激。 改变第一时间段和第二时间段之间的模式可以增加刺激的功效和/或寿命。 根据其他实施例的系统可以支持多个信号传递装置。

公开(公告)号：US20100072702A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-25

申请号：US12516561

申请日：2007-11-29

申请人： Brad Fowler

发明人： Brad Fowler

IPC分类号： A63F3/00

CPC分类号： A63F3/02

摘要： A method for playing a game by first and second players includes assigning first type characters and second type characters to the first and second players. At a first turn, random numbers relating to each of the first type characters are used to concurrently or simultaneously position the first type characters on a game board. Similarly, at a second turn, random numbers relating to each of the second type characters are used to concurrently or simultaneously position the second type characters on the game board. A game play event, such as a battle or contest, may be initiated between the first and second players based on the relative positioning of the first and second players at the game board. In other examples, the first characters may have attributes or resources that can be developed and used in game play events, or in achieving an end goal of the game.

摘要翻译： 用于由第一和第二玩家玩游戏的方法包括将第一类型字符和第二类型字符分配给第一和第二玩家。 在第一回合中，使用与每个第一类型字符相关的随机数来同时或同时地将第一类型字符放置在游戏板上。 类似地，在第二回合，使用与每个第二类型字符相关的随机数来同时或同时地将第二类型字符放置在游戏板上。 基于第一和第二玩家在游戏板上的相对定位，可以在第一和第二玩家之间发起诸如战斗或比赛的游戏事件。 在其他示例中，第一个字符可以具有可以在游戏中发展和使用的属性或资源，或者实现游戏的最终目标。

公开(公告)号：US20090292344A1

公开(公告)日：2009-11-26

申请号：US12509110

申请日：2009-07-24

申请人： David Warren Lowry ,  Brad Fowler ,  Gene Thompson

发明人： David Warren Lowry ,  Brad Fowler ,  Gene Thompson

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

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

摘要： Methods and systems for intracranial neurostimulation and/or sensing are disclosed. An intracranial signal transmission system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a generally electrically insulating body having a head portion configured to be positioned at least proximate to an outer surface of a patient's skull, and a shaft portion configured to extend into an aperture in the patient's skull. The system can further include at least one electrical contact portion integrated with the support body. The at least one electrical contact portion can be positioned to transfer electrical signals to, from, or both to and from the patient's brain via an aperture in the patient's skull.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于颅内神经刺激和/或感测的方法和系统。 根据本发明的实施例的颅内信号传输系统包括通常电绝缘的主体，其具有被配置为至少靠近患者颅骨的外表面定位的头部部分，以及被配置为延伸到患者颅骨的外表面中的轴部分 病人的头骨。 该系统还可以包括与支撑体一体化的至少一个电接触部分。 所述至少一个电接触部分可以被定位成经由患者颅骨中的孔将电信号传送到患者的大脑，从两者或从患者的大脑传递。

公开(公告)号：US20080046035A1

公开(公告)日：2008-02-21

申请号：US11845006

申请日：2007-08-24

申请人： Brad Fowler ,  Bradford Gliner

发明人： Brad Fowler ,  Bradford Gliner

IPC分类号： A61N1/36

CPC分类号： A61N1/0529 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36082

摘要： Electrode configurations for reducing invasiveness and/or enhancing neural stimulation efficacy, and associated methods, are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention for treating a brain disorder includes identifying a target neural structure within a patient's skull and implanting an electrode device within the patient's skull so that an axis that is generally normal to the skull proximate to the electrode device and that passes through at least one electrical contact of the electrode device is offset from the target neural structure. The method further includes stimulating the target neural structure by applying an electrical signal to the at least one electrical contact. In particular embodiments, the electrode device can be positioned between, along, across, or adjacent to a fissure, recess, groove, and/or vascular structure of the patient's brain.

公开(公告)号：US20080033503A1

公开(公告)日：2008-02-07

申请号：US11845005

申请日：2007-08-24

申请人： Brad Fowler ,  Bradford Gliner

发明人： Brad Fowler ,  Bradford Gliner

IPC分类号： A61N1/04

CPC分类号： A61N1/0529 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36082

摘要： Electrode configurations for reducing invasiveness and/or enhancing neural stimulation efficacy, and associated methods, are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention for treating a brain disorder includes identifying a target neural structure within a patient's skull and implanting an electrode device within the patient's skull so that an axis that is generally normal to the skull proximate to the electrode device and that passes through at least one electrical contact of the electrode device is offset from the target neural structure. The method further includes stimulating the target neural structure by applying an electrical signal to the at least one electrical contact. In particular embodiments, the electrode device can be positioned between, along, across, or adjacent to a fissure, recess, groove, and/or vascular structure of the patient's brain.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于降低侵入性和/或增强神经刺激功效的电极配置及相关方法。 根据用于治疗脑疾病的本发明的一个实施例的方法包括识别患者颅骨内的目标神经结构并且在患者的颅骨内植入电极装置，使得通常垂直于颅骨的轴线靠近电极装置 并且通过电极装置的至少一个电接触偏离目标神经结构。 该方法还包括通过向至少一个电触点施加电信号来刺激目标神经结构。 在特定实施例中，电极装置可以位于患者大脑的裂缝，凹槽，凹槽和/或血管结构之间，沿着，横过或相邻。

公开(公告)号：US20060190056A1

公开(公告)日：2006-08-24

申请号：US11376258

申请日：2006-03-15

申请人： Brad Fowler ,  Bradford Gliner

发明人： Brad Fowler ,  Bradford Gliner

IPC分类号： A61N1/18

CPC分类号： A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0539

摘要： Systems and methods for neural stimulation may include a stimulus unit; a first electrode assembly having a first set of contacts; and a second set of contacts. The stimulus unit can be an implantable pulse generator including a first terminal that can be biased at a first signal polarity and a second terminal that can be biased at a second signal polarity. The first electrode assembly includes a support member configured to be placed at the stimulation site, the first set of contacts carried by the support member, and a first lead configured to be attached to the first terminal of the implantable pulse generator for biasing the surface contacts at the first polarity. The second set of contacts is detached from the surface electrode assembly. The second set of contacts can be one or more conductive elements fixed to or forming portions of the implantable pulse generator, or a separate electrode array.

摘要翻译： 用于神经刺激的系统和方法可以包括刺激单元; 具有第一组触点的第一电极组件; 和第二组联系人。 刺激单元可以是可植入脉冲发生器，其包括可以以第一信号极性偏置的第一端子和可以以第二信号极性偏置的第二端子。 第一电极组件包括被配置为放置在刺激部位的支撑构件，由支撑构件承载的第一组触点，以及构造成附接到可植入脉冲发生器的第一端子的第一引线，用于偏置表面触点 在第一极性。 第二组触点与表面电极组件脱离。 第二组触点可以是固定到可植入脉冲发生器的一部分或形成部分的一个或多个导电元件，或单独的电极阵列。

公开(公告)号：US20060106430A1

公开(公告)日：2006-05-18

申请号：US10987118

申请日：2004-11-12

申请人： Brad Fowler ,  Bradford Gliner

发明人： Brad Fowler ,  Bradford Gliner

IPC分类号： A61N1/32

CPC分类号： A61N1/0529 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36082

摘要： Electrode configurations for reducing invasiveness and/or enhancing neural stimulation efficacy, and associated methods, are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention for treating a brain disorder includes identifying a target neural structure within a patient's skull and implanting an electrode device within the patient's skull so that an axis that is generally normal to the skull proximate to the electrode device and that passes through at least one electrical contact of the electrode device is offset from the target neural structure. The method further includes stimulating the target neural structure by applying an electrical signal to the at least one electrical contact. In particular embodiments, the electrode device can be positioned between, along, across, or adjacent to a fissure, recess, groove, and/or vascular structure of the patient's brain.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于降低侵入性和/或增强神经刺激功效的电极配置及相关方法。 根据用于治疗脑疾病的本发明的一个实施例的方法包括识别患者颅骨内的目标神经结构并且在患者的颅骨内植入电极装置，使得通常垂直于颅骨的轴线靠近电极装置 并且通过电极装置的至少一个电接触偏离目标神经结构。 该方法还包括通过向至少一个电触点施加电信号来刺激目标神经结构。 在特定实施例中，电极装置可以位于患者大脑的裂缝，凹槽，凹槽和/或血管结构之间，沿着，横过或相邻。

公开(公告)号：US20050075680A1

公开(公告)日：2005-04-07

申请号：US10891834

申请日：2004-07-15

申请人： David Lowry ,  Brad Fowler ,  Gene Thompson

发明人： David Lowry ,  Brad Fowler ,  Gene Thompson

IPC分类号： A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/18

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

摘要： Methods and systems for intracranial neurostimulation and/or sensing are disclosed. An intracranial signal transmission system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a generally electrically insulating support body having a head portion configured to be positioned at least proximate to an outer surface of a patient's skull, and a shaft portion configured to extend into an aperture in the patient's skull. The system can further include at least one electrical contact portion carried by the support body. The at least one electrical contact portion can be positioned to transfer electrical signals to, from, or both to and from the patient's brain via the aperture in the patient's skull.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于颅内神经刺激和/或感测的方法和系统。 根据本发明的实施例的颅内信号传输系统包括大致电绝缘的支撑体，其具有头部部分，该头部构造成至少邻近患者头骨的外表面定位，以及轴部分，其构造成延伸到孔 在病人的头骨。 该系统还可以包括由支撑体承载的至少一个电接触部分。 所述至少一个电接触部分可以被定位成经由患者颅骨中的孔将电信号传送到患者的脑部，从患者的大脑或从患者的大脑传递。