公开(公告)号：US08019425B2

公开(公告)日：2011-09-13

申请号：US12343454

申请日：2008-12-23

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

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

IPC分类号： A61N1/00

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：US20120022611A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-26

申请号：US13240053

申请日：2011-09-22

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

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

IPC分类号： A61N1/36

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. 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).

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。 根据本发明的方法可用于治疗脑损伤（例如中风，创伤等），脑部疾病（例如阿尔茨海默氏症，皮克病，帕金森氏病等）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：US08065012B2

公开(公告)日：2011-11-22

申请号：US11834650

申请日：2007-08-06

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

发明人： Andrew D. 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： Disclosed are several apparatuses and methods for applying intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or enhance the neural function of the patient. In accordance with the invention, intracranial electrical stimulation can be administered to treat brain damage, brain disease, and/or brain disorders. Additionally the intracranial electrical stimulation can be applied to a normal healthy brain to enhance neural-function or control sensory functions. The electrical stimulation site(s) of the brain are located where neuroplasticity is occurring, expected to occur, or in a region where neuroplasticity is not occurring. The intracranial stimulation is expected to produce a lasting effect on the intended neural activity by applying subthreshold stimulation to the increasing the resting membrane potential of the neurons at the stimulation site.

摘要翻译： 公开了几种用于施加颅内电刺激以治疗或增强患者的神经功能的装置和方法。 根据本发明，可以施用颅内电刺激来治疗脑损伤，脑疾病和/或脑疾病。 此外，颅内电刺激可以应用于正常的健康大脑，以增强神经功能或控制感觉功能。 大脑的电刺激部位位于发生神经可塑性，预期发生或未出现神经可塑性的区域。 预期颅内刺激通过应用亚阈值刺激来增加刺激部位神经元的静息膜电位，对预期的神经活动产生持久的作用。

公开(公告)号：US20120316630A1

公开(公告)日：2012-12-13

申请号：US13587607

申请日：2012-08-16

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

发明人： Andrew D. 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. 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).

公开(公告)号：US07577481B2

公开(公告)日：2009-08-18

申请号：US11355038

申请日：2006-02-15

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

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

IPC分类号： A61N1/18

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 a method for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments 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 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 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： 以下公开描述了一种用于颅内电刺激治疗或以其他方式实现患者神经功能变化的方法。 几个实施例旨在增强或以其他方式诱导神经活动的持续变化以实现特定的神经功能。 这种神经活动的持续变化被定义为“神经可塑性”。 这些方法可用于治疗脑损伤（例如卒中，创伤等），脑部疾病（如阿尔茨海默病，皮克病，帕金森病等）和/或脑部疾病（例如癫痫，抑郁症等） 。 该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，或控制感觉功能（例如疼痛）。

公开(公告)号：US20080161882A1

公开(公告)日：2008-07-03

申请号：US11834660

申请日：2007-08-06

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

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

IPC分类号： A61N1/05

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：US20090171416A1

公开(公告)日：2009-07-02

申请号：US12343454

申请日：2008-12-23

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

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

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：US20080215112A1

公开(公告)日：2008-09-04

申请号：US11834638

申请日：2007-08-06

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

发明人： Andrew D. 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：US20080161880A1

公开(公告)日：2008-07-03

申请号：US11834642

申请日：2007-08-06

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

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

IPC分类号： A61N1/362

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：US20080161879A1

公开(公告)日：2008-07-03

申请号：US11834621

申请日：2007-08-06

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

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

IPC分类号： A61B1/05

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.