公开(公告)号：US20050075679A1

公开(公告)日：2005-04-07

申请号：US10842052

申请日：2004-05-07

申请人： Bradford Gliner ,  Alan Levy ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew Firlik ,  W. Sheffield ,  Allen Wyler

发明人： Bradford Gliner ,  Alan Levy ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew Firlik ,  W. Sheffield ,  Allen Wyler

IPC分类号： A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/18 ,  A61N1/36 ,  A61N1/375

CPC分类号： A61N1/326 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36067 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/3615 ,  A61N1/36171 ,  A61N1/3756

摘要： Methods and apparatuses for treating neurological disorders by electrically stimulating cells implanted in the nervous system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes preparing cells for implantation while the cells are in a first, at least partially undifferentiated state. The cells are then implanted at an implantation site within the patient's skull cavity while in the first state, and at least one electrode is positioned to be in electrical communication with the implantation site. The patient's neural dysfunction is at least partially corrected by differentiating the cells at least until the cells achieve a second state, with the cells in the second state having an increased level of differentiation and increased neurocharacteristics when compared to the cells in the first state. Differentiating the cells can include applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode while the electrode is in electrical communication with the implantation site. In further aspects of the invention, the cells are implanted directly into the tissue without being carried by an electrically conductive substrate, and/or the electrode is removed from the patient without removing the implanted cells, for example, after stimulation has been completed.

摘要翻译： 公开了通过电刺激植入神经系统中的细胞来治疗神经障碍的方法和装置。 根据本发明的一个方面的方法包括在细胞处于第一，至少部分未分化状态时制备用于植入的细胞。 然后在处于第一状态时将细胞植入患者颅骨腔内的植入部位，并且将至少一个电极定位成与植入部位电连通。 所述患者的神经功能障碍至少通过使细胞分化至少部分来校正，至少直到细胞达到第二状态，与第一状态下的细胞相比，处于第二状态的细胞具有增加的分化水平和增加的神经特征。 区分细胞可以包括将电位施加到至少一个电极，同时电极与植入部位电连通。 在本发明的另一方面，例如在刺激完成之后，将细胞直接植入组织而不被导电基底携带，和/或从患者身上除去电极而不去除植入的细胞。

公开(公告)号：US20060195155A1

公开(公告)日：2006-08-31

申请号：US11389770

申请日：2006-03-27

申请人： Andrew Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Gliner ,  Alan Levy ,  Carlton Morgan

发明人： Andrew Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Gliner ,  Alan Levy ,  Carlton Morgan

IPC分类号： A61N1/08

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：US20050021107A1

公开(公告)日：2005-01-27

申请号：US10913183

申请日：2004-08-06

申请人： Andrew Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Gliner ,  Alan Levy

发明人： Andrew Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Gliner ,  Alan Levy

IPC分类号： A61N20060101 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/08 ,  A61N1/18 ,  A61N1/34 ,  A61N1/36 ,  A61N1/375

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：US20060200206A1

公开(公告)日：2006-09-07

申请号：US11355038

申请日：2006-02-15

申请人： Andrew Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Gliner ,  Alan Levy ,  Carlton Morgan

发明人： Andrew Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Gliner ,  Alan Levy ,  Carlton Morgan

IPC分类号： A61N1/34

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：US20050021106A1

公开(公告)日：2005-01-27

申请号：US10913034

申请日：2004-08-06

申请人： Andrew Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Gliner

发明人： Andrew Firlik ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Bradford Gliner

IPC分类号： A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/36 ,  A61N1/375 ,  A61N1/18

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。 如果一个方面，则可以通过以下方式来选择该刺激部位：a）识别作为受损身体功能的推论的第二身体功能，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：US20070032834A1

公开(公告)日：2007-02-08

申请号：US11407684

申请日：2006-04-20

申请人： Bradford Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew Firlik

发明人： Bradford Gliner ,  Jeffrey Balzer ,  Andrew Firlik

IPC分类号： A61N1/32

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

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.

公开(公告)号：US20070179534A1

公开(公告)日：2007-08-02

申请号：US11255187

申请日：2005-10-19

申请人： Andrew Firlik ,  Bradford Gliner ,  W. Sheffield ,  Leif Sloan

发明人： Andrew Firlik ,  Bradford Gliner ,  W. Sheffield ,  Leif Sloan

IPC分类号： A61N1/00 ,  A61M31/00

CPC分类号： A61N1/36067 ,  A61B5/16 ,  A61B5/18 ,  A61B5/7275 ,  A61F2002/704 ,  A61M5/14276 ,  A61M5/1723 ,  A61M2205/05 ,  A61M2205/50 ,  A61M2230/63 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/36003 ,  A61N1/36014 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36025 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/361 ,  A61N1/36103 ,  A61N1/36139 ,  A61N1/372 ,  G06F19/00 ,  G06F19/3481

摘要： Systems and methods for patient interactive neural stimulation and/or chemical substance delivery are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes affecting a target neural population of the patient by providing to the patient at least one of an electromagnetic signal and a chemical substance. The method can further include detecting at least one characteristic of the patient, with the characteristic at least correlated with the patient's performance of an adjunctive therapy task that is performed in association with affecting the target neural population. The method can still further include controlling at least one parameter in accordance with which the target neural population is affected, based at least in part on the detected characteristic.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于患者交互神经刺激和/或化学物质递送的系统和方法。 根据本发明的一个实施例的方法包括通过向患者提供电磁信号和化学物质中的至少一个来影响患者的目标神经群体。 该方法还可以包括检测患者的至少一个特征，其特征至少与患者与影响目标神经群体相关联的辅助治疗任务的性能相关。 该方法还可以进一步包括至少部分地基于检测到的特征来控制至少一个参数，根据目标神经群体受到影响。

公开(公告)号：US20050021105A1

公开(公告)日：2005-01-27

申请号：US10912815

申请日：2004-08-06

申请人： Andrew Firlik ,  Alan Levy ,  Bradford Gliner

发明人： Andrew Firlik ,  Alan Levy ,  Bradford Gliner

IPC分类号： A61N1/18 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/36 ,  A61N1/375

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

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几个实施方案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”。 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）。 根据本发明的方法的某些实施方案在发生神经可塑性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：US20060015153A1

公开(公告)日：2006-01-19

申请号：US11182713

申请日：2005-07-15

申请人： Bradford Gliner ,  Allen Wyler ,  Brad Fowler ,  W. Douglas Sheffield ,  Richard Kuntz ,  Kent Leyde ,  Leif Sloan

发明人： Bradford Gliner ,  Allen Wyler ,  Brad Fowler ,  W. Douglas Sheffield ,  Richard Kuntz ,  Kent Leyde ,  Leif Sloan

IPC分类号： A61N1/18

CPC分类号： H04L67/2842 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/3606 ,  A61N1/36064 ,  A61N1/36067 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/36103 ,  A61N1/36135 ,  A61N1/36146 ,  A61N1/37252 ,  G06F13/385 ,  H04L49/90 ,  H04L49/901 ,  H04L67/2823

摘要： Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters. Stimulation signals providing reduced power consumption with at least adequate symptomatic relief may be applied prior to moderate or significant power source depletion.

公开(公告)号：US20070088404A1

公开(公告)日：2007-04-19

申请号：US11254060

申请日：2005-10-19

申请人： Allen Wyler ,  Bradford Gliner

发明人： Allen Wyler ,  Bradford Gliner

IPC分类号： A61N1/39

CPC分类号： A61N1/0529 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/36082

摘要： Methods and systems for improving neural functioning, including cognitive functioning and neglect disorders, are disclosed. A method for treating a patient in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying electrical stimulation beneath a patient's skull to improve neuropsychological functioning of the patient, and, after applying the electrical stimulation, evaluating the functioning of the patient. The method can further include a process based at least in part on results of the evaluation, with the process including maintaining and/or changing at least one parameter in accordance with which the electrical stimulation is applied, and/or ceasing to apply the electrical stimulation. Accordingly, aspects of the foregoing methods can be used to improve functioning in normal patients and/or patients suffering from disorders such as cognitive disorders.

摘要翻译： 公开了用于改善神经功能的方法和系统，包括认知功能和疏忽障碍。 根据本发明的一个实施例的用于治疗患者的方法包括在患者的头骨下方施加电刺激以改善患者的神经心理功能，以及在施加电刺激之后，评估患者的功能。 该方法还可以包括至少部分地基于评估结果的方法，该方法包括维持和/或改变根据其施加电刺激的至少一个参数和/或停止施加电刺激 。 因此，可以使用上述方法的方面来改善正常患者和/或患有诸如认知障碍的病症的患者的功能。