Abstract:
A method and system for stimulating a function of a limb or an organ by neurostimulation. The method may include identifying a target location for neurostimulation by a micro particle having an electrode that transmits electrical pulses, wherein the target location is associated with control of the function. The method may further include selectively stimulating the target location by transmitting one or more electrical pulses defined by a set of parameters, to which the target location has a greater sensitivity. The system may include a micro particle having an electrode that transmits electrical pulses and a central controller that wirelessly powers and communicates with the micro particle and selectively stimulates a target location by instructing the micro particle to transmit one or more electrical pulses from the electrode defined by a set of parameters. In some implementations, the target location has a greater sensitivity to the set of parameters.
Abstract:
In illustrative implementations of this invention, interferential stimulation is precisely directed to arbitrary regions in a brain. The target region is not limited to the area immediately beneath the electrodes, but may be any superficial, mid-depth or deep brain structure. Targeting is achieved by positioning the region of maximum envelope amplitude so that it is located at the targeted tissue. Leakage between current channels is greatly reduced by making at least one of the current channels anti-phasic: that is, the electrode pair of at least one of the current channels has a phase difference between the two electrodes that is substantially equal to 180 degrees. Pairs of stimulating electrodes are positioned side-by-side, rather than in a conventional crisscross pattern, and thus produce only one region of maximum envelope amplitude. Typically, current sources are used to drive the interferential currents.
Abstract:
A system includes a processor and a memory device comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: access a patient metric of a subject; use the patient metric as an input to a machine learning algorithm, the machine learning algorithm to search a plurality of neuromodulation parameter sets and to identify a candidate neuromodulation parameter set of the plurality of neuromodulation parameter sets, the candidate neuromodulation parameter set designed to produce a non-regular waveform that varies over a time domain and a space domain; and program a neuromodulator using the candidate neuromodulation parameter set to stimulate the subject.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and device for sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for treatment of disease, such as inflammatory disease. The SNS therapy is automatically adjusted in response to detection of physiological data from the patient.
Abstract:
An implantable electrical stimulation device includes an electrically conductive electrode configured for coupling with a pulse generator device and transmitting an electrical signal configured to generate a desirable electric field around a target tissue, and a porous substrate constructed of a bio-compatible and bio-survivable material having a structure that mimics extracellular matrix embedding and supporting the electrically conductive electrode. The implantable device further includes a pulse generator also embedded, enmeshed, and supported within the porous substrate.
Abstract:
A neurostimulation system having an external or an implantable pulse generator programmed to innervate a specific nerve or group of nerves in a patient through an electrode as a mode of treatment, having a patient remote that wirelessly communicates with the pulse generator to increase stimulation, decrease stimulation, and provide indications to a patient regarding the status of the neurostimulation system. The patient remote can allow for adjustment of stimulation power within a clinically effective range and for turning on and turning off the pulse generator. The patient remote and neurostimulation system can also store a stimulation level when the pulse generator is turned off and automatically restore the pulse generator to the stored stimulation level when the pulse generator is turned on.
Abstract:
Improved circuitry for an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed that allows much smaller-value DC-blocking capacitors to be used with supported electrodes— with capacitance values orders of magnitude smaller than those used in traditional IPGs. Such improved circuitry operates by alternating the direction of the current through the DC- blocking capacitor during the provision of a therapeutic current pulse. Such smaller-value DC-blocking capacitors do not take up significant space in the IPG, or surface area on the IPG's PCB. Additionally, the improved circuitry includes the ability to measure the current amplitude provided to selected electrodes— for example, to ensure that the sources are actually providing a prescribed current amplitude to the patient's tissue— and to provide for perfect active charge recovery.
Abstract:
Described herein are devices and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort such as from contact lenses. The methods generally include applying spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation to one or more anatomical structures located in an ocular or nasal region. The electrical stimulation may elicit a reflex that activates the lacrimal gland or may directly activate the lacrimal gland or nerves innervating the lacrimal gland to produce tears. The devices may be implantable or handheld, and may be configured to deliver the spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation patterns described.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for stimulating the brain of a patient to treat a medical condition. In some aspects, a method includes positioning a stimulating device comprising electrical contacts configured to electrically stimulate locations associated with a patient's brain, and initiating a rehabilitation process to include the patient performing a task. The method also includes acquiring feedback from the patient at least while the patient is performing the task, generating, based on the acquired feedback, electrical stimulations to treat the medical condition of the patient. In some aspects, the method further includes generating a report indicative of a patient performance.