Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080208287 | Electrical stimulation device and method for the treatment of neurological disorders - An electrical stimulation system and method for the treatment of neurological disorders is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical stimulation system includes channels of electrodes positioned in electrical contact with tissue of a neuromuscular target body region of a patient to provide pattered neuromuscular stimulation to the patient's musculature. In addition, at least one electrode from a channel is positioned in electrical contact with a tissue of the motor control region of the brain. A series of patterned electrical pulses are then applied to the patient through the channels to provide peripheral neuromuscular stimulation, and a direct current is applied transcranially to the brain. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are disclosed. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208288 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING MOVEMENT DISORDERS - Movement timing stimulator systems and methods that aid in the relief of the symptoms of neurological movement disorders are provided. In one embodiment, a method of improving a patient's gait is provided. The method includes producing a plurality of stimulation prompts at a plurality of stimulation points using multiple stimulation channels. The plurality of stimulation points is located symmetrically on each leg. The method further includes applying the plurality of stimulation prompts in a timed periodic fashion across the plurality of stimulation points and activating a return electrode whenever one of the multiple stimulation channels on an associated leg is active. The plurality of stimulation prompts are not synchronized with the patient's gait. Each of the multiple stimulation channels is associated with a stimulation electrode at one of the plurality of stimulation points. | 08-28-2008 |
20080215114 | Apparatus And Method For The Cardio-Synchronized Stimulation Of Skeletal Or Smooth Muscles - An apparatus for the cardio-synchronised stimulation of skeletal or smooth muscle, but excluding the heart muscles, in a counterpulsation mode of a patient having a heart and a cardiovascular system. The apparatus comprises at least one active electrode ( | 09-04-2008 |
20080215115 | RF Diathermy and Faradic Muscle Stimulation Treatment - An RF diathermy coil assembly, including a generally elastically deformable patient conforming garment and a conductive coil secured to the garment. The conductive coil having a woven wire construction such that the coil can deform as the garment elastically deforms. The RF diathermy coil assembly can be used for wound healing in conjunction with muscle stimulation. | 09-04-2008 |
20080221640 | Multi-electrode stimulation to elicit electrically-evoked compound action potential - A multichannel neurostimulation device spatially spreads the excitation pattern in the target neural tissue by either: (1) rapid sequential stimulation of a small group of electrodes, or (2) simultaneously stimulating a small group of electrodes. Such multi-electrode stimulation stimulates a greater number of neurons in a synchronous manner, thereby increasing the amplitude of the extra-cellular voltage fluctuation and facilitating its recording. The electrical stimuli are applied simultaneously (or sequentially at a rapid rate) on selected small groups of electrodes while monitoring the evoked compound action potential (ECAP) on a nearby electrode. The presence of an observable ECAP not only validates operation of the implant device at a time when the patient may be unconscious or otherwise unable to provide subjective feedback, but also provides a way for the magnitude of the observed ECAP to be recorded as a function of the amplitude of the applied stimulus. From this data, a safe, efficacious and comfortable threshold level can be obtained which may be used thereafter as the initial setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device, or to guide the setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device. | 09-11-2008 |
20080228240 | Long Term Bi-Directional Axon-Electronic Communication System - A long term bi-directional axon-electronic communication system that provides signaling capability at the level of individual nerve fascicles, bundles of axon and even axons is disclosed. The bi-directional communication system is a modular approach for achieving a chronic enduring interface to peripheral or central nerve atoms for the purpose of restoring function to disabled persons or animals with sensory and/or motor impairments. One embodiment of the communication system includes a multi-channeled nerve-muscle graft chamber for making the nerve-muscle connection. Another embodiment includes a regeneration based microtube nerve interface for bi-directional communication. The interface communication system permits amputees to obtain simultaneous control of multi-degree of freedom powered prostheses by means of naturally produced neural activity from the stamps of the amputated nerves in their residual limbs. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228241 | Muscle stimulator - An implantable medical device for treating the back of a patient. Stimulation energy is delivered to muscles or joint capsules or ligaments or nerve fibers to improve the heath of the back. | 09-18-2008 |
20080234781 | Neuromuscular Stimulation - Apparatus for rehabilitating a patient who has a paretic body part, the apparatus comprising: a) at least one electromyograph (EMG) sensor adapted to being applied to a voluntary muscle of a healthy body part of the same type as the paretic body part, which at least one sensor produces at least one EMG signal; b) a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device adapted for stimulating at least one voluntary muscle of the paretic body part; and c) a controller which controls the NMES device, making the amplitude of stimulation of the paretic body part at least partly dependent on the EMG signal from the healthy body part. | 09-25-2008 |
20080234782 | METHODS AND IMPLANTABLE SYSTEMS FOR NEURAL SENSING AND NERVE STIMULATION - Apparatus for producing a dorsiflexion of the foot of a patient comprises a combined sensing and stimulation electrode device having neurosense and stimulation electrode means capable of sensing a nerve signal from a peripheral nerve and stimulating peripheral motor nerve fibres. The neurosense and stimulation electrode means are implantable above the knee of a patient. Means for receiving and processing the sensed nerve signals are provided to identify a signal indicative of the timing of hell strike and heel lift of the patient and for producing a control signal in response thereto. Means for operating said neurosense and stimulation electrode means in response to the control signal to produce stimulation of the peripheral motor nerve fibres are also provided. | 09-25-2008 |
20080262567 | Implanted energy source - Apparatus is described for use with (a) a muscle of a subject's body and (b) an implanted functional device in the subject's body. An electrode is coupled to the muscle. A stimulator causes the muscle to undergo movement by driving a current into the muscle, via the electrode. An energy assembly including a flywheel and an energy converter, stores energy associated with the movement of the muscle. The energy assembly powers the stimulator and powers the implanted functional device, based on the movement of the muscle. Other embodiments are also described. | 10-23-2008 |
20080269837 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD FOR IMPLANTATION IN A PATIENT, SUCH AS A PATIENT'S NECK - Implantable leads implantable in a patient, such as patient's neck. The lead includes a first lead segment and a second lead segment. The second lead segment extends from the first lead segment at a first junction point and includes first, second, and third legs each defining a longitudinal length in extension from the first junction point to a distal end. A length of the first leg is greater than a length of the second leg, and a length of the second leg is greater than a length of the third leg. With this configuration, each of the legs are adapted to support at least one electrode at the distal end thereof, and are appropriately dimensioned relative to one another for locating the corresponding electrode at a desired target tissue site in the patient's neck. Targeted tissue can include, for example, muscles of the neck. | 10-30-2008 |
20080281376 | Therapy control using relative motion between sensors - The invention is directed to controlling therapy delivery based on a relative motion between a first and second activity sensor. The relative motion between the activity sensors is representative of the relative motion between the locations of the body of the patient at which the respective activity sensors are located. The use of relative motion, however, may substantially remove motion experienced by both the activity sensors, e.g., motion caused by the environment in which patient is located, thus providing a new reference frame from which to analyze the motion measurements. The relative motion may be used to detect a condition of a movement disorder and/or control delivery of the therapy delivered to patient to treat or reduce the condition. | 11-13-2008 |
20080288020 | Neuromuscular Stimulation - Apparatus for muscle activation, comprising: at least one electrode ( | 11-20-2008 |
20090005834 | Deep vein thrombosis prevention - A device adapted for mitigating the formation of a blood clot, the device comprising: a sensor adapted to identify muscle movement associated with blood circulation in a vein and to produce a signal indicating the movement; and a controller adapted to monitor the sensor signal and to activate an actuator upon said controller determining that less than a defined number of movements have been sensed over a defined period of time, wherein the actuator is adapted to produce a stimulating action of a given set of parameters urging the user to move his/her feet if, for example, the predefined number of dorsiflexions is not met. | 01-01-2009 |
20090012579 | ACTIVATING A NON-ISOMETRIC FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT THROUGH ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that activates a muscle to produce a functional movement in a subject through electrical stimulation. During operation, the system first obtains a non isometric model which defines a functional movement associated with the muscle in response to electrical stimulation of the muscle. Next, the system uses the non isometric model to compute an electrical stimulation which produces a desired functional movement in the subject. The system then applies the computed electrical stimulation to the muscle to produce the desired functional movement in the subject. | 01-08-2009 |
20090018610 | System and methods for assessing the neuromuscular pathway prior to nerve testing - The present invention involves a system and methods for assessing the state of the neuromuscular pathway to ensure further nerve tests aimed at detecting at least one of a breach in a pedicle wall, nerve proximity, nerve direction, and nerve pathology, are not conducted when neuromuscular blockade levels may decrease the reliability of the results. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018611 | Method and apparatus for laryngeal elevator musculature rehabilitation - The current invention generally relates to a method of treating decreased laryngeal elevation. This invention further relates to the use of a neuro-orthotic device in combination with electrical stimulation of the submandibular muscles to treat laryngeal elevator musculature. This invention also relates to muscle re-education and rehabilitation using a neuro-orthotic device in combination with electrical stimulation of the submandibular muscles to treat laryngeal elevator musculature. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018612 | Exercise Apparatus For A Person With Muscular Deficiency - An exercise system for exercising at least one limb, such as the legs, of a subject with spinal cord injury or deficiency. The system comprises an exercise bicycle having a crank and pedals to which the feet of the subject can be mounted, and a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system. The FES system stimulates the muscles of the legs and includes a transducer mountable to at least one of the legs of the subject that outputs signals representative of the position and/or movement of the leg when performing the exercise. The FES system further includes a control means that receives and processes the signals output by the transducer and outputs control signals to a stimulator that through electrodes provides electrical stimulation to the legs of the subject so as to cause the legs to drive the crank of the bicycle. | 01-15-2009 |
20090030481 | Implantable Microphone for Treatment of Neurological Disorders - A system and method is described for adjunct electrical neuromodulation therapy of neurological disorders. In response to a detected event sensed by an implantable microphone, a targeted component is selectively stimulated by electrical stimulation pulses, or a therapeutically effective amount of a selected drug may be delivered to a targeted physiological function location. | 01-29-2009 |
20090069864 | LOW FREQUENCY MEDICAL DEVICE, METHOD THEREFOR, PROGRAM AND RECORDING MEDIUM - Quantity and time for medical operation are measured after starting the medical operation (step S | 03-12-2009 |
20090082830 | OBTAINING MEASUREMENTS OF MUSCLE REFLEXES FOR DIAGNOSIS OF PATIENT SYMPTOMS - A system and method is disclosed for measuring muscle reflexes (e.g., a bulbocavernosus reflex) as a tool for identifying/diagnosing dysfunctions (e.g., spinal cord abnormalities, bladder voiding dysfunction, and sexual organ dysfunction) non-invasively by using mechanical stimulation. The system and method includes a probe having a predetermined patient contacting portion, wherein when the contacting portion is moved into contact with a particular area of the patient (e.g., the patient's genitals), the contact induces a muscle reflex. The probe detects the pressure resulting from the contacting portion being abruptly and forcibly brought into contact with the particular area. Such detection is used to electronically initiate capture of electrical responses from a plurality of electrodes placed on the patient's skin in proximity to the particular area. Such electrical responses are processed to determine characteristics of the patient's reflexes of one or more muscles adjacent to the electrodes. | 03-26-2009 |
20090105785 | THERAPY PROGRAM SELECTION - A therapy program is selected based on a patient state, where the patient state comprises at least one of a movement state, sleep state or speech state. In this way, therapy delivery is tailored to the patient state, which may include specific patient symptoms. The therapy program is selected from a plurality of stored therapy programs that comprise therapy programs associated with a respective one at least two of the movement, sleep, and speech states. Techniques for determining a patient state include receiving volitional patient input or detecting biosignals generated within the patient's brain. The biosignals are nonsymptomatic and may be incidental to the movement, sleep, and speech states or generated in response to volitional patient input. | 04-23-2009 |
20090105786 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STRENGTHENING SYNAPTIC CONNECTIONS - The invention provides a method and device for inducing a conditioned neural response in a subject. The method comprises detecting spike activity in a first neural site in the subject; and delivering a stimulus pulse to a second neural site in the subject. The stimulus pulse is delivered within the time window for synaptic strengthening following the detecting of a spike. These two steps, detection and stimulation, are repeated continuously, typically for a day or two. The conditioned neural response is induced when a pattern of neural activity evoked by stimulation at the first neural site emulates a pattern of neural activity evoked by stimulation at the second neural site. The conditioned neural response persists for an extended period of time. | 04-23-2009 |
20090112285 | AORTIC PACEMAKER - The present invention depicts an implantable artificial pacemaker (AAP) comprising oscillatory means providing pulsating signals at a pre-selected frequency, wherein the pacemaker is pacing the aorta. The invention also describes an AAP further comprising; (i) a plurality of sensors disposed internally or externally to the aorta; and (ii) a pacing means in which the AAP stimulates the aortic media, augmenting physiological aortic elastic recoil. An AAP further comprising a processor capable of obtaining information from sensors and triggering an appropriate contraction wave in the aortic media is also introduced. A method of managing aortic rhythm comprising; (i) implanting an AAP comprising oscillatory means; and (ii) pulsating signals at a preselected frequency, so as to pace the aorta and in which the pulsating signals are provided by synchronizing and coordinating activation impulses in a portion of the aorta using electrical impulses is also taught. | 04-30-2009 |
20090118790 | Measurement and stimulation of muscle tissue - An apparatus ( | 05-07-2009 |
20090171417 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR EMG-TRIGGERED NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - A system and methods for EMG-triggered NMES include a display of a target reference signal indicator and an EMG signal indicator. The target reference signal may be automatically adjusted in a continuous manner over time until the detected EMG signal reaches the target reference signal. Once the EMG signal reaches the target reference signal, a stimulation signal is sent to stimulate the muscle or muscles to contract. The stimulation signal includes an exponentially increasing portion so as to minimize pain. The entire system may be controlled via a single control knob. | 07-02-2009 |
20090177244 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMPROVING BLOOD FLOW BY A SERIES OF ELECTRICALLY-INDUCED MUSCULAR CONTRACTIONS - A treatment method and device for promoting a localized increase in the flow of blood through a blood vessel in an area of the body, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a system including: (i) at least a first electrode operatively contacting a first portion of body tissue; (ii) at least a second electrode operatively contacting a second portion of body tissue; and (iii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, for providing a plurality of electrical impulses to the electrodes; (b) applying the electrical impulses so as to subject the muscular tissue to at least one voltage differential, thereby inducing repeated, contracting, directional movement of muscular tissue associated within the blood vessel, so as to produce a localized increase in the flow of blood through the blood vessel. | 07-09-2009 |
20090204175 | ELECTROSTIMULATING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An electrostimulating apparatus comprises a generating arrangement for generating electric pulses organised in sequences having preset values of typical parameters, the typical parameters comprising amplitude, width and frequency of the pulses, a plurality of stimulation channels such as to dispense the sequences to body zones of an organism in an independent manner, a varying arrangement suitable for varying at least one of the typical parameters in such a way as to substantially prevent the organism from habituating to the electric pulses; a method for electrostimulating an organism comprises: producing a sequence of electric pulses having a relaxing effect and a further sequence of electric pulses having a vasoactive effect; dispensing the sequence to body zones of the organism, and further dispensing the further sequence to further body zones of the organism, the body zones and the further body zones comprising agonist muscles and antagonist muscles of a neuromuscular compartment comprised in the organism. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204176 | System and Methods for Performing Percutaneous Pedicle Integrity Assessments - The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments involving the use of neurophysiology. | 08-13-2009 |
20090210030 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING NEUROMUSCULAR PERFORMANCES - The invention concerns a method for improving neuromuscular performances, characterised in that it is based on an Alpha-conditioning technique, carried out by a suitable stimulus of the nervous sensors during the voluntary muscular contraction, in that it transforms the mechanical properties of the soft tissues, developing a high-pass mechanical filter, in that it delivers a controlled and that can be modulated mechanical force signal destined to be read by force isometric nervous receptors, and in that it creates an illusory perception of the articular positioning. | 08-20-2009 |
20090222060 | SELF CONTAINED DEVICE WITH TREATMENT CYCLE FOR ELECTROSTIMULATION - An electro-stimulation device for the stimulation of the musculature of the pelvic floor complex e.g. for the treatment of anterior and posterior pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is fully self-contained. The device requires no external power sources or control and may be inserted into the vagina or anus through the use of an applicator. The device uses a pre-programmed treatment cycle of stimulating pulses. The cycle comprises either a waveform with an initial phase where the current of the device is ramped from an initial level to a higher level, a second phase where the current is ramped from the higher level from the first phase to a second higher level and a third phase where the current is maintained at the second higher level, or a waveform comprising two or more components each component being a train of regularly spaced pulses or a combination of these two waveforms. | 09-03-2009 |
20090240304 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO STIMULATE CELL INITIATED NITRIC OXIDE (NO) ACTIVATION, INTERSTITIAL PROTEIN CLEARANCE, AND ANGIOGENESIS - Methods and apparatus to restore central and peripheral disorders/dysfunction caused by edema, ischemia, and nitric oxide (NO) deficiency and to improve or facilitate muscle performance (e.g. endurance and recovery) by utilizing a device which stimulates cell initiated NO activation, promotes interstitial protein clearance, and induces angiogenesis. By use of these methods and apparatus, it is possible to treat a number of disorders/diseases caused by a deficiency of nitric oxide, a lack of proper circulation and vascularity, a build up of proteins and increased tissue water content due to injury; and to improve or facilitate muscle performance (e.g., muscle endurance and muscle recovery. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240305 | Apparatus controlling electrical stimulation and/or health training/monitoring - An apparatus, method, and medium for generating electrical stimulation, including an electromyogram detector detecting an electromyographic signal of a body, a fatigue index calculator calculating a fatigue index indicating a degree of muscle fatigue by converting the electromyographic signal detected by the electromyogram detector during a predetermined time unit into a frequency-domain electromyographic signal, and an electrical stimulation signal generator adjusting an electrical stimulation signal according to the calculated fatigue index and generating the electrical stimulation signal. Accordingly, a health training/monitoring apparatus can include an electrical stimulation generator adjusting an electrical stimulation signal according to a degree of fatigue and generating the electrical stimulation signal, a physical activity monitor monitoring a physical activity using at least one of a heart rate measurer and an accelerometer, and a mode selector selectively driving the electrical stimulation generator or the physical activity monitor according to an amount of the physical activity. | 09-24-2009 |
20090299436 | MITIGATION OF PRESSURE ULCERS USING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - There is provided a method for mitigating or preventing formation of pressure ulcers in a patient by transmitting an electrical stimulus to a skin portion of a patient sufficient to effect contraction of a muscle, wherein the method includes a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The method includes over a period of at least about one hour, continuously switching between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation. For each instance of the first mode of operation, the first mode of operation lasts a respective predetermined stimulus time duration, and a respective operative electrical stimulus, sufficient to effect contraction of a muscle, is transmitted to the skin portion, thereby effecting contraction of the muscle, during the entire, or substantially the entire, respective predetermined stimulus time duration. For each instance of the second mode of operation, the second mode of operation lasts a respective predetermined relaxation time duration, and the muscle is relaxed during the entire, or substantially the entire, respective predetermined relaxation time duration. | 12-03-2009 |
20090319003 | Electrical Stimulation Method for Reduction of Joint Compression - An electrical stimulation method for the reduction of joint compression is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the method utilizes an electrical stimulation device that includes a plurality of channels of electrodes each of which includes at least a first and second electrode positioned in electrical contact with tissue of at least two muscles crossing a joint. Agonist/antagonist muscles involved in abduction/adduction, flexion/extension, supination/pronation, protraction/retraction, and/or eversion/inversion of body regions via joint movement are stimulated with a patterned series of electrical pulses through channels of electrodes in accordance with a procedure for reducing joint compression. The patterned series of electrical pulses may comprise: a plurality of cycles of a biphasic sequential pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a biphasic overlapping pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a triphasic sequential pulse train pattern; and a plurality of cycles of a triphasic overlapping pulse train pattern. | 12-24-2009 |
20090326606 | Method and Apparatus of Breathing-Controlled Electrical Stimulation for Skeletal Muscles - Methods and devices are provided such that electrical stimulation can be delivered to a patient's skeletal muscles in response to certain respiratory signals, such as when voluntary breathing is detected. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326607 | Electrical Stimulation Method for Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy - An electrical stimulation method for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the method utilizes an electrical stimulation device that includes a plurality of channels of electrodes each of which includes a first and second electrode positioned in electrical contact with tissue of a target region suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Agonist/antagonist muscles involved in abduction/adduction, flexion/extension, supination/pronation, protraction/retraction, and/or eversion/inversion in the peripheral body regions are stimulated with a patterned series of electrical pulses through channels of electrodes in accordance with a procedure for treating peripheral neuropathy. The patterned series of electrical pulses may comprise: a plurality of cycles of a biphasic sequential pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a biphasic overlapping pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a triphasic sequential pulse train pattern; and a plurality of cycles of a triphasic overlapping pulse train pattern. | 12-31-2009 |
20100004715 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED MUSCLE STIMULATION - The invention provides systems and methods for neuromuscular electrical stimulation to muscle tissue. Stimulation electrodes and sensors may be provided, such that signals provided by the sensors may affect the signals provided to the stimulation electrodes, thus providing a feedback. Stimulation electrodes may be provided on a stimulation pad and sensors may be provided on a sensing pad, which may be designed to conform to an anatomical feature. A system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation may also include temperature sensitive elements that may help prevent burns, especially for comatose, sedated, or patients in critical condition. The system may also include a cooling assembly for a stimulation pad. | 01-07-2010 |
20100010568 | SENSORY MOTOR STIMULATION GARMENT AND METHOD - A garment for stimulation of a wearer's sensory motor system. The garment includes a main body portion that includes an anterior portion and a posterior portion and at least one sensory motor stimulation member associated with the main body portion. The garment is configured to be worn over at least a portion of the wearer's torso and is form-fitting when worn by the wearer. The at least one sensory motor stimulation member contacts the wearer's skin when the garment is worn and is fabricated of an elastomeric material that causes the garment to stimulate the cutaneous nerve receptors in the wearer's skin contacted by the at least one sensory motor stimulation member. | 01-14-2010 |
20100016921 | RESONANT MUSCLE STIMULATOR - A method and apparatus use resonant pulses to treat diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and other maladies by applying a stimulating signal to promote and manipulate blood flow. The stimulating signal may include a resonant sequence that includes at least three pulses, where the pulses of the resonant sequence are spaced relative to one another such that each pulse subsequent to a first pulse in the sequence is effective to progressively stimulate and create tension in a musculature that includes the muscle inwardly from the electrodes and towards the center of the musculature while maintaining the tension created in at least a portion of the musculature by each preceding pulse in the resonant sequence | 01-21-2010 |
20100036455 | MEASUREMENT AND USE OF IN-SOCKET RESIDUAL LIMB VOLUME CHANGE DATA FOR PROSTHETIC FITTING - Changes in the volume of residual limbs on which prosthetic sockets are worn can be measured based on bioimpedance measurements along one or more segments of the limb. A current at an appropriate frequency (e.g., in the range from 1 kHz to 1 MHz) is injected at two current electrodes that contact the skin of the residual limb. The voltage at the voltage electrodes disposed between the current electrodes is measured and using an appropriate model, the change in the segmented volume of the limb can be determined during periods of different activity and at different times during the day. This information can be used for assessing the fit of the socket and can also provide a feedback signal for automatically controlling volume management devices, to ensure a more comfortable fit when the volume of the limb is changing. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036456 | System for electrical stimulation of muscles or nerves - The invention relates to a system ( | 02-11-2010 |
20100042182 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PREVENTING ANKLE SPRAIN INJURIES - Devices and methods for preventing ankle sprain injuries. To protect the ankle joint from acute ankle supination or inversion sprain injuries, the device comprises a sensing part configured to sense data of an ankle motion; an analyzing part configured to analyze the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and a stimulating part configured to stimulate one or more lower limb muscles against the motion in light of a result of the analyzing. The method also involves sensing data of an ankle motion; analyzing the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and stimulating one or more lower limb muscles against the motion if the motion is a sprain motion. | 02-18-2010 |
20100049278 | METHOD OF SELECTING SPECIFIC SKELETAL MUSCLE HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO HUMAN PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE, DEVICE FOR SELECTING SPECIFIC SKELETAL MUSCLE, METHOD OF EVALUATING STRESS DURING WORK, AND SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING STRESS DURING WORK - The selecting method and apparatus for selecting a specific skeletal muscle affected by a psychological state of a person from skeletal muscles of the person apply at least a first stimulus to the person to bring the person into an uncomfortable state, acquire muscle activity information of each of the skeletal muscles when the first stimulus is applied to the person and select the specific skeletal muscle based on the muscle activity information of each of the skeletal muscles by the first stimulus. The stress evaluating method and system acquire the muscle activity information of the person during an operation for the selected specific skeletal muscle selected by the selecting method and apparatus, and evaluate a degree of stress placed on the person during the operation based on the acquired muscle activity information. | 02-25-2010 |
20100087893 | Operant Conditioning-Based Device for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Method of Use - The present invention is an apparatus and method for treating, preventing, and ameliorating sleep-related breathing disorders wherein the apparatus includes a central frame positioned between the upper teeth on the hard palate of the user and a movable response lever extending inward from the central frame toward the throat and soft palate of the user. | 04-08-2010 |
20100094379 | Method of Stimulating a Hypoglossal Nerve for Controlling the Position of a Patient's Tongue - A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. Methods may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. | 04-15-2010 |
20100114239 | METHODS FOR TREATING CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DAMAGE - Methods for the treatment of CNS damage are described, and include inducing in a subject in need of such treatment, a therapeutically effective amount of functional electronic stimulation (FES) sufficient to evoke patterned movement in the subject's muscles, the control of which has been affected by the CNS damage. The induction of FES-evoked patterned movement at least partially restores lost motor and sensory function, and stimulates regeneration of neural progenitor cells in the subject patient. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114240 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACIAL NERVE STIMULATION - A method for stimulating facial nerves in a subject with synkinetic reinnervated muscles includes providing an electrode, having a plurality of contacts, in a parotic region of the subject's face, stimulating each of the contacts separately, identifying one or more contacts from the plurality of contacts that cause one or more nerve branches to activate a desired facial muscle, and selecting the identified contacts to stimulate the one or more nerve branches. The system includes an electrode having a plurality of contacts for placement in a parotic region of the subject's face and a processor in communication with the electrode. The processor has program code for stimulating each of the contacts separately, for identifying one or more contacts from the plurality of contacts that cause one or more nerve branches to activate a desired facial muscle, and for selecting the identified contacts to stimulate the one or more nerve branches. | 05-06-2010 |
20100152810 | Facial stimulation apparatus - The invention relates to facial stimulation apparatus configured to be worn in a generally horizontal orientation on a user's head, and which uses the ear ( | 06-17-2010 |
20100174342 | TREMOR REDUCTION SYSTEMS SUITABLE FOR SELF-APPLICATION AND USE IN DISABLED PATIENTS - Apparatus for tremor reduction including a sensor for sensing muscle movements, a stimulation/recording electrode unit for providing Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to a muscle, the stimulation/recording electrode unit including a filter for filtering around a tremor frequency to ignore slow movements and high frequency noise associated with the muscle movements that were sensed, and a processor for generating a set of relationships of muscle response to the FES, called FES-muscle-response relationships, and for selecting a new FES for application to the muscle in accordance with acquired knowledge of the FES-muscle-response relationships. An apparatus and a helmet for effecting proper alignment and application of a stimulation/recording electrode to a patient's arm and neck region, respectively, are also described. | 07-08-2010 |
20100185259 | GARMENT FOR ELECTRICALLY STIMULATING MUSCLES - A garment for electrically stimulating muscles is provided to be used for, e.g., rehabilitation or exercise whereby an electrode can be conveniently provided at such a position as allowing the electrode to stimulate the nerve-muscular junction of a muscle to be moved in toning up the muscle through electrical stimulation on the muscle by taking advantage of the muscular contraction caused by electrically stimulating the muscle. A garment for electrically stimulating muscles comprises a garment body, a required number of openings which are provided in the garment body in such a manner that each opening is located at the nerve-muscular junction or in the vicinity of the nerve-muscular junction of a muscle to be moved in the case where a wearer wears the garment body, and electrodes provided at the respective openings in such a manner that each electrode located on the skin surface at the nerve-muscular junction or in the vicinity of the nerve-muscular junction of a muscle in the case where a wearer wears the garment body. | 07-22-2010 |
20100217349 | Systems and Methods of Powered Muscle Stimulation Using an Energy Guidance Field - NMES systems and methods for stimulating muscle tissue, and in some embodiments deep muscle tissue. The impedance near the surface of the skin is controllably increased to increase the percentage of energy delivered to a subject that stimulates muscle tissue. | 08-26-2010 |
20100234919 | Electrotherapy Device and Method - A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject, comprising an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element provided on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. Application of at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes stimulates the abdominal muscles of the subject. | 09-16-2010 |
20100241190 | ONSET-MITIGATING HIGH-FREQUENCY NERVE BLOCK - A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time. | 09-23-2010 |
20100241191 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING DEGLUTITION - Methods and systems for artificially stimulating user deglutition without substantial aspiration are provided. Methods and systems include artificially stimulating user deglutition according to various specialized programs, including passive user secretion maintenance programs, active feeding programs, proprioceptive feedback programs, and others. | 09-23-2010 |
20100286748 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING AN IMPAIRED NERVOUS SYSTEM TO A MUSCLE OR A GROUP OF MUSCLES BASED ON TEMPLATE MATCHING AND INTELLIGENT END POINTS - A method and system for connecting an impaired nervous system of a patient to a destination target of a muscle, group of muscles, or robotic device. A command module implanted within the patient's body: (i) samples analog electrical neural signals generated by neurons or nerve fibers of the patient; (ii) processes the neural signals to generate spatial digital data in sample matrices; (iii) processes multiple consecutive sample matrices in real time using sliding window method to generate a time dependent window matrix; (iv) and matches the window matrix to source movement templates to generate high-level movement command(s) which is wirelessly transmitted to driver module(s) within the patient's body and attached to the destination target. The driver module matches the high-level movement commands to destination movement templates to generate a digital stimulus. The digital stimulus is translated into an electrical stimulus which is applied to the destination target. | 11-11-2010 |
20100312307 | ELECTROTHERAPY APPARATUS - The invention relates to an electrotherapy apparatus facilitating accurate and repeatable application to a neuromuscular area to be treated by a patient. The apparatus comprises a flexible garment ( | 12-09-2010 |
20110004269 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR FOR PROVIDING FUNCTIONAL AND/OR THERAPEUTIC STIMULATION OF MUSCLES AND/OR NERVES AND/OR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TISSUE - Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide an implantable pulse generator for prosthetic or therapeutic stimulation of muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The implantable pulse generator is sized and configured to be implanted subcutaneously in a tissue region. The implantable pulse generator includes an electrically conductive laser welded titanium case. Control circuitry is located within the case, and includes a primary cell or rechargeable power source, a receive coil for receiving an RF magnetic field to recharge the rechargeable power source, and a microcontroller for control of the implantable pulse generator. Improved assemblies, systems, and methods also provide a stimulation system for prosthetic or therapeutic stimulation of muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The stimulation system provides at least one electrically conductive surface, a lead connected to the electrically conductive surface, and an implantable pulse generator electrically connected to the lead. | 01-06-2011 |
20110004270 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EFFECTUATING A LASTING CHANGE IN A NEURAL-FUNCTION OF A PATIENT - 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. | 01-06-2011 |
20110015696 | Adaptive Muscle Stimulation Apparatus and Methods - A portable device, with requisite method, is used to support a compromised joint, such as by arthritis, through dynamic stimulation of the surrounding musculature. Direct feedback, preferably from the patient wearing the device, is used during problematic joint operation to qualify dynamic measured or calculated spacial or physical conditions of the compromised joint for use as state definitions. Approximation of these state definitions by subsequent spacial or physical conditions of the compromised joint evokes variable stimulation of the surrounding musculature. State definitions so qualified, as well as control of stimulation output, may include magnitude and/or vector of joint force, facilitating predictable benefit from the device beyond that available through positional control. | 01-20-2011 |
20110022116 | Neural Electronic Interface Device For Motor And Sensory Controls of Human Body - Provided is a neural electronic interface (NEI) device for motor and sensory controls of a human body, into which wireless technology, a smart micro-sensor, and a nano probe pin device (PPD) are integrated and which is implanted into a brain of a patient having abnormal motor and sensory functions to monitor activities of a cerebral nerve or stimulate a cerebral nerve. The NEI device includes: a deep brain monitoring and stimulation (DBMS) module which is implanted through a skull to contact the cerebral nerve of the patient; and a hat module which is installed at a hat put on a head of the patient, wirelessly supplies power to the DBMS module, and performs a wireless communication with the DBMS module to transmit a control signal to control the DBMS module according to nervous system data monitored and fed back from the DBMS module. | 01-27-2011 |
20110054566 | Electrostimulation devices - A hand held electrostimulation device includes a housing that has a first housing part and a second housing part, at least one first electrode carried by the first housing part and at least one second electrode carried by the second housing part. The electrostimulation device has a controller to control a supply of electricity to the electrodes. The first and second electrodes are spaced apart and the spacing of the electrodes is adjustable by relative to movement of the first and second housing parts. | 03-03-2011 |
20110071595 | SYSTEM FOR USING ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW IN BODY PARTS - A system for stimulating muscles and increasing blood flow in one or more specific body parts is provided. This system includes at least one electrode adapted to be placed circumferentially around a body part, wherein the at least one electrode is operative to deliver electrical impulses sufficient to induce muscle contractions in the body part; at least one stimulation module in electrical communication with the at least one electrode, wherein the at least one stimulation module is operative to provide electrical impulses to the at least one electrode; and a control module in electrical communication with the at least one stimulation module, wherein the at least one control module is operative to control the characteristics of the electrical impulses. | 03-24-2011 |
20110082517 | Device and Method for Activating the Natural Venous Muscle Pump using Electrical Stimulation Compounded by External Pressure - A device and method for promoting a localized increase in a flow of blood through veins in a conical limb segment of a user, the device including: (a) a compression unit, adapted to at least partially envelope the conical limb segment, and (b) an electrical stimulation unit including: (i) a plurality of electrodes, each adapted to operatively contact the limb segment; (ii) a signal generator, operatively connected to at least one of the electrodes, and adapted to electrically connect to a power supply, whereby, when the electrodes are disposed on the limb segment, the signal generator provides a series of electrical impulses to the limb segment via the electrodes, to contract at least one muscle in the limb segment in at least one region of contraction, to effect the localized increase in the flow of blood, and (iii) a control unit, associated with the signal generator, and configured to control the signal generator to produce the series of electrical stimulation impulses, the electrodes physically attached to the compression unit and at least partially disposed thereunder, the compression unit having an inside face adapted to deliver, to a surface of the limb segment, a constant, superatmospheric pressure of at least 5 mmHg. | 04-07-2011 |
20110093035 | CUFF ASSEMBLY - A cuff assembly includes a frame assembly configured to be positioned about a limb of a user and support a functional electrical stimulation system, and an over center closure mechanism coupled to the frame assembly and configured to secure the frame assembly relative to the limb, the over center closure mechanism being located on a medial side of the limb when the frame assembly is positioned about the limb. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093036 | Implantable Electrical Stimulator - An implantable stimulator for stimulating muscles or nerves, including, an array of electrodes for electrically stimulating muscles or nerves, a controller for controlling the activity of the electrodes, and wherein the controller is adapted to dynamically select the electrodes that are used to participate in stimulating the muscles or nerves. | 04-21-2011 |
20110098783 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO REGULATE ARMS, LEGS, HANDS AND OTHER SKELETAL MUSCLES BY NEURO-ELECTRICAL CODED SIGNALS - A method and system to control skeletal muscles generally comprising generating at least one coded waveform signal that is substantially similar to at least one coded waveform signal that is generated in the body and is operative in the control of at least a first skeletal muscle, and transmitting the generated waveform signal to a subject requiring medical treatment to control its first skeletal muscle. Additionally, neuro-electrical coded signals are utilized to control skeletal shoulder, arm, hand and finger muscles. Such signals may also be employed for controlling the movement and locomotion of lower limbs by means of neuro-electrical coded signals. | 04-28-2011 |
20110112604 | MITIGATION OF PRESSURE ULCERS USING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - A method is provided for mitigating or preventing formation of pressure ulcers by transmitting an electrical stimulus sufficient to effect contraction of a loaded muscle, wherein the method comprises the steps of providing an electrical transmission for effecting contraction of the loaded muscle, transmitting sufficient electrical stimulation to the muscle to contract it for a predetermined period of time (the ON period), and ceasing transmission of the stimulus to the muscle for a predetermined period of muscle relaxation (the OFF period), whereby the predetermined period of relaxation is sufficient to cause sustained reoxygenation of the activated muscle. | 05-12-2011 |
20110112605 | Synergistic Muscle Activation Device - Systems and methods of use for guiding the flow of energy through a subject to stimulate tissue. | 05-12-2011 |
20110172735 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERAPY - An electrotherapy stimulation device is provided. In an embodiment the electrotherapy stimulation device may include a cranial electrical stimulation module with a pulse generator system, a processor, and a memory. The processor can be configured to control the pulse generation system and the memory can be configured to store instructions that cause the processor to cause the pulse generator to generate cranial stimulation waveforms. The electrotherapy stimulation device may also include a body stimulation module that is coupled to the cranial stimulation system and configured to operate in conjunction with it. One example body stimulation module is an electrical muscle stimulation module. Additionally, the electrotherapy stimulation device may be used to stimulate a patient's mind and body by following a protocol that can including predetermined e-yoga, power vector, classical sequence, dynamic rotation, micro-massage, and body care. | 07-14-2011 |
20110184489 | METHOD OF TREATING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND OTHER MOVEMENT DISORDERS - The present invention relates, in general, to movement disorders and, in particular, to a method of treating movement disorders, including Parkinson's Disease. | 07-28-2011 |
20110190848 | Method and Apparatus for Laryngeal Elevator Musculature Rehabilitation - The method of treating decreased laryngeal elevation uses a neuro-orthotic device in combination with electrical stimulation of the submandibular muscles to treat the laryngeal elevator musculature. Muscle re-education and rehabilitation is provided using a neuro-orthotic device in combination with electrical stimulation of the submandibular muscles to treat laryngeal elevator musculature. | 08-04-2011 |
20110224755 | SPINAL CORD IMPLANT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for transferring spinal cord signals comprises a superior electrode and an inferior electrode. The superior electrode interfaces with a first portion of a spinal cord of a human body; and the inferior electrode interfaces with a second portion of the spinal cord. The superior electrode has at least one superior contact for receiving signals from the first portion of the spinal cord to transmit to the inferior electrode; and the inferior electrode has at least one inferior contact for transmitting signals received from the superior electrode to the second portion of the spinal cord. | 09-15-2011 |
20110276108 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES - A method of and apparatus for stimulating pelvic floor muscles in a patient comprises applying at least one electrode externally to each side of the patient's body in the region of the pelvis, and energising the electrodes to apply a muscular stimulation current which flows laterally across the patient through the patient's pelvic floor. Preferably a plurality of electrodes are applied symmetrically on each side of the body. The electrodes may be incorporated in a garment. | 11-10-2011 |
20110295338 | BCI APPARATUS FOR STROKE REHABILITATION - A BCI apparatus ( | 12-01-2011 |
20120016440 | NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION SYSTEM - A wearable neuromuscular stimulation and neuroprosthetic system and device for treating spinal cord injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions; and for the management of chronic pain. This invention provides a system for transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation and typically comprises a wearable item that further includes a flexible, non-conductive material; at least one flexible, generally flat electrode attachable to or embedded within the wearable item; and a programmable electrical stimulation device connectable to the electrode(s). Each electrode typically includes a silver-impregnated or silver-treated material. | 01-19-2012 |
20120029592 | Method and Apparatus for Diagnosing and Treating Neural Dysfunction - A method and apparatus for diagnosing and treating neural dysfunction is disclosed. This device has the capability of delivering the therapeutic electrical energy to more than one treatment electrode simultaneously. In another exemplary embodiment, this device can perform EMG testing both before and after the therapeutic energy has been delivered, to assess whether the target nerve was successfully treated. In another embodiment, the device has the capability to record and store sensory stimulation thresholds both before and after treatment is described, which allows the clinician to accurately determine whether the target nerve has been desensitized. Energy control may achieved by simultaneously comparing the tip temperature of each treatment electrode to a set temperature selected by the operator, and regulating the therapeutic energy output to maintain the set temperature. In another embodiment, EMG, stimulation thresholds, and graphs of temperature versus time can be conveniently displayed on a two-dimensional graphics display. | 02-02-2012 |
20120041513 | Device - The present invention provides a method and device for reduction of or treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the method comprising causing isometric stimulation of the leg muscles to promote blood flow. Other embodiments provide treatment for other circulatory disorders of the lower limbs and/or the systemic circulation. | 02-16-2012 |
20120065702 | AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF LEAD CONFIGURATION FOR A NEURAL STIMULATION LEAD - A neurostimulation system includes a neural stimulation lead having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including a plurality of electrodes along the distal portion. The plurality of electrodes are configured for positioning proximate a portion of the autonomic nervous system. A neural stimulation circuit, coupled to the plurality of electrodes, delivers neural stimulation pulses to the plurality of electrodes. A processor and controller is configured to control the neural stimulation circuit to deliver first neural stimulation pulses to each of a plurality of electrode configurations. Each electrode configuration includes one or more of the plurality of electrodes. The processor and controller is further configured to receive information related to motor fiber activity that is induced in response to delivery of the first neural stimulation pulses to each of the plurality of electrode configurations and to identify the electrode configurations that induce the motor fiber activity. | 03-15-2012 |
20120116478 | AUTOMATED ADAPTIVE MUSCLE STIMULATION METHOD AND APPARATUS - An automated adaptive muscle stimulation system and method are disclosed. The stimulation system includes at least one electrode assembly adapted to deliver a muscle stimulation signal to the tissue of a user, a sensor system adapted to detect a muscle response, and an electrical stimulation device operably coupled to the at least on electrode assembly and the sensor system, the electrical stimulation device including a control system operable to automatically diagnose at least one characteristic of a muscle from the detected muscle response and adjust at least one parameter of the muscle stimulation signal in response thereto to deliver an adjusted muscle stimulation signal. A dual mode muscle stimulation system adapted to accept first and second data sets and provide first and second levels of treatment data is also disclosed. | 05-10-2012 |
20120136412 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SKELETAL MUSCLES BY MEANS OF NEURO-ELECTRICAL CODED SIGNALS - A system and method for controlling a skeletal muscle by means of a neuro-electrical coded signal. An actual neuro-coded signal that are naturally generated in a body and are operative in control of a skeletal muscle can be collected from a nervous network and stored in a database associated with an electronic device. An implantable muscle control device having one or more electrodes can be directly attached to an appropriate nerve leading to one or more target skeletal muscles associated with a subject. The actual neuro-coded signal can then be selected from the database and broadcasted to the implantable device associated with the subject via a neuro-code transmission approach in order to activate and regulate the affected skeletal muscles. | 05-31-2012 |
20120136413 | PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE TRAINING - Electrical stimulation is delivered to a patient based on input from a patient indicative of an intent of the patient to contract a pelvic floor muscle or an attempt by the patient to contract the pelvic floor muscle. The electrical stimulation is configured to induce a contraction of the pelvic floor muscle of the patient to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle. | 05-31-2012 |
20120143282 | ELECTRIC STIMULATOR - An electric stimulator includes a stimulation circuit block having a stimulation electrode that stimulates nerves or muscles in a living body and a stimulation circuit that is electrically connected to the stimulation electrode to apply a stimulation signal to the stimulation electrode. Additionally, the electric stimulator further includes a support that is connected to the stimulation circuit block to hold the stimulation electrode at an implantation position in the living body. The stimulation circuit block and the support, except for at least one end of the support, have a shape configured to be inserted into the duct of a tubular insertion tool. | 06-07-2012 |
20120158094 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TARGETED TREATMENT OF MOVEMENT DISORDERS - Devices, systems and methods are provided for the targeted treatment of movement disorders. Typically, the systems and devices are used to stimulate one or more dorsal root ganglia while minimizing or excluding undesired stimulation of other tissues, such as surrounding or nearby tissues, ventral root and portions of the anatomy associated with body regions which are not targeted for treatment. The dorsal root ganglia are utilized in particular due to their specialized role in movement. It is in these areas that sensory fibers are isolated from motor fibers. Sensory fibers are involved in a variety of reflexes that are involved in movement control, and these reflexes can be utilized in the treatment of various movement disorders. Thus, by stimulating sensory fibers in these areas, fundamental reflexes can be affected to lessen the symptoms of movement disorders. | 06-21-2012 |
20120203305 | MUSCLE STIMULATOR AND CONTROL METHODS THEREFOR - Apparatus and methods for muscle stimulation and control of muscle stimulators are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an electrical muscle stimulator includes a belt having a plurality of stimulator pads, a pulse width modulator controlled by a feedback loop, the PWM providing output to control voltages of the stimulator pads, and a control unit to control the PWM and feedback loop. In various embodiments, the control unit monitors PWM output values during a rest phase of a cycle of the muscle stimulator, provides a contraction phase, and following a sag after the contraction phase, uses PWM values from the rest phase to set a voltage for a subsequent rest phase of a next cycle. | 08-09-2012 |
20120226330 | ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION - The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for electrical stimulation of muscle tissue. Electrodes ( | 09-06-2012 |
20120239111 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The present invention describes an apparatus, a system and a method for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment involves monitoring the position of the tongue and/or the force exerted by the tongue and electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve to move the tongue into an anterior position or to maintain the tongue in an anterior position. | 09-20-2012 |
20120271378 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING COMPLEX TISSUE STIMULATION PATTERNS - The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others. | 10-25-2012 |
20120277824 | Method and Apparatus of Breathing-Controlled Electrical Stimulation for Skeletal Muscles - Methods and devices are provided such that electrical stimulation can be delivered to a patient's skeletal muscles in response to certain respiratory signals, such as when voluntary breathing is detected. | 11-01-2012 |
20120290043 | IMPLANTED ENERGY SOURCE - Apparatus and methods are described for use with (a) a muscle of a body of a subject and (b) an implanted functional device. An electrode is electrically coupled to the muscle. A compressible housing is compressed due to the movement of the muscle. An energy assembly includes a flywheel and an energy converter. The energy assembly (a) stores energy extracted from the movement of the muscle, by rotating the flywheel, (b) causes the muscle to undergo movement by driving a current into the muscle, via the electrode, using the stored energy, and (c) powers the implanted functional device using the stored energy. A chamber, in fluid communication with the housing, receives, from the compressible housing, fluid that is expelled from the compressible housing due to the compression of the compressible housing. Other applications are also described. | 11-15-2012 |
20120290044 | Method For Achieving Facial Toning Using Selectively Applied Galvanic Current - A method of toning the facial muscles and tissues in selected target areas involves applying predetermined galvanic currents, frequencies, and polarities to the target areas in specific patters and with particular repetitions and movements selected to provide enhanced cosmetic effects, such as reduced lines and wrinkles, reduced depth of folds, and improved circulation to promote health and vitality. | 11-15-2012 |
20120296393 | SURGICAL IMPLANT FOR ELECTRONIC ACTIVATION OF DYSFUNCTIONAL EUSTACHIAN TUBE - This invention comprises a totally implantable Eustachian tube activation device which is intended for patients suffering from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction ailment. The device electrically stimulates the muscles activating the Eustachian tube to perform the opening maneuver of the Eustachian tube valve to aerate the middle ear cavity. The unit is hermetically sealed in a suitable biocompatible container and implanted in a suitable location in close proximity to Eustachian tube. The frequency of the stimulation of the implant may be fixed or can be altered depending on the condition of the patient. | 11-22-2012 |
20120310303 | APPARATUS FOR EXTERNAL ACTIVATION OF PARALYZED BODY PARTS BY STIMULATION OF PERIPHERAL NERVES - Apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves which comprises a soft apparel provided with multi-pad electrodes on one side and activating means on the other side, wherein the activating means are adapted to allow activation and control of a delivered electrical pulse to each multi-pad electrode separately. | 12-06-2012 |
20130023952 | Device and Method for Treating Dysphagia With Electrical Stimulation - A simple, electrical stimulation and non-invasive method for treating dysphagia and artificially promoting swallowing by simultaneous electrical stimulation of the pharyngeal and facial muscles. The device includes a plurality of electrodes selectively placed in electrical contact with tissue of a pharyngeal and oral-facial regions of a patient and a series of electrical pulses in contact with each of the plurality of electrodes with a generator. The generator includes a pulse rate modulator for generating the electrical pulses each having a frequency fixed at 80 hertz, a pulse width modulator for generating each pulse at a duration generally fixed at 300 microseconds, and a governor for regulating the electrical pulses such that at least one of current so as not to exceed 4.4 milliamps RMS or power so as not to exceed 9.6 MW RMS. The electrical pulses selectively stimulate muscles located proximate to the selectively placed electrodes. | 01-24-2013 |
20130041426 | TRAINING/MEDICAL LOW-FREQUENCY ELECTROMYOSTIMULATING GARMENT - The training/medical electromyostimulating device according to the present invention is realized in the form of a garment to be worn by a person (PE); it comprises at least one electrical myostimulation signals generating device (EMS-LF- | 02-14-2013 |
20130041427 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PREVENTING ANKLE SPRAIN INJURIES - Devices and methods for preventing ankle sprain injuries. To protect the ankle joint from acute ankle supination or inversion sprain injuries, the device comprises a sensing part configured to sense data of an ankle motion; an analyzing part configured to analyze the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and a stimulating part configured to stimulate one or more lower limb muscles against the motion in light of a result of the analyzing. The method also involves sensing data of an ankle motion; analyzing the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and stimulating one or more lower limb muscles against the motion if the motion is a sprain motion. | 02-14-2013 |
20130066395 | NERVE STIMULATION METHODS FOR AVERTING IMMINENT ONSET OR EPISODE OF A DISEASE - Transcutaneous electrical and magnetic nerve stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of averting imminent medical attacks using energy that is delivered noninvasively by the devices. The attacks comprise asthma attack, epileptic seizure, attacks of migraine headache, transient ischemic attack or stroke, onset of atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, onset of ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, panic attack, and attacks of acute depression. The imminence of an attack is forecasted using grey-box or black-box models as used in control theory. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, a vagus nerve in the neck of a patient is stimulated noninvasively to avert the attack. | 03-14-2013 |
20130197605 | STIMULATION ELECTRODE SELECTION - Bioelectrical signals may be sensed within a brain of a patient with a plurality of sense electrode combinations. A stimulation electrode combination for delivering stimulation to the patient to manage a patient condition may be selected based on the frequency band characteristics of the sensed signals. In some examples, a stimulation electrode combination associated with the sense electrode combination that sensed a bioelectrical brain signal having a relatively highest relative beta band power level may be selected to deliver stimulation therapy to the patient. Other frequency bands characteristics may also be used to select the stimulation electrode combination. | 08-01-2013 |
20130253606 | PERIPHERAL NERVE INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROSTHETIC HAND CONTROL - The present disclosure relates to peripheral nerve interface system and method for prosthetic hand control, which may measure, analyze and control efferent motor nerve signals and afferent sensory nerve signals by regenerating a peripheral nerve and control an artificial prosthetic hand by means of the measurement, analysis and control of the signals. For this, the peripheral nerve interface system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a nerve conduit connected to a terminal of a damaged peripheral nerve at a cut body portion; a prosthesis for substituting for the cut body portion; and a peripheral nerve interface unit electrically connected to the nerve conduit and the prosthesis to restore a function of the damaged peripheral nerve and control operations of the prosthesis by transmitting and receiving signals of the damaged peripheral nerve. | 09-26-2013 |
20130253607 | Adaptive Muscle Stimulation Technique - An embodiment of the invention resides in the apparatus and technique of dynamically measuring and storing a biological condition or disposition during the time that one set of conditions are imposed on a joint or body area and applying closed-loop therapeutic action so as to re-achieve that same biological condition or disposition during a subsequent time that another different set of conditions are imposed. Furthermore, dynamic potentials surrounding said joint or body area may be created, bolstered, and/or modulated through aspects of stimulation applied which are independent of those aspects utilized to counteract force incident on the joint or body area. Other embodiments are described herein. | 09-26-2013 |
20130261699 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF FOCAL DYSTONIA - A method and apparatus for using low levels of electrical stimulation to treat focal dystonia by stimulating the afferent nervous system and/or altering the function of the gamma motor neurons innervating muscles which experience symptomatic spasms. | 10-03-2013 |
20130268023 | TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATION - An implantable stimulation device comprises one or more electrodes, a receiving antenna coil, a transmitting antenna coil and a control circuit. The receiving antenna coil is in a first layer, the transmitting antenna coil is in a second layer and the control circuit is in a third layer between the first and second layers. The control circuit is configured to receive signals using the receiving antenna coil, transmit signals using the transmitting antenna coil, and deliver stimulation signals to the one or more electrodes. The receiving antenna coil, the transmitting antenna coil and the control circuit are contained in a hermetically sealed container. | 10-10-2013 |
20130296968 | MUSCLE STIMULATOR AND CONTROL METHODS THEREFOR - Apparatus and methods for muscle stimulation and control of muscle stimulators are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an electrical muscle stimulator includes a belt having a plurality of stimulator pads, a pulse width modulator controlled by a feedback loop, the PWM providing output to control voltages of the stimulator pads, and a control unit to control the PWM and feedback loop. In various embodiments, the control unit monitors PWM output values during a rest phase of a cycle of the muscle stimulator, provides a contraction phase, and following a sag after the contraction phase, uses PWM values from the rest phase to set a voltage for a subsequent rest phase of a next cycle. | 11-07-2013 |
20130310893 | SPATIALLY SELECTIVE VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - By targeting on selected branches or fascicles of a vagus nerve using electrode placement and/or selection, one or more target branches of the vagus nerve are substantially activated by electrical stimulation pulses delivered to a branch without substantially activating one or more non-target branches. In one embodiment, vagus nerve stimulation is delivered through an electrode placed on a thoracic vagus nerve that is separated from a recurrent laryngeal nerve, such that the vagus nerve is stimulated without causing laryngeal muscle contractions. In another embodiment, vagus nerve stimulation is delivered through a multi-contact electrode with one or more contacts selected for delivering the electrical stimulation pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve without causing laryngeal muscle contractions. | 11-21-2013 |
20130331907 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TO A SUBJECT - An apparatus for the electrical stimulation of a subject is provided, the apparatus comprising a contact member having a contact surface for contacting the plantar surface of a foot of the subject; and means for providing an electrical stimulation cycle to the foot of the subject comprising supplying an electrical current to the contact surface for the electrical stimulation of the plantar muscles of the foot of the subject; wherein the contact surface is moveable so as to allow the angle of the joints of the foot and ankle of the subject to change during the electrical stimulation cycle. | 12-12-2013 |
20130338730 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ANCHORING ELECTRODE LEADS ADJACENT TO NERVOUS TISSUE - Apparatus for neuromuscular electrical stimulation and methods for anchoring the same are provided. The apparatus may include an elongated member having one or more electrodes disposed at the distal region of the elongated member and at least one fixation element disposed at the distal region of the elongated member. The fixation element may be shaped and sized to be deployed between tissue layers, such as muscle layers, without damaging the tissue layers so as to secure the one or more electrodes in or adjacent to a desired anatomical site within a patient. An additional fixation element may be disposed at the distal region of the elongated member so that tissue, such as a muscle, may be sandwiched between the fixation elements without damaging the tissue. | 12-19-2013 |
20140005745 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION METHOD FOR REDUCTION OF JOINT COMPRESSION | 01-02-2014 |
20140025136 | WIRELESS CARDIORESONANCE STIMULATION - An apparatus for the cardio-synchronised stimulation of skeletal or smooth muscle, but excluding the heart muscles, in a counterpulsation mode of a patient. The apparatus comprises an active and a passive electrode for attachment to said patient, a signal processor having a configuration input for varying a time delay associated with counterpulsation mode stimulation, and a sensing system for sensing information relating to the performance of the patient's heart and for transmission of information signals to said signal processor, said signal processor producing control signal information relating to stimulation signals to be applied to said active electrode in a counterpulsation mode, a stimulation signal generator Associated with said active electrode for generating stimulation signals, wireless transmission means for transmitting said control signal information from said signal processor to said stimulation signal generator whereby said stimulation signal generator applies stimulation signals to said active electrode in accordance with said signal information. | 01-23-2014 |
20140039573 | NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATOR WITH BATTERY MONITORING, EXTERNAL DATA ADAPTER, AND SIMPLIFIED USER INTERFACE - A portable electronic neuromuscular stimulator monitors its battery and estimates battery end of life from the number of charging cycles and usage history. The stimulator can also be used with an external adapter to retrieve internally stored data regarding usage. A simplified user interface allows the user to input a level of pain both before and after treatment. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039574 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MUSCLE RECONDITIONING AND NEURAL REHABILITATION - A method for treating a patient requiring conditioning of one or more muscle groups comprises applying electrical stimulation to a ventral epidural space of the patient, thereby activating the muscles. The method includes conveying the stimulation energy to one or more motor efferents associated with the muscles through respective one or more electrodes implanted within the ventral epidural space, and thus activating the muscles. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039575 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POST-STROKE NEURAL REHABILITATION - A method for treating a patient suffering from loss of muscle control and/or function in a body region after a stroke includes epidurally applying electrical stimulation to a spinocerebellar tract of the patient (e.g., at or above the vertebral level of the spinal cord where the sensory and motor mapping for the body region are located), thereby increasing cortical excitability and facilitating the patient regaining muscle control and/or function in the body region. The method may include using cortical mapping to determine a cortical region having a residual motor response in or near the body region, implanting an electrode in a lateral epidural space, and applying the electrical stimulation in a manner that causes excitability in the cortical region having the residual motor response, wherein the stimulation is applied by the implanted electrode. The method may include exercising the body region while simultaneously applying the electrical stimulation. | 02-06-2014 |
20140046399 | RESPONSIVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR MOVEMENT DISORDERS - An implantable neurostimulator system for treating movement disorders includes a sensor, a detection subsystem capable of identifying episodes of a movement disorder by analyzing a signal received from the sensor, and a therapy subsystem capable of supplying therapeutic electrical stimulation to treat the movement disorder. The system treats movement disorders by detecting physiological conditions characteristic of an episode of symptoms of the movement disorder and selectively initiating therapy when such conditions are detected. | 02-13-2014 |
20140058476 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REHABILITATING A MUSCLE AND ASSESSING PROGRESS OF REHABILITATION - Apparatus and methods for rehabilitating a muscle are provided including one or more electrodes configured to be positioned in or adjacent to tissue, one or more sensors configured to sense muscle contraction and to generate a sensor signal based on the muscle contraction, and a pulse generator operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes, e.g., via a lead, and having a controller configured to receive the sensor signal and to adjust the stimulation frequency based on the sensor signal to cause the muscle to contract where muscle contraction is smooth and continuous. | 02-27-2014 |
20140058477 | Synergistic Muscle Activation Device - Systems and methods of use for guiding the flow of energy through a subject to stimulate tissue. | 02-27-2014 |
20140067008 | PROTECTING AIRWAYS - An airway of a patient is protected from intrusion of contaminants by monitoring muscles of the patient to detect an attempted cough or swallow, and applying an electrical stimulus to the neck of the patient, varying amplitude and/or frequency over time, the applied electrical stimulus operates to promote an efficacious cough or swallow. The electrical stimulus induces a voltage within a range of greater than zero volts and less than 20 volts, and the frequency have patterned changes between at least about 4 Hz to not more than about 30 Hz. The monitoring is carried out by an electronic device, and the patient may indicate to the electronic device that a swallow or cough is impending. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067009 | ELECTRICAL LIVING BODY STIMULATION SIGNAL WAVEFORM GENERATION DEVICE AND ELECTRICAL LIVING BODY STIMULATION DEVICE - An electrical living body stimulation signal waveform generation device includes a waveform generation unit that generates a low-frequency pulse signal wave and a high-frequency signal wave individually, and a waveform synthesis circuit that superimposes the high-frequency signal wave on the low-frequency pulse signal wave during an ON period of the low-frequency pulse signal wave to form a synthesized wave having a waveform in which a level gradually rises from a point of time when the superimposition is started and the ON period and an OFF period are continuously repeated, wherein the synthesized wave is given as an electrical stimulus to a living body. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067010 | Apparatus for Stimulating Muscles of a Subject and Method of Performing the Same - A method of electrostimulation of the muscles of a subject is provided, the method comprising applying to the subject a plurality electrical pulses to induce contraction of at least one muscle of the subject, each pulse having a pulse width of at least 0.5 milliseconds. An apparatus for the electrostimulation of the muscles of a subject is also provided, the apparatus comprising a generator for generating a plurality of electrical pulses; means for applying the electrical pulses to the subject to induce contraction of at least one muscle of the subject; wherein the generator is operable to produce a plurality of electrical pulses each having a pulse width of at least 0.5 milliseconds. | 03-06-2014 |
20140088664 | Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of achalasia. Individuals with achalasia are treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. | 03-27-2014 |
20140094872 | DELAYING THE ONSET OF MUSCLE FATIGUE ASSOCIATED WITH FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - The present invention relates a system that can configure a stimulus for functional electrical stimulation (“FES”) to maintain a constant muscle force while delaying the onset of muscle fatigue and a related method of use. The stimulus can be delivered to a nerve via a set of multiple electrode contacts according to a stimulation parameter that maximizes a joint moment associated with the stimulus and minimizes the overlap between pairs of contacts. The joint moment can be related to the muscle force, and the overlap can be related to the onset of muscle fatigue. | 04-03-2014 |
20140107729 | Method for Stimulating Muscles of a Subject and Apparatus for Performing the Same - A method of electrostimulation of a group of one or more target muscles of a subject is provided, the method comprising in a first step applying to the subject an electrical pulse having a duration of at least 0.5 milliseconds and an intensity below that effective in stimulating contraction of the target muscles of the subject; and in a second step applying one or more electrical pulses at an intensity sufficient to stimulate contraction of the target muscles of the subject. An apparatus for the electrostimulation of the muscles of a subject employing the aforementioned method is also provided. | 04-17-2014 |
20140155954 | DEVICE FOR STRENGTHENING PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - Provided is a device for strengthening a pelvic floor muscle. The device for strengthening a pelvic floor muscle includes a device body provided with a seating means on which a user can sit; and two or more electrode pads for applying a low frequency pulse, the electrode pads being disposed around a portion of the device body corresponding to the user's anus. In addition, a method for controlling the device for strengthening a pelvic floor muscle includes separately applying the generated low frequency pulse in a ramp up (Ru) time, a hold (Ht) time and a ramp down (Rd) time. | 06-05-2014 |
20140163641 | MUSCLE STIMULATION SYSTEM - According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a muscle stimulation system for effecting appendage movement, the muscle stimulation system comprising: first transceiver circuitry; at least one first implantable stimulation device for implantation adjacent to one or more first muscles responsible for the appendage movement, the first implantable stimulation device configured to be wirelessly activated by the first transceiver circuitry; second transceiver circuitry; at least one second implantable stimulation device for implantation adjacent to one or more second muscles responsible for the appendage movement, the second implantable stimulation device configured to be wirelessly activated by the second transceiver circuitry; and a base station configured to wirelessly communicate with both the first transceiver circuitry and the second transceiver circuitry to receive and transmit signals that causes coordinated activation of the first implantable stimulation device and/or the second implantable stimulation device to coordinate stimulation of the first muscles and/or the second muscles that are responsible for the appendage movement. | 06-12-2014 |
20140188188 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SKELETAL MUSCLE STIMULATION - A system and method for skeletal muscle stimulation is provided for increasing muscle mass by stimulating a muscle in an optimal condition through a stimulus signal from an electrical stimulation device disposed at a stimulation position. | 07-03-2014 |
20140194949 | Multiplex Electrodes for Applying Transcutaneous Interferential Current - Subject matter includes a method comprising: generating a first electrical signal having a time-varying waveform; generating a second electrical signal having a time-varying waveform, wherein a sum of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal comprises a target electrical signal having a waveform to generate substantial motor movement of the one or more muscles in the patient; and applying the first electrical signal via a first electrode and the second electrical signal via a second electrode to a particular location on the patient, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are on a single electrode pad. | 07-10-2014 |
20140207208 | DRESSING FOR TISSUE TREATMENT - A control unit for a dressing for treating damaged tissue via a pair of electrodes. An electric current passes between the electrodes through the gel to repair the damaged tissue. Sensors can be incorporated into the dressing along with a control unit. The control unit can vary current supplied to the electrodes. One or more pre-defined programmes can be stored in the control unit for supplying an alternating current to the electrodes with a varying amplitude, frequency and waveform. | 07-24-2014 |
20140207209 | Apparatus and Method to Control an Implant - A device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing configured to retain a battery, a primary antenna associated with the housing, and at least one processor in electrical communication with the battery and the primary antenna. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device during a treatment session of at least three hours in duration, wherein the primary signal is generated using power supplied by the battery and includes a pulse train, the pulse train including a plurality of modulation pulses. | 07-24-2014 |
20140222102 | SMART PHONE APPLICATION FOR PROVIDING NEURO/MUSCULAR ELECTRO-STIMULATION - An application downloadable to a mobile device is provided for facilitating muscle therapy, the applicable programmed and configurable to generate waveform signals, the waveform signals configured to be employed by a power circuit to generate energy, conforming to the signals, to a muscle pad. The application may be combined as a system with a muscle pad electrically interfacing with the downloadable application, as well as a discrete device in electrical communication with the mobile device and the muscle pad. A power circuit and a muscle metric feedback circuit are contemplated as part of embodiments of a system or kit. | 08-07-2014 |
20140257429 | Stimulation Apparatus - An apparatus ( | 09-11-2014 |
20140277271 | DEVICE AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING KNEE SPRAIN INJURIES - Devices and methods for preventing knee sprain injuries. To protect the knee joint from knee sprain injuries, the device comprises a sensing part configured to sense data associated with knee motion; an analyzing part configured to analyze the knee motion data to determine a knee articulation; and a stimulating part configured to stimulate one or more lower limb muscles to initiate an earlier muscle reaction than would naturally occur in response to the determined knee joint articulation. The determined knee joint articulation may include knee joint articulation or a particular type of articulation such as a knee sprain movement associated with knee sprain. The methods involve sensing data associated with knee joint motion, analyzing the data to determine a knee joint articulation; and stimulating one or more lower limb muscles to initiate an early muscle reaction within the determined knee joint articulation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277272 | Stimulation System and Method for Voice Lift - A stimulation system and method for providing training therapy to a human subject in order to strengthen a weakened voice due to aging includes an activating switch configured to generate a first signal, and a processor configured to receive the first signal from the sensing electrode and configured to generate at least one stimulation parameter based on the first signal. The system further includes a stimulating electrode configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and configured to activate a glottic closure reflex of the subject based on the stimulation parameter by stimulating internal superior laryngeal nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, or a combination thereof in order to selectively activate vocal cord abductor muscle and vocal cord adductor muscles of the subject. | 09-18-2014 |
20140324121 | System and Method for Facial Nerve Stimulation - A system for stimulating facial nerves in a subject includes an electrode having a plurality of contacts configured to be placed in a parotid region of the subject's face and a processor in communication with the electrode. The processor has program code for stimulating one or more facial nerve branches by stimulating each of the plurality of contacts separately in order to determine which nerve branch activates which facial muscle, for identifying one or more contacts from the plurality of contacts that cause the one or more nerve branches to activate a desired facial muscle, and for selecting the identified contacts to stimulate the one or more nerve branches. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330342 | SMART PHONE APPLICATION FOR PROVIDING NEURO/MUSCULAR ELECTRO STIMULATION - A method of assessing the effectiveness of muscle treatment is provided that includes a controller generating a control signal for transmission to an energy generator, delivering energy from the energy generator to a stimulation pad for purposes of providing muscle therapy, and measuring at least one muscle metric value reflective of the healing status of the muscle and comparing that value to a pre-established corollary between such muscle metric values and corresponding healing status for differing demographics, whereby the user may determine whether to continue muscle therapy or not. | 11-06-2014 |
20140343625 | MUSCLE STIMULATION DEVICE - A surface NMES stimulation device the device has a control processor, a voltage regulator connected to a high voltage supply, a bridge of control switches, and electrodes or electrode terminals connected in the bridge to receive drive signals via the control switches. The processor directs a drive scheme for the bridge control switches in which charge build-up on a user's skin is allowed to dissipate to ground in an inter-pulse interval. An isolation capacitor isolates the high voltage supply from the electrodes, and charging of the capacitor only occurs if a switch allows it. Sensors senses supply voltage and bridge current and the processor monitors there to determine further stimulation and faults. | 11-20-2014 |
20140350637 | BIOELECTRONICS FOR CONTROLLING SKELETAL MUSCLES BY NEURO-ELECTRICAL CODED SIGNALS - Bioelectronics for controlling a skeletal muscle by means of a neuro-electrical coded signal. An actual neuro-coded signal that is naturally generated in a body and operative in control of a skeletal muscle can be collected from a nervous network and stored in a database associated with an electronic device. An implantable muscle control device having one or more electrodes can be directly attached to an appropriate nerve leading to one or more target skeletal muscles associated with a subject. The actual neuro-coded signal can be then selected from the database and broadcasted to the implantable device associated with the subject via a neuro-code transmission approach in order to activate and regulate the affected skeletal muscles. | 11-27-2014 |
20140350638 | WIRELESS CARDIORESONANCE STIMULATION - An apparatus for the cardio-synchronised stimulation of skeletal or smooth muscle, but excluding the heart muscles, in a counterpulsation mode of a patient. The apparatus comprises an active and a passive electrode for attachment to said patient, a signal processor having a configuration input for varying a time delay associated with counterpulsation mode stimulation, and a sensing system for sensing information relating to the performance of the patient's heart and for transmission of information signals to said signal processor, said signal processor producing control signal information relating to stimulation signals to be applied to said active electrode in a counterpulsation mode, a stimulation signal generator Associated with said active electrode for generating stimulation signals, wireless transmission means for transmitting said control signal information from said signal processor to said stimulation signal generator whereby said stimulation signal generator applies stimulation signals to said active electrode in accordance with said signal information. | 11-27-2014 |
20140358192 | NEURAL PROSTHESIS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROL - Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for control using electrical signals recorded from clinically paralyzed muscles and nerves are presented. The discomplete neural prosthesis system and method for clinically paralyzed humans utilizes a controller. The controller is adapted to receive a volitional electrical signal generated by the human that is manifest below the lesion that causes the clinical paralysis. The controller uses at least the volitional electrical signal to generate a control signal that is output back to a plant to change the state of the plant, which in one aspect is one or more of the user's paralyzed muscles to achieve a functional result or to devices in the environment around the user that are adapted to receive commands from the controller. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358193 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTION OF SYNCOPE - A monitoring system has biomechanical sensors, physiological sensors and a controller which receive sensory inputs from the sensors to provide output signals for the output device, and it detects from the sensory inputs risk of a syncopal event The bio-mechanical sensors include sensors arranged to allow the processor to detect a user postures and posture transitions. The processor operates a finite state machine, in which there is a state corresponding to each of a plurality of user physical postures and to each of a plurality of transitions between said postures, and the processor determines a relevant state depending on the sensory inputs. A device output may be muscle stimulation to prevent syncope, and there are stimulation permissions associated with the finite state machine states. | 12-04-2014 |
20140371814 | STIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - A stimulation device comprises a patch body having a battery and a processing unit. An adhering surface on an underside of the patch body is provided for attaching the patch body to a patient's skin. At least one electrode is disposed on or internal to the patch body. The processing unit is configured to communicate with a remote device and send electrical signals to the at least one electrode. The remote device may comprise an application to control the processing unit and a heart rate monitor may be in communication with the application. The application may automatically control the strength and timing of the electrical signals delivered to the at least one electrode based upon a monitored heart rate detected by the heart rate monitor. | 12-18-2014 |
20140379046 | RESPONSIVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR MOVEMENT DISORDERS - An implantable neurostimulator system for treating movement disorders includes a sensor, a detection subsystem capable of identifying episodes of a movement disorder by analyzing a signal received from the sensor, and a therapy subsystem capable of supplying therapeutic electrical stimulation to treat the movement disorder. The system treats movement disorders by detecting physiological conditions characteristic of an episode of symptoms of the movement disorder and selectively initiating therapy when such conditions are detected. | 12-25-2014 |
20150032184 | NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION SYSTEM - A wearable neuromuscular stimulation and neuroprosthetic system and device for treating spinal cord injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions; and for the management of chronic pain. This invention provides a system for transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation and typically comprises a wearable item that further includes a flexible, non-conductive material; at least one flexible, generally flat electrode attachable to or embedded within the wearable item; and a programmable electrical stimulation device connectable to the electrode(s). Each electrode typically includes a silver-impregnated or silver-treated material. | 01-29-2015 |
20150032185 | SYSTEM FOR TREATING IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS - The present invention relates to a system for treating idiopathic scoliosis characterized in that it comprises a programmable subcutaneous or submuscular device ( | 01-29-2015 |
20150039051 | Functional Electrical Stimulation Device and System, and Use Thereof - A functional electrical stimulation (FES) device and system. In one embodiment, sequential bipolar pulse stimulation may be provided to an area of a living body via one or more electrode leads applied to the area via a FES device comprising a current pulse generating circuit comprising output nodes for operative coupling to the one or more electrode leads, and configured for operative coupling to a voltage supply. The current pulse generating circuit generally comprises positive and negative stimulation paths drawing from the voltage supply to respectively apply positive and negative currents through the area via the one or more electrode leads. In one example, the stimulation paths comprise respective capacitive elements, a capacitance ratio of which dictating, at least in part, an amplitude ratio of the positive and negative currents, wherein periodic alternative activation of the stimulation paths provides the sequential bipolar pulse stimulation. | 02-05-2015 |
20150066105 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING ESSENTIAL TREMOR OR RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME USING SPINAL CORD STIMULATION - A method for treating essential tremor or restless leg syndrome using spinal cord stimulation includes implanting a lead near a spinal cord of a patient. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal end of the lead and electrically coupled to at least one contact terminal disposed on a proximal end of the lead. Electrical signals are provided from a control module coupled to the lead to stimulate a portion of the spinal cord of the patient using at least one of the electrodes. The electrical signals reduce, alleviate, or eliminate at least one adverse effect of essential tremor or restless leg syndrome. | 03-05-2015 |
20150094785 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR PAIRING VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION WITH MOTOR THERAPY IN STROKE PATIENTS - A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits. | 04-02-2015 |
20150127064 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED OPTIMIZATION OF ENERGY DELIVERY - Devices, systems, and methods for automated optimization of muscle stimulation energy. In some embodiments the disclosure optimizes stimulation parameters and/or stimulation location. | 05-07-2015 |
20150142079 | Method for stimulating facial muscles - A method for stimulating a facial muscle includes the steps of
| 05-21-2015 |
20150148866 | METHOD FOR FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY - A functional electrical stimulation method for rehabilitating, treating, retraining, and/or otherwise improving upper extremity mobility and control in persons having impaired or disabled upper extremities due to stroke or spinal cord injury, comprising stimulation of the lumbricalis muscles. | 05-28-2015 |
20150290451 | NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION CUFF - The present disclosure describes systems, methods, devices for performing thought-controlled neuromuscular stimulation. Also described are methods for producing a neuromuscular stimulation cuff. The systems and methods generally relate to receiving and processing thought signals indicative of an intended action, and then delivering stimulation to effectuate the intended action through a neuromuscular stimulation cuff. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff includes a flexible printed circuit board having at least one finger and a plurality of electrogel discs disposed on the at least one finger. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff may be produced by providing a layer of polyimide, etching a conductive copper circuit including a plurality of electrodes into the layer of polyimide to form an etched circuit layer, adhering a cover layer onto the etched circuit layer to form a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), and cutting at least one finger from the flexible PCB. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff employs a flexible multi-electrode design which allows for reanimation of complex muscle movements in a patient, including individual finger movement. | 10-15-2015 |
20150306373 | NEURAL SLEEVE FOR NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION, SENSING AND RECORDING - The present disclosure relates to neuromuscular stimulation and sensing cuffs. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff has at least two fingers and a plurality of electrodes disposed on each finger. More generally, the neuromuscular stimulation cuff includes an outer, reusable component and an inner, disposable component. One or more electrodes are housed within the reusable component. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff may be produced by providing an insulating substrate layer, forming a conductive circuit on the substrate layer to form a conductive circuit layer, adhering a cover layer onto the conductive circuit layer to form a flexible circuit, and cutting at least one flexible finger from the flexible circuit. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff employs a flexible multi-electrode design which allows for reanimation of complex muscle movements in a patient, including individual finger movement. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306385 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OR SUPPORTING HUMAN JOINTS OR A PORTION OF THE HUMAN BODY - Disclosed is a system including a good comprising a sensor in contact with human tissues of a patient and configured to obtain a power dissipation reading of the human tissues. The good also includes a storage medium for tangibly storing thereon a program for execution by a processor. The system also includes a control unit in communication with the good to form an electrical muscular stimulation (EMS) system that uses feedback in a closed loop manner to self tune electrical properties of the output. The control unit is configured to instruct the sensor to (a) apply a sense pulse to the human tissues, (b) measure power dissipation of the sense pulse, (c) adjust a stimulation pulse based on the measured power dissipation, (d) apply the stimulation pulse to the human tissues based on the power dissipation and based on the program in order to maintain constant power output across each pulse, and (e) repeat steps (a)-(d). | 10-29-2015 |
20150306400 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF FOCAL DYSTONIA - A method and apparatus for using low levels of electrical stimulation to treat focal dystonia by stimulating the afferent nervous system and/or altering the function of the gamma motor neurons innervating muscles which experience symptomatic spasms. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306405 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESTORING MUSCLE FUNCTION TO THE LUMBAR SPINE - A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system may include electrodes coupled to an implantable pulse generator (IPG), a handheld activator configured to transfer a stimulation command to the IPG, and an external programmer configured to transfer programming data to the IPG. The stimulation command directs the programmable controller to stimulate the tissue in accordance with the programming data. The system may include a software-based programming system run on a computer such that the treating physician may program and adjust stimulation parameters. | 10-29-2015 |
20150321000 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING TREMOR - A peripheral nerve stimulator can be used to stimulate a peripheral nerve to treat essential tremor, Parkinson tremor, and other forms of tremor. The peripheral nerve stimulator can be either a noninvasive surface stimulator or an implanted stimulator. Stimulation can be electrical, mechanical, or chemical. Stimulation can be delivered using either an open loop system or a closed loop system with feedback. | 11-12-2015 |
20150343214 | Low-Frequency Application Device - There is provided a low-frequency application device capable of applying a low-frequency voltage in synchronization with emitted music and preventing an unexpected large voltage from being suddenly supplied to a human body. A w-frequency application device, comprising: an audio processor to output audio signals; a filter to pass audio signals in a predetermined frequency band among the audio signals; a signal generator to generate a pulse signal by receiving an audio signal at a preset level or higher among the audio signals passed through the filter; electrodes to supply current to a human body; a voltage generator to generate a low-frequency pulse voltage to supply current corresponding to the voltage to the electrodes; and a controller to control output of the voltage by the pulse signal. | 12-03-2015 |
20150354941 | FACIAL MOVEMENT AND EXPRESSION DETECTION AND STIMULATION - The disclosure features systems and methods for detecting a user's facial movement and expression, that include a plurality of radiation sources, a plurality of radiation detectors, where each radiation detector is paired with a different one of the radiation sources and configured to detect radiation emitted by its paired radiation source, and a controller connected to the radiation detectors and configured to receive signals corresponding to measurements of emitted radiation from each of the radiation detectors, determine, for each radiation source-detector pair, information about whether a radiation path between the source and detector is blocked by a portion of the user's face, and determine a facial movement or expression of the user based on the information. | 12-10-2015 |
20150374981 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRAINING AN INDIVIDUAL - A method of training an individual includes receiving data indicative of a training suitability state of an individual upon a tiltable support platform, and commanding electrical stimulation of a spinal reflex pathway innervating a muscle in the individual, responsive to the data, and such that the muscle reflexively contracts to tilt the support platform. A value indicative of an amplitude of the reflexive contraction is electronically recorded. | 12-31-2015 |
20160015972 | EPIDERMAL ELECTRONICS TO MONITOR REPETITIVE STRESS INJURIES AND ARTHRITIS - Systems and methods are described for monitoring, treating, and preventing a repetitive stress injury, arthritis or other medical condition. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a deformable substrate configured to interface with a skin surface; a sensor assembly coupled to the deformable substrate, the sensor assembly including a motion sensor and a physiological sensor, the sensor assembly configured to generate one or more sense signals based on detection of a movement of a body portion by the motion sensor and a physiological parameter of the body portion by the physiological sensor; a processor operably coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to receive the one or more sense signals; and an effector operably coupled to the processor and configured to affect the body portion responsive to control by the processor. | 01-21-2016 |
20160030737 | MULTI-SITE TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE SPINAL CORD FOR FACILITATION OF LOCOMOTION - In various embodiments, non-invasive methods to induce motor control in a mammal subject to spinal cord or other neurological injuries are provided. In some embodiments the methods involve administering transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to the mammal at a frequency and intensity that induces locomotor activity. | 02-04-2016 |
20160074654 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTION AND MITIGATION OF DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS - Apparatus and methodologies for the mitigation and prevention of venous thromboembolism-related disorders resulting from by venous blood stasis. More specifically, repeated cycles of brief bouts of intermittent electrical stimulation are repeated every several minutes to contract at least one target muscle, causing a temporary increase in venous blood flow and blood velocity in the veins in the region of the target muscle(s). The present intermittent electrical stimulation paradigm may be used to mimic physiological responses following voluntary contraction of the target muscle(s), without fatiguing the muscle(s). | 03-17-2016 |
20160106982 | ELECTRO-STIMULATION DEVICE - An electro-stimulation device where the supplementary motor area, premotor area and/or subthalamic nucleus is stimulated extracranially via intrinsic auricular muscles and the stimulation intensity of the supplementary motor area, premotor area and/or subthalamic nucleus is changed with the intensity of the tremors. The electro-stimulation device comprises; at least two primary electrodes which enables sending and receiving electric signals, at least one control unit which produces stimulating signals for reducing involuntary resting activities such as tremors and enables these signals to be sent to/received from primary electrodes. | 04-21-2016 |
20160121099 | CUFF UNIT FOR A FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM - Various embodiments are described herein for a cuff unit that may be used with a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) orthotic system. One example embodiment includes a flexible housing that is releasably mountable on a user including a frame and a plurality of panels entirely contained within the frame. A battery module having one or more batteries is contained within a one or more of the panels. A stimulation module is coupled to the battery module and contained in one or more of the panels is operable to generate stimulation signals to be applied to the user. At least two contact members that are coupled to the frame and in electrical communication with the stimulation module are operable to apply the stimulation signals to the user. | 05-05-2016 |
20160144172 | Feedback-Control Wearable Upper-Limb Electrical Stimulation Device - A feedback-control wearable upper-limb electrical stimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical stimulation electrodes ( | 05-26-2016 |
20160151626 | Stimulation and Electromyography Detection | 06-02-2016 |
20160158542 | TRANS-SPINAL DIRECT CURRENT MODULATION SYSTEMS - Improved neuromodulation control of neurological abnormalities associated with effector organs in vertebrate beings using direct current stimulation for modulating spinal cord excitability, having a peripheral-current supplying component for providing direct current peripheral nerve stimulation and a spinal-current supplying component providing direct current for spinal stimulation, and a controller managing such functions. | 06-09-2016 |
20160166832 | Efferent Contraction Training Device And Training Method Using The Same | 06-16-2016 |
20160193464 | NEUROLOGICAL PROSTHESIS | 07-07-2016 |
20180020951 | ADAPTIVE SYSTEM FOR DERIVING CONTROL SIGNALS FROM MEASUREMENTS OF NEUROMUSCULAR ACTIVITY | 01-25-2018 |
20180021576 | SYSTEMS FOR PERIPHERAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT TREMOR | 01-25-2018 |
20190143111 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERIPHERAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT TREMOR | 05-16-2019 |
20190143113 | SYSTEMS FOR PERIPHERAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT TREMOR | 05-16-2019 |