988results about "Devices using electric currents" patented technology

Methods of treatment of tissue with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated islets in the tissue are disclosed. Also disclosed are devices and systems for producing lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissue, and cosmetic and medical applications of such devices and systems.

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and / or electrical, mechanical and / or acoustic, and optical and / or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers.

Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of -the skin or carried outside the body. Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a carrier and a removable electronics pod, the electronics pod including stimulation generation circuitry, a power input bay to hold a disposable power source, and user interface components. The assemblies, systems, and methods are adapted to provide coordinated neurostimulation to multiple regions of the body.

Methods of treatment of tissue with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated islets in the tissue are disclosed. Also disclosed are devices and systems for producing lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissue, and cosmetic and medical applications of such devices and systems.

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.

Methods and devices for ablating portions of a tissue volume with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated ablation islets in the tissue are disclosed, including lattices of micro-holes, micro-grooves, and other structures. Also, methods and devices for using the ablated islets are disclosed, including to deliver chromophores, filler, drugs and other substances to the tissue volume.

An electronic pain treatment device delivering electrical energy to the tissue of a patient in pain is provided which includes a variable wave generator, an impedance measurement circuit, and at least one electrode probe. Associated methods for treating pain are also disclosed.

Methods and devices for ablating portions of a tissue volume with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated ablation islets in the tissue are disclosed, including lattices of micro-holes, micro-grooves, and other structures. Also, methods and devices for using the ablated islets are disclosed, including to deliver chromophores, filler, drugs and other substances to the tissue volume.

The invention relates to a device for transdermal stimulation of a nerve of the human body, which device comprises at least one stimulation electrode and at least one reference electrode for transdermal nerve stimulation, the at least one stimulation electrode and the at least one reference electrode being connected to a control unit and being able to be supplied with an electrical current from the latter, and the at least one stimulation electrode and the at least one reference electrode being arranged in or on a housing which is designed to be fitted on or in the human ear. The invention further relates to a method for the transdermal stimulation of a nerve of the human body in particular of a part of the vagus nerve by applying an electrical stimulus via at least one stimulation electrode and at least one reference electrode, at least one of which is placed in contact with the skin surface of the inner face of the Tragus of the human ear. The invention further relates to transdermal stimulation of a part of the vagus nerve by electrical stimulation via the inner face of the Tragus of the human ear for the treatment and / or supportive therapy of a plurality of pathological conditions.

Various systems and methods for promoting nerve regeneration are disclosed. The system may include an elongated lead configured to be implanted within a patient's body. The system may also include a plurality of electrodes disposed along the elongated lead and configured to deliver electric stimulation to an area of a patient's body. The plurality of electrodes may comprise at least one transmitting electrode in communication with the controller, wherein the at least one transmitting electrode is configured to transmit an electric signal to one or more other electrodes. The controller may be configured to control operation of the at least one transmitting electrode.

Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, kits, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a carrier and a removable electronics pod, the electronics pod including stimulation generation circuitry, a power input bay to hold a disposable power source, and user interface components. The assemblies, systems, and methods are adapted to provide coordinated neurostimulation to multiple regions of the body.

A lightweight inductive apparatus is integrated into at least one therapeutic device (Step 101). Miniaturized circuitry containing logic for a mathematical model having at least one waveform parameter used to configure at least one waveform to be coupled to a target pathway structure such as molecules, cells, tissues, and organs, is attached to the coil by at least one wire (Step 102). The configured waveform satisfies a SNR or Power SNR model so that for a given and known target pathway structure it is possible to choose at least one waveform parameter so that a waveform is detectable in the target pathway structure above its background activity (Step 103). A repetitive electromagnetic signal can be generated for example inductively, from said configured at least one waveform (Step 104). The electromagnetic signal is coupled to a target pathway structure by output of the inductive apparatus (Step 105).

A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.

A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.

A transcutaneous electrostimulation device includes an electrostimulation generator providing at an output a nerve electro stimulation signal, an electronic signal conduit conductively connected to the output of the generator, and an electrode coupler shaped to form fit an ear canal of a human ear and having at least one electrostimulation electrode. The electrode is conductively connected to the electronic signal conduit to receive the nerve electrostimulation signal and is positioned at the electrode coupler to contact tissue within an ear canal and apply the nerve electrostimulation signal to the tissue transcutaneously. An audio source outputs audio signals. The electrode coupler has a speaker receiving the audio signals for output into the ear canal when the electrode coupler is worn. The generator sends the nerve electrostimulation signal to the electrode coupler while the audio signals are output. The generator modulates the nerve electrostimulation signal based upon the audio signals.

Electrode plate comprising a stiff or flexible electrically non-conductive plate element having a front face and a rear face and a pattern of needle-like (NL) electrodes for electrical stimulation of cutaneous thin Aδ / C fibers and conductive plate (CP) electrodes for electrical stimulation cutaneous large Aβ fibers disposed on the front face.

A device, which is preferably disc shaped, has two primary layers. A first layer has one side, which is the lower side in use, for adhering to a patient's skin surface, a second, upper layer on the underside of which electrical circuitry is printed or affixed so that the electrical circuitry is sandwiched between the layers. The device can be made in several sizes to accommodate patient size and location of the acupuncture point to be stimulated. Two distinct forms of the device are presented: a single use and a reusable device for. In the single use device, the first, lower layer is preferably a foam with non-conductive adhesive on both sides: the bottom side for adhering to the skin and the top side for adhering to the upper polyester disc. The holes through this lower foam layer include, preferably, eight holes spaced concentrically about one central hole in the middle of the lower foam layer. All these holes are, preferably, overfilled with an electrically conductive gel that projects from the lower foam layer. The conductive circuitry preferably printed on the underside of the upper layer provides a series connection to the gel in each of the eight concentric holes and a separate connection to the gel in the center hole when the upper layer is adhered to the lower layer. The printed circuitry may be a silver / silver chloride polymer film, also provides for a tab(s) which can be permanently or temporarily affixed to an integral or remote simulator through direct contact or wire leads. In the reusable device a pressure-sensitive adhesive material forms the lower layer which allows for multiple applications to a patient's skin. The adhesive lower layer is transparent to show the circular central electrode the annular electrode. The electrodes are preferably silver / silver chloride polymer film. In either configuration, metal core insulated leads can be use for electrical connection with the opposite ends of the leads connected to jacks for connection to an impulse stimulator or can end in electrically conductive tabs.

An object of the invention is to provide a method for delivery of macromolecules into biological cells in the tissues of a patient and includes the steps of: (a) providing electrodes (16) in an electrode assembly (12), wherein the electrodes have fixed electrode surfaces (42) which are coated with at least one static layer of electrode releasable molecules (44) to be delivered; (b) providing a waveform generator (15) for generating electric fields; (c) establishing electrically conductive pathways between the electrodes (16) and the waveform generator (15); (d) locating the electrodes (16) such that the biological cells are situated therebetween, and (g) providing electric fields in the form of pulse waveforms from the waveform generator (15) to the electrodes (16), such that molecules in the at least one static layer of the electrode releasable molecules (44) on the electrodes (16) are delivered into the biological cells. The electrode releasable molecules (44) can be either electric field separable molecules and / or solvent separable material. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention. The static-coated electrode assembly (12) can be provided in a sterile package (24), from which the electrode assembly (12) is removed prior to use. The statically-coated electrode assembly (12) can be in a form of a disposable assembly (12) which is removable and replaceable from an electrode assembly holder (13).

Described herein are methods, devices and systems for inhibition of granulocyte activation by appropriate stimulation of the vagus nerve. Methods of treating granulocyte-mediated disorders (including inflammatory disorders) by stimulating the vagus nerve to inhibit granulocyte activation (particularly neutrophil activation) are also described. Appropriate stimulation may be very low levels of stimulation, including stimulation that does not result in desensitization. The level of granulocyte activation may be detected and used to at least partially control stimulation.

A method and wearable system and for enhancing human balance and gait and preventing foot injury through neurological stimulation of the foot and the ankle. Subthreshold stimulation for neurosensory enhancement is provided via electrodes or vibrational actuators, or combination thereof, disposed in or on a wearable a platform, such as an insole, sock shoe, removable shoe insert, or applied without the support of a platform, to the skin surface of an individual. Suprathreshold stimulation for therapeutic purposes, such as improving blood flow, is also provided by the vibrational actuators. The actuators and electrodes are driven by bias signals generated by a bias signal generator that is coupled to a controller. The signal generator under the control of the controller is adapted to generate a non-deterministic random signal, a repetitive pattern or series of patterns. The controller optionally includes a communication port for interfacing with an external computer for purposes of optimizing and programming the controller. The wearable system is powered by a power source.

The present invention relates generally to muscle relaxation. Muscle relaxation is desired in many disease states, including spastic paresis and biomechanical and neuromuscular dysfunction. More specifically, the invention relates to a system that causes muscle relaxation by reducing muscular spasticity through the stimulation of joints and muscles. The system consists of a garment with electrodes, a hardware unit and software controlling the stimulation.

A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.

There is disclosed a process for motor learning, for teaching motion, or for rehabilitation of a student, the student having a motor sensory system. Plural transducers may be coupled around at least one joint of a student, the transducers for providing kinesthetic sensations to the student through its motor sensory system. Tactile control signals may be provided to control operation of the transducers to guide motions of the student.

An electro-acupuncture device for controlling nausea. The device includes a base unit which is includes a wrist-watch like housing, circuitry for generating electro-acupuncture stimulus disposed within the housing, and a strap for securing the housing to the wrist. The base unit has a standardized construction. The device also includes a releasably attachable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly attaches to the base unit of the device. The electrode assembly includes a pair of electrodes and connectors for connecting the electrodes to the circuitry of the base unit. The output of the device is dependent upon the circuitry of the electrode assembly. Thus various electrode assemblies can be made. The circuitry of the base unit modifies the output of the device depending upon which electrode assembly is attached to the base unit.

The apparatus for transcutaneous stimulation or transcutaneous measurement of a parameter is a device which fits wholly within the pinna (external ear) of the vertebrate. In order to fit completely within the pinna, the housing is C-shaped and from each end of the housing is a curved section which has a spring action that holds the apparatus inside the ear. This apparatus has a compact design which allows for nerve stimulation in a particularly efficient, ergonomically favorable and easy manipulation for the patient.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing non-transcranial electrical stimuli to a biological subject may employ a support structure, at least one waveform generator, and at least a first electrode and a second electrode. The system can be sized and dimensioned to be worn on a head of the biological subject and operable to deliver non-transcranial electrical stimuli to at least one of the temporomandibular joints of the biological subject.

Venous therapy methods and apparatus improve arterial or venous blood flow, for example in the legs. Venous therapy can reduce venous backflow and can improve arterial therapy such as that provided by intermittent pneumatic compression therapy.

A personal massage device is disclosed. The massage device includes a housing having an exterior surface defining first and second oppositely-disposed operative ends and an interior surface defining a cavity. Each of the operative ends includes a substantially smooth and continuous surface thereon. The massage device further includes a first motor disposed within the housing and adapted for creating vibration and a battery disposed within the housing and adapted to power the first motor.