RFID-based apparatus, system, and method for therapeutic treatment of a patient

Abstract

Provided is an implantable RFID-enabled micro-electronic neurostimulator system comprising a) an internal subsystem having (i) an array of electrodes, where at least one electrode pair contacts a nerve; (ii) a multiplexer; (iii) digital to analog signal converter; and (iv) a RFID based control and stimulation chip; and (b) an external subsystem having (i) a controller; and (ii) an RF interface.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applications 60 / 774,039, 60 / 774,040, and 60 / 774,041 filed on Feb. 16, 2006, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus, system, and method for implantable therapeutic treatment of a patient. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Acute and chronic conditions such as pain, arthritis, sleep apnea, seizure, incontinence, and migraine are physiological conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. For example, sleep apnea is described as an iterated failure to respire properly during sleep. Those affected by sleep apnea stop breathing during sleep numerous times during the night. There are two types of sleep apnea, generally described in medical literature as central and obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is a failure of the nervous system to produce proper signals for excitation of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In one embodiment, an implantable RFID-enabled micro-electronic neurostimulator includes an implantable RFID-enabled micro-electronic neurostimulator system having an implant subsystem including one or more of a) an array of electrodes, where at least one electrode pair contacts a nerve, b) a multiplexer digital to analog signal converter, and c) a RFID based control and stimulation chip. The system also includes an external subsystem having one or more of a controller, an RF interface and an optional power source.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the present invention is suitable for the stimulation of certain nerves to treat conditions which may be ameliorated by stimulation of a nerve. Such nerves and conditions include, but are note limited to multiple small peripheral nerves for treatment of arthritis pain; deep brain / cortical stimulation for treatment of one or more of essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, depression, tinnitus, epilepsy, stroke pain, and obsessive compulsive disorder; sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of incontinence, pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction; vagus nerve stimulation for treatment of epilepsy and / or depression; peripheral nerve stimulation for treatment of chronic pain; spinal cord stimulation for treatment of one or more of chronic pain, angina pain, and peripheral vascular disease pain; cochlear nerve stimulation for treatment of profound deafness; pulmonary nerve stimulation for treatment of respiratory support; gastric nerve stimulation for treatment of one or more of obesity, gastroparesis, and irritable bowel syndrome; and occipital nerve stimulation for treatment of headaches / migraine and / or traumatic brain injury.

Problems solved by technology

In many of these instances, patient acceptance and therapy compliance is well below desired levels, rendering the current solutions ineffective as a long term solution.

Additionally, attempts at selective stimulation have to date required multiple implants with multiple power sources, and the scope of therapeutic efficacy has been limited.

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