Treatment of indications using electrical stimulation

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method includes implanting an implant entirely under the subject's skin. The implant includes a passive electrical conductor of sufficient length to extend from subcutaneous tissue located below one of a surface cathodic electrode and a surface anodic electrode to the tibial nerve. The surface electrodes are positioned in spaced relationship on the subject's skin, with one of the electrodes positioned over the pick-up end of the electrical conductor such that the portion of the current is transmitted through the conductor to the tibial nerve, and such that the current flows through the tibial nerve and returns to the other of the surface cathodic electrode and the surface anodic electrode. An electrical current is applied between the surface cathodic electrode and the surface anodic electrode to cause the portion of the electrical current to flow through the implant to stimulate the tibial nerve.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention relates generally to medical devices and more particularly to devices and methods for use in electrical stimulation treatment.

[0002] Nerve cells consist of an axon for transmitting action potentials or neural impulses, and dendrites for receiving such impulses. Normally, nerves transmit action potentials from the impulse-sending axon of one nerve cell to the impulse-receiving dendrites of an adjacent nerve cell. At synapses, the axon secretes neurotransmitters to trigger the receptors on the next nerve cell's dendrites to initiate a new electrical current.

[0003] In some pathological states, transmission of action potentials is impaired, thus, activation of neural impulses is required to restore normal functioning. Electrically-excitable bodily tissues, such as nerves and muscles, may be activated by an electrical field applied between electrodes applied externally to the skin. Electric current flows through the skin between a cathodic electrode and an ano...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]Systems and methods are described herein that include the use of passive electrical conductors that can route electrical current to electrically stimulate a target body tissue. Such devices and methods can be used to either activate or block neural impulses, depending upon the frequency and the disorder to be treated.

[0026]A system as described herein can include, for example, an implant, a stimulator, such as an electric pulse generator, external electrodes, and a power source. An implant is provided for electrically stimulating a target body tissue in a subject to either activate or block neural impulses. Once implanted, the implant can provide a conductive pathway for at least a portion of the electrical current flowing between surface cathodic and anodic electrodes positioned in spaced relationship on a subject's skin, and transmits that portion of electrical current to the target body tissue to either activate or block neural impulses. Systems and methods incorporating su...

BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention relates generally to medical devices and more particularly to devices and methods for use in electrical stimulation treatment.

[0002] Nerve cells consist of an axon for transmitting action potentials or neural impulses, and dendrites for receiving such impulses. Normally, nerves transmit action potentials from the impulse-sending axon of one nerve cell to the impulse-receiving dendrites of an adjacent nerve cell. At synapses, the axon secretes neurotransmitters to trigger the receptors on the next nerve cell's dendrites to initiate a new electrical current.

[0003] In some pathological states, transmission of action potentials is impaired, thus, activation of neural impulses is required to restore normal functioning. Electrically-excitable bodily tissues, such as nerves and muscles, may be activated by an electrical field applied between electrodes applied externally to the skin. Electric current flows through the skin between a cathodic electrode and an ano...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]Systems and methods are described herein that include the use of passive electrical conductors that can route electrical current to electrically stimulate a target body tissue. Such devices and methods can be used to either activate or block neural impulses, depending upon the frequency and the disorder to be treated.

[0026]A system as described herein can include, for example, an implant, a stimulator, such as an electric pulse generator, external electrodes, and a power source. An implant is provided for electrically stimulating a target body tissue in a subject to either activate or block neural impulses. Once implanted, the implant can provide a conductive pathway for at least a portion of the electrical current flowing between surface cathodic and anodic electrodes positioned in spaced relationship on a subject's skin, and transmits that portion of electrical current to the target body tissue to either activate or block neural impulses. Systems and methods incorporating su...

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