Method and assembly for the generation of signal shapes for healing wounds by electro-stimulation

Abstract

A method for generating a signal shape (w1) for an electro-stimulation signal (w1) for healing wounds by electro-stimulation by way of an electrode (E1) which has an encoding member (6) with a code word (cw) which identifies therapeutic treatments, and is coupled to indicators (i1, i2) which indicate which treatments have to be activated. The signal shape (w1) is formed systematically from base signals capable of being parameterized such as a DC signal and two pulse trains, the parameters and the timing of which are formed systematically and applied where necessary, in accordance with the combined therapies. The generation of signal shapes for a plurality of electrodes is also disclosed.

Description

[0001]This is a 371 of PCT / IIB2012 / 053636 filed Jul. 16, 2012, which has a priority of Belgium no. BE2011 / 0457 filed Jul. 15, 2011, hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a method of generating a signal shape from an electro-stimulation signal to be supplied to an electrode for healing wounds by electro-stimulation, as well as an assembly for performing this method.PRIOR ART[0003]Human and animal tissue can be damaged in different ways, and this can result inter alia in acute and chronic wounds, trauma and infected or necrotic tissue. In human and animal tissue a healing process will normally start in order to repair the damage. In the case of permanent damage, a chronic state or infection, these mechanisms will take place slowly or even cease, with the possible consequence of long-lasting infection, pain, immobility and scar formation. Micro-current therapy for the care of wounds has been investigated for decades and a large number of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a method where an electrode is used to treat wounds. The electrode has a code that indicates which treatment should be carried out. This eliminates the need for the nurse to manually enter settings into the treatment device, reducing the possibility of errors. The device calculates all the settings based on the code, ensuring the correct treatment is applied. This method reduces human error and prevents confusion when using multiple electrodes.

Problems solved by technology

Human and animal tissue can be damaged in different ways, and this can result inter alia in acute and chronic wounds, trauma and infected or necrotic tissue.

In the case of permanent damage, a chronic state or infection, these mechanisms will take place slowly or even cease, with the possible consequence of long-lasting infection, pain, immobility and scar formation.

Although some electro-stimulation apparatus are able to generate a complex wave shape for the treatment of various syndromes, which wave shape can be provided for treatment by way of electrodes positioned inside or outside the wound, it is frequently not easy for the nursing staff to set it.

In this case it is even possible for mistakes to be made in the setting, as a result of which the therapeutic effect may be lost or may even cause an opposite effect.

A drawback of the device disclosed in WO 02 / 41942 is that in case of more than one treatment to be applied the stimulation signals are merely combined, which could cause the application of a combined signal which could harm the patient.

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