497 results about "Electrotherapy" patented technology

A patient-worn energy delivery apparatus for imparting electrical therapy to the body of a patient responsive to an occurrence of a treatable condition includes a voltage converter for converting electrical energy from an initial voltage to a final voltage, and a defibrillator electrically coupled between the converter and the patient and having an energy reservoir for receiving the electrical energy. The defibrillator produces preshaped electrical pulses such as defibrillation pulses and cardioversion pulses. The apparatus additionally includes an energy delivery controller electrically coupled to the patient and the converter and the defibrillator. The controller causes the converter to provide the electrical energy to the defibrillator at a specific charging rate in response to an energy level in the reservoir. The apparatus may include a plurality of electrodes interposed between the defibrillator and the patient and each electrode preferably has an impedance reducing means contained therein. One embodiment of the apparatus may include a H-bridge to produce a positive-going pulse segment and the negative-going pulse segment within the biphasic exponential signals. The apparatus periodically measures the energy as it is being delivered to the patient and can pre-emptively stop or truncate the pulse in the event an error condition is detected, such as an overvoltage condition or if the energy level approaches a predetermined level. The electrical components which store and release the energy minimize the size and expense of the apparatus, while isolating the microcomputer from the high energy levels as the therapeutic pulse is delivered.

A resuscitation system for use by a rescuer for resuscitating a patient, comprising at least two high-voltage defibrillation electrodes, a first electrical unit comprising circuitry for providing resuscitation prompts to the rescuer, a second electrical unit separate from the first unit and comprising circuitry for providing defibrillation pulses to the electrodes, and circuitry for providing at least one electrical connection between the first and second units. In another aspect, at least two electrical therapy electrodes adapted to be worn by the patient for extended periods of time, circuitry for monitoring the ECG of the patient, an activity sensor adapted to be worn by the patient and capable of providing an output from which the patient's current activity can be estimated, and at least one processor configured for estimating the patient's current activity by analyzing the output of the activity sensor, analyzing the ECG of the patient, and determining whether electrical therapy should be delivered to the electrodes.

A conductive garment that has electrodes that can be used for medical applications, such as electrotherapy or electrocardiography. The garment includes a first front panel, a second front panel detachably connected to the first front panel by an interconnecting device, a back panel, a first lateral panel and a second lateral panel, each lateral panel including a first end and second end. The first lateral panel and the second lateral panel are placed on opposite sides of the back panel; and the first end of each lateral panel is detachably connected to the back panel and wherein the second end of the first lateral panel is detachably connected to the first front panel and the second end of the second lateral panel is detachably connected to the second front panel.

A depolarization waveform classifier based on the Modified lifting line wavelet Transform is described. Overcomes problems in existing rate-based event classifiers. A task for pacemaker / defibrillators is the accurate identification of rhythm categories so correct electrotherapy can be administered. Because some rhythms cause rapid dangerous drop in cardiac output, it's desirable to categorize depolarization waveforms on a beat-to-beat basis to accomplish rhythm classification as rapidly as possible. Although rate based methods of event categorization have served well in implanted devices, these methods suffer in sensitivity and specificity when atrial / ventricular rates are similar. Human experts differentiate rhythms by morphological features of strip chart electrocardiograms. The wavelet transform approximates human expert analysis function because it correlates distinct morphological features at multiple scales. The accuracy of implanted rhythm determination can then be improved by using human-appreciable time domain features enhanced by time scale decomposition of depolarization waveforms.

A resuscitation system for use by a rescuer for resuscitating a patient, comprising at least two high-voltage defibrillation electrodes, a first electrical unit comprising circuitry for providing resuscitation prompts to the rescuer, a second electrical unit separate from the first unit and comprising circuitry for providing defibrillation pulses to the electrodes, and circuitry for providing at least one electrical connection between the first and second units. In another aspect, at least two electrical therapy electrodes adapted to be worn by the patient for extended periods of time, circuitry for monitoring the ECG of the patient, an activity sensor adapted to be worn by the patient and capable of providing an output from which the patient's current activity can be estimated, and at least one processor configured for estimating the patient's current activity by analyzing the output of the activity sensor, analyzing the ECG of the patient, and determining whether electrical therapy should be delivered to the electrodes.

The present invention relates to an electrode catheter for defibrillation, mapping or ablation of cardiac tissue. Said catheter comprises a terminal (40) on the proximal end of the electrode catheter and one or more sensing and / or treatment electrodes (14, 16) that are situated on or in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrode catheter, in addition to at least one electric conductor (44, 62), which is used to electrically connect a respective sensing or treatment electrode to the terminal. The electric conductor (44, 62) is composed of carbon and the electrode catheter is configured to be suitable for us as part of magnetic resonance tomography and for connection to electrophysiotherapy equipment. Said catheter comprises at least one defibrillation electrode, or at least one sensing electrode (14, 16) for the recording and evaluation of cardiac tissue potentials, or at least one treatment electrode (14) for delivering high-frequency currents for ablation purposes.

System and methods for adjusting electrical therapy based on impedance changes are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes applying a therapeutic electrical signal to a patient via an implanted portion of a patient stimulation system that includes a signal delivery device in electrical communication with a target neural population of the patient. The electrical signal is delivered in accordance with a signal delivery parameter having a first value. Using the implanted portion of the patient stimulation system, a change in an impedance of an electrical circuit that includes the signal delivery device is detected. Based at least in part on the detected impedance change, the method can further include automatically adjusting the value of the signal delivery parameter from the first value to a second value different from the first, without human intervention.

This invention relates generally to the electrical treatment of malignant tumors and neoplasms by applying a voltage to affected tissue. Devices and various adaptations therein are described for use in electrical therapy. In one embodiment, electrical therapy output is modified to deliver a duty cycle less than 100 percent.

A device is for the electrotherapeutic treatment of headaches such as tension headaches and migraines. An electrode support (10) has a shape and is size selected so as to allow, independently from the subject, the excitation of the afferent paths of the supratrochlear (2) and supraorbital (3) nerves of the ophthalmic branch (1) of the trigeminal nerve. An electrical circuit includes a programmable signal generator suitable for creating pulses of a duration of between 150 and 450 microseconds with a maximum increase in intensity of 0 to 20 milliamperes at a rate of less than or equal to 40 microamperes per second and with a step up in intensity not exceeding 50 microamperes.

An electrotherapy system for stimulating sensory nerves within skin tissue includes a electrode carrier, a pulse generator, an array of skin-penetrating electrodes and surface skin electrodes, a pulse conditioning circuit, and a power source. The system administers biphasic pulsed current at the surface skin electrodes and monophasic pulsed current at each skin-penetrating electrode. The skin-penetrating surfaces and skin contact surfaces of the electrotherapy system may be sterilized or may be replaceable for outpatient reusability.

A method of operating a baroreflex therapy system includes providing an implantable baroreflex activation device, providing a sensing arrangement, and providing a controller in operable communication with the baroreflex activation device and the sensing arrangement. The sensing arrangement is used to measure a physical parameter of a patient to generate physical parameter data. The physical parameter data is communicated to the controller, wherein the controller performs heart rate variability analysis based on the physical parameter data. An indication of results of the heart rate variability analysis are provided, upon which a determination may be made to adjust a baroreflex therapy to be delivered by the implantable baroreflex activation device.

An apparatus and method for treating post-defibrillation electromechanical dissociation ("EMD"). A first embodiment comprises an implantable defibrillator, which may include cardioversion and pacemaker capabilities, which has the capability of detecting and treating post defibrillation EMD. The stimulator / defibrillator has one or more leads with electrodes. At least one electrode for defibrillation may be an endocardial or epicardial electrode or other suitable defibrillation electrode. A sense circuit senses the electrical condition of the heart of the patient. A hemodynamic sensor senses a parameter correlated to the state of blood flow. The cardiac stimulator / defibrillator detects ventricular tachyarrhythmia including fibrillation and terminates ventricular tachyarrhythmia. After termination of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia, the stimulator / defibrillator can detect the presence of electrical rhythm in the heart correlated, however, with inadequate blood flow to sustain life. Under such conditions, the device provides an output to stimulate the heart to overcome electromechanical dissociation and restore adequate blood flow. The device may also be an external therapy device, as part of, or in conjunction with an external defibrillator. The method for treating the heart to restore blood flow where electromechanical dissociation occurs after termination of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation comprises identifying electromechanical disassociation after termination of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia or a fibrillation and providing electrical therapy, the therapy comprising a series of packets of electrical pulses.

A method of operating a baroreflex therapy system includes providing an implantable baroreflex activation device, providing a sensing arrangement, and providing a controller in operable communication with the baroreflex activation device and the sensing arrangement. The sensing arrangement is used to measure cardiac electrical activity of a patient to generate cardiac electrical activity data. The cardiac electrical activity data is communicated to the controller, wherein the controller performs heart rate variability analysis based on the cardiac electrical activity data. An indication of results of the heart rate variability analysis are provided, upon which a determination may be made to adjust a baroreflex therapy to be delivered by the implantable baroreflex activation device.

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.

Certain embodiments of the present invention disclose an implantable electrotherapy device comprising a housing in which are arranged an activity sensor, an impedance or conductivity measuring unit and an evaluation unit, wherein the evaluation unit is connected to the impedance or conductivity measuring unit and to the activity sensor and is adapted to evaluate the impedance or conductivity signal produced by the impedance or conductivity measuring unit and the respectively time-associated activity level signal and for producing and outputting a contractility signal, in such a way that the contractility signal is derived from the impedance or conductivity signal and the activity level signal and reflects the respective contractile state of a heart associated with an activity level signal value.

This present embodiment relates generally to the electrical treatment of malignant tumors and neoplasms by applying a voltage to affected tissue. Devices and various adaptations therein are described for use in electrical therapy. Additionally, various ambulatory devices are described which advantageously increase versatility of the electrical therapy system. The ambulatory devices may include an internal and external power source and / or a first and second power source. The ambulatory devices may also include communication means for communicating between various portions of the device.

This invention relates to an electrotherapeutic device useful for treating a variety of aspects associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The device is a TENS-like unit that is miniaturized, comfortable and unobtrusive, thereby allowing for unencumbered performance of daily activities. The device houses an electronic circuit comprising optimally placed electrodes and a microprocessor preprogrammed to deliver an optimal stimulus pulse protocol whereby the stimulus pulse parameters are varied so as to deliver a series of stimulus pulses for treating all aspects of CTS, including but not limited to pain blockage, nerve regeneration, reduction in inflammation and biochemical release.

The invention provides an electro-therapeutic device for application on a human or animal body part, comprising electrodes (3), a measuring means connected thereto and arranged to measure a value of an electrical quantity, and a control unit (10) to process the measured values, wherein the control unit (10) further comprises pattern recognition means to determine a pattern in the measured values, for example by comparing with patterns stored in a memory unit (15). By means of the determined pattern, the device is able to know its position on the body, and to determine whether this position is suitable for a treatment, and to which electrodes a treatment signal must be supplied. The device is much easier to use since it does not require any user's knowledge about patterns, as this may be stored in the device itself.

A lead implantation tool is disclosed herein. The tool may be configured to operably couple to a lead connector end of an implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead including an active fixation helix tip and wherein the lead connector end includes a contact pin proximally extending from the lead connector end. The tool may include a feature configured to couple to the contact pin and a first mechanism configured to convert linear movement into rotational movement of the contact pin relative to the lead connector end. The tool may further include a second mechanism that causes a stylet extending through the tool and into the contact pin to at least one of distally and proximally displace within the contact pin.

This present embodiment relates generally to the electrical treatment of malignant tumors and neoplasms by applying a voltage to affected tissue. Devices and various adaptations therein are described for use in electrical therapy. Additionally, various ambulatory devices are described which advantageously increase versatility of the electrical therapy system. The ambulatory devices may include an internal and external power source and / or a first and second power source. The ambulatory devices may also include communication means for communicating between various portions of the device.

A method of applying electrotherapy to the heart of a patient includes positioning electrodes in communication with the heart of the patient; monitoring the patient's heart to determine if its fibrillating; and providing a first signal with a current generator to the heart through the electrodes in response to an indication that the heart is fibrillating. The first stimulus signal reduces the amount of fibrillation.

The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided.

An implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the lead includes a tubular body having a distal end with a first soft resilient member. The member extends or is extendable from the distal end radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

An implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) delivers an electrical therapy signal to the heart of a patient. When ventricular fibrillation or another condition of the heart requiring high voltage therapy is sensed, the therapy signal is delivered to the heart. When a partial short-circuit or other low impedance condition occurs, an over-current protection circuit will stop delivery of a shocking pulse. The ICD will then reduce the voltage of the shocking pulse and try again to deliver electrical therapy. This process is repeated until a voltage level is found that is able to deliver the electrical therapy without causing an over-voltage condition. Alternate lead configurations may also be tried in an attempt to find a signal path that is not affected by the low impedance or short-circuit condition.

The present invention relates to the field of electrotherapy and measuring by means of electric currents for diagnostic purposes, and more particularly to an electrode arrangement for facilitating wound healing, a method for measuring wound healing and a wound dressing having an electrode arrangement. A wound dressing according is described which includes at least two impedance reference electrodes, a frame like counter-electrode and stimulation electrodes in a form of an array; and a bioadhesive affinity layer surrounding the stimulation electrodes; said wound dressing being suited for applying on top of the wound so that the stimulation electrode array is on the wound area, and that the at least two impedance reference electrodes and the frame like counter-electrode are suited for placing in contact with the healthy skin surrounding the wound area; which electrodes, are suited for applying LIDC type electrical stimulation current to the wound area and for bioimpedance measurement. The wound dressing can provide a continuous, non-invasive and objective solution for monitoring chronic wound healing without disturbing the delicate healing process.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), a method of stimulating nerves using electrical current applied through the skin for therapeutic purposes, has been in use since the late 1970's, as have electronic units for self-administration of TENS therapy. With the recent increase in popularity of mobile devices capable of audio playback (smart phones, portable computing devices, MP3 players etc.), most TENS users already carry consumer electronic equipment capable of providing power and control to another device via its audio port. A TENS unit designed to: (a) be coupled with an audio playback capable device, (b) make use of its power and (c) rely on it for user interaction, provides a smaller, less expensive and more convenient portable treatment solution. This approach can be extended to other electrotherapy forms utilizing similar power budgets: Microcurrent Electrical Nerve Stimulation (MENS), Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS), Electrical Muscle Stimulation / Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (EMS / NMES).

The invention relates to a medical high-sensitivity micro needle array electrode which is an electrode product integrating an electrode and a micro needle. The micro needle penetrates into skin to reduce the skin resistance and realizes the dry acquisition or the input of stimulating signals or matters. The medical high-sensitivity micro needle array electrode has the characteristics of high efficiency, zero pains and the like. Through the medical high-sensitivity micro needle array electrode, the acquisition quality and the acquisition speed of the signals can be improved, the signal to noise ratio can be improved, and the sensitivity of the signal can also be improved by utilizing additional drugs and supporting matters to be favorable for improving the relevant process treatment effect and accelerating the disease curing time. The product can be subjected to body index long-time monitoring and detection through program design and set according to the practical demands of the patient and other relevant crowds and can also be treated according to the stimulation of the signals acquired and inputted at intervals as required. The medical high-sensitivity micro needle array electrode can be used for phototherapy, electrotherapy, acupuncture and moxibustion, ultrasonic wave and other treatment fields. The high-sensitivity micro needle array electrode is described in structural design and implemented key technology and has a wide application prospect.

The efficiency and longevity of an implantable electrotherapy device is greatly improved by utilizing a biocompatible coating material to selectively cover desired portions of the electrotherapy device and / or the related leads. This coating thus allows only specific portions of the device to be in electrical contact with the patient's tissue, thus more closely controlling the electrical signal transfer characteristics of the device. Because a more concentrated or localized signal transmission characteristic is possible, the efficiency of the electrotherapy device is greatly improved. Further, because power is being more efficiently and effectively utilized, the overall longevity of the implantable device is also improved.

Methods and devices for providing noninvasive electrotherapy and electrical stimulation are described herein. In one aspect, a device for noninvasive electrotherapy includes wireless communication circuitry configured to receive pulse generation control signals wirelessly transmitted from a computing device. The device can include pulse generation circuitry configured to deliver electrical waveforms according to instructions encoded in the pulse generation control signals. The computing device can include a cellular telephone device, a portable media player, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, or an internet access device.