286 results about "Pain reduction" patented technology

Methods and devices that provide ultrasonic energy used to cause one or more nerves to become dysfunctional. A nerve to be treated is placed in the focal zone of ultrasonic energy emitted by ultrasound transducer. A first level of ultrasonic energy is provided to the nerve using the ultrasound transducer, the first level sufficient to stimulate the nerve. A verification is made that the desired nerve is being stimulated by the first level of ultrasonic energy. For example, the patient may be asked to confirm that the ultrasonically stimulated nerve corresponds to the pain that is affecting the patient. Subsequent to verifying the stimulated nerve is the nerve desired for the reduction of pain, a second level of ultrasonic energy is delivered to the nerve using the ultrasound transducer, the second level of ultrasonic energy sufficient to cause nerve dysfunction.

Systems and methods provide baroreflex activation to treat or reduce pain and / or to cause or enhance sedation or sleep. Methods involve activating the baroreflex system to provide pain reduction, sedation, improved sleep or some combination thereof. Systems include at least one baroreflex activation device, at least one sensor for sensing physiological activity of the patient, and a processor coupled with the baroreflex activation device(s) and the sensor(s) for processing sensed data received from the sensor and for activating the baroreflex activation device. In some embodiments, the system is fully implantable within a patient, such as in an intravascular, extravascular or intramural location.

Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and / or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to alleviate pain use at least one implantable system control unit (SCU), producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and / or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulation is delivered to targeted areas in the brain. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation parameters.

The invention relates to a dressing comprised of microbial-derived cellulose for aesthetic application The dressing is capable of donating liquid to dry substrates and is also capable of absorbing exudating wounds. Delivery of various medicaments using the dressing is possible. Positive clinical outcomes including reduced pain and discomfort, faster epithelialization, and healing were observed with use of the dressing.

The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, nutrients and oxygen transporting through the endplates diminish. The disc degenerates, and pain ensues. Conduits are delivered through a pedicle or vertebral body into the intervertebral disc to re-establish the exchange of nutrients and waste between the disc and bodily circulation to slow, stop or reverse disc degeneration and relieve pain. Endplate plugs may be deployed to seal gaps between the conduits and the endplates to prevent immune responses to the nucleus pulposus and to preserve the hydrostatic pressure within the disc.

An antibacterial fluid may be applied to a tubular medical cannula for access to a patient. The fluid comprises a typically metabolizable antibacterial formulation having a viscosity preferably greater than 150,000 cp. The cannula may then be inserted into the patient with an increased lubricity for a reduction of pain, while at the same time, unlike silicones, preferred materials do not readily accumulate in the patient. The fluid may be placed on the skin. The tubular medical cannula may be a rigid, hollow needle, sharp or blunt, a spike, or a flexible catheter. Also, the viscous antibacterial fluid may be used to lock a catheter or other cannula while implanted in the patient, for storage purposes. The formulation is typically an alcohol plus a viscosity increasing agent and optionally a surfactant, a clotting agent, and / or EDTA.

The present invention provides a lancing device designed for minimizing pain to the user, comprising a probe with cam profile responsible for controlling the lancet speed such that the lancet enters the skin relatively fast, decelerates smoothly and gradually to zero velocity at maximum depth of penetration and retracts slowly and controllably. The housing of the lancet comprises of leaf springs and set of guides for minimizing or eliminating pitching or vibration of the lancet during lancing, hence reducing the pain experienced by the user. The lancing device is further equipped with a gear-damper system for minimizing or eliminating noise produced during lancing process.

The present invention provides a method for the long-term relief of chronic pain in a subject by activating in the subject an analgesic α-adrenergic receptor in the absence of α-2A receptor activation over a period of at least three days, such that relief of chronic pain is maintained in the absence of continued activation of said receptor. The analgesic α-adrenergic receptor can be, for example, the α-2B receptor.

This is a new invention, including improvements upon existing inventions, which is safer, simpler to use, less invasive into a user's daily routine and provides a lower cost solution to existing pulsed magnetic field and related vibrational electromagnetic therapy devices. This invention (apparatus) is referred to as an EnergyWave Therapy Device to distinguish it from existing electromagnetic therapy devices. It operates non-invasively on a homeopathic level to improve sleep, encourage natural healing and reduce pain, swelling, and general discomfort. This is accomplished through different embodiments of the apparatus all of which generate Multiple Simultaneous Extremely Low Frequency (MSELF) energy waves which may be any combination of Alternating Polarity Magnetic Fields (APMF), narrowband near-coherent long-wavelength (580 nm to 980 nm) light emitting diodes (LEDs), or electrical vibrations transmitted through the medium of water using carbon rod electrodes. The MSELF vibrations are derived from a quartz crystal with a fundamental frequency less than one-half of one percent from a natural Fibonacci Sequence Number. The apparatus utilizes firmware operating in a microcontroller containing predefined, user selectable therapy programs either emulating natural Circadian Rhythms for sleep and rest, or other therapeutic programs, all of which contain Electromagnetic Field (EMF) dose limitations to prevent any possible overexposure. The microcontroller is also clocked at the same fundamental frequency generated by the Fibonacci Sequence Quartz Crystal. Additionally, the apparatus's unique application of an H-Bridge configuration power-driver with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) capabilities supports a novel approach to supply two simultaneous therapeutic frequencies to either a copper-trace coil emitter integrated on the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or optional external energy emitters. The result is a more effective, lower energy, safer, lower cost, simpler to use, noninvasive, multi-modal, EnergyWave Therapy Device.

Methods and devices that provide ultrasonic energy used to cause one or more nerves to become dysfunctional. A nerve to be treated is placed in the focal zone of ultrasonic energy emitted by ultrasound transducer. A first level of ultrasonic energy is provided to the nerve using the ultrasound transducer, the first level sufficient to stimulate the nerve. A verification is made that the desired nerve is being stimulated by the first level of ultrasonic energy. For example, the patient may be asked to confirm that the ultrasonically stimulated nerve corresponds to the pain that is affecting the patient. Subsequent to verifying the stimulated nerve is the nerve desired for the reduction of pain, a second level of ultrasonic energy is delivered to the nerve using the ultrasound transducer, the second level of ultrasonic energy sufficient to cause nerve dysfunction.

A non-contact mechanism for encouraging and facilitating incentive spirometry, ensuring that it is performed adequately, in a timely manner, and for a sufficient duration is discussed. The embodiments also quantitatively and qualitatively keep a record of the incentive spirometry activity, including recording the performance in an electronic medical record. A non-contact monitoring system is used to generate a breathing waveform for a subject that may be compared to target waveforms. Visual and non-visual cues may then be provided to the subject to help guide the subject towards the desired breathing pattern.

A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and / or posterior and / or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and / or laterally and / or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement.

Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions.

Many medical procedures, such as needle-sticking, could benefit from an assistive device that improves the optical contrast of externally targeted features and lumens of interest residing in and underneath the skin and / or exposed organ tissues. The inventive inexpensive device and method are useable on such externally targeted features and lumens while also protecting the practitioner and freeing up both of his / her hands, if necessary, to thereby eliminate practitioner self-sticking problems. The present device provides good optical contrast and also provides splash-protection against HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases. The inventive device method and apparatus may also include vibratory subcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), drug-based or heating treatment capabilities for reducing pain, both perceived and real pain, associated with a device guided procedure. Finally, the pain reduction mechanisms have also been found useful for lumen dilation.

The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for inducing, promoting or otherwise facilitating pain relief. More particularly the present invention discloses the combination of a nitric oxide donor and an opioid analgesic in the therapeutic management of vertebrate animals including humans, for the prevention or alleviation of pain, particularly moderate to severe pain. In particular, the nitric oxide donor is a slow-release nitric oxide donor or is formulated to provide a sustained release of a low dose of nitric oxide.

The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, endplates become occluded by calcified layers, and diffusion of nutrients and oxygen into the disc diminishes. The disc degenerates, and pain ensues. Conduits are delivered and deployed into the intervertebral disc to reestablish the exchange of nutrients and waste between the disc and bodily circulation to stop or reverse disc degeneration and relieve pain. The intervertebral disc installed with semi-permeable conduits may be used as an immuno-isolated capsule to encapsulate donor cells capable of biosynthesizing therapeutic molecules. The semi-permeable conduits establish the exchange of nutrients and therapeutic molecules between disc and bodily circulation to treat a disease without using immunosuppressive drugs.

Techniques are provided for generating pre-pulse pain inhibition (PPI) pulses and subsequent main cardioversion shocks. The PPI pulses are relatively low-voltage pulses each having a chevron-shaped waveform. The main shocks are relatively high-voltage shocks each having a plateau-shaped waveform. By employing plateau-shaped waveforms for the main shocks, a greater cardiac membrane response can be achieved at an equivalent peak voltage as compared to conventional shock waveforms. Peak voltage is a significant contributor to pain caused by cardioversion shocks. Hence, by using the plateau-shaped waveform, pain reduction can be achieved without loss of shock effectiveness. Moreover, by employing chevron-shaped PPI pulses in combination with plateau-shaped main shocks, a relatively simple shocking circuit having a single high-voltage shocking capacitor may be used, thus eliminating the need for both low-voltage PPI capacitors and higher voltage main shock capacitors. The shocking circuit includes a low-pass resistive-capacitive filter.

The present invention relates to new plasma or new platelet-rich plasma preparations, new cell dissociation methods, new cell associations or compositions, a method of preparation thereof, a use thereof, devices for the preparation thereof and preparations containing such a platelet-rich plasma preparation and cell associations or compositions. Specifically, the invention provides compositions comprising plasma or platelet-rich plasma alone or in combination with cell preparations for use in tissue regeneration and bone regeneration and pain reduction.

The present invention provides a method for the long-term relief of chronic pain in a subject by activating in the subject an analgesic alpha-adrenergic receptor in the absence of alpha-2A receptor activation over a period of at least three days, such that relief of chronic pain is maintained in the absence of continued activation of said receptor. The analgesic alpha-adrenergic receptor can be, for example, the alpha-2B receptor.

The present invention is direct to a method of producing analgesia in a mammalian subject. The method includes administering to the subject an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivicaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyil, buprenorphine, and sufentanil, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the ω-conopeptide retains its potency and is physically and chemically compatible with the analgesic compound. A preferred route of administration is intrathecal administration, particularly continuous intrathecal infusion. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivicaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and sufentanil.

A method in which a location is determined on the skin that is proximate to a sensory nerve that is associated with a painful condition. At least one needle of a cryogenic device is inserted into the location on the skin such that the needle is proximate to the sensory nerve. The device is activated such that the at least one needle creates a cooling zone about the sensory nerve, thereby eliminating or reducing severity of the painful condition.

A target-treating system treats a target disposed within a bone of a patient. The system comprises a probe configured to be inserted into the bone and navigated therethrough toward the target. The probe comprises a shaft that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a main body extending between and interconnecting the proximal end and the distal end. The distal end is configured to engage the target such that, upon activation of the probe, the target is treated.

The invention provides for compositions and methods of reducing pain in a subject by administering a combination of mu-opioid receptor agonist, kappa1-opioid receptor agonist and a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist in amounts effective to reduce pain and ameliorate an adverse side effect of treatment combining opioid-receptor agonists. The invention also provides for methods of enhancing an analgesic effect of treatment with an opioid-receptor agonist in a subject suffering from pain while reducing an adverse side effect of the treatment. The invention also provides for methods of reducing the hyperalgesic effect of treatment with an opioid-receptor agonist in a subject suffering from pain while reducing an adverse side effect of the treatment. The invention further provides for methods of promoting the additive analgesia of pain treatment with an opioid-receptor agonist in a subject in need while reducing an adverse side effect of the treatment.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods use in pain reduction, including but not limited to, peripheral nerve blocks. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for the administration of perineural dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine in combination for increased antinociception in peripheral nerve blocks. In addition, this invention relates to any use of dexmedetomidine alone or in combination with other agents for the purpose of decreasing inflammation around peripheral nerves, thereby decreasing the potential for peripheral nerve injury. Further, the invention relates to the use of dexmedetomidine to reduce inflammation in the muscle to lessen or prevent muscle damage.

An orthotic device for absorption of heel shock, treating edema and swelling and for lessening pain. It is comprised of an elastic sleeve adapted to fit over the foot and heel of a person. The sleeve includes a shock absorbing heel pad inside of the sleeve in a position to be disposed under the heel when the sleeve is worn around the heel. The sleeve is of elastomeric material providing compression to treat edema and swelling. The pad may be a polymeric plastisol material which can be cooled to provide cold therapy and positioned under the heel to provide cushioning and shock absorption.

The present invention relates to a method for topical treatment of pain resulting from a sports injury, including injuries to bones and soft tissue, such as ligaments, muscles or tendons. The method includes the steps of: applying to skin of a subject suffering from pain resulting from a sports injury a transdermal drug delivery system comprising a formulation comprising a pain-relieving amount of a local anesthetic and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the transdermal drug delivery system is applied to a skin site proximate to or in the region of a sports injury, and relieving the pain. The concentrated local anesthetic in the patch penetrates deeply below the skin to the injury site to inhibit pain receptors throughout the damaged body tissue.

A method for subcutaneously treating pain in a patient includes first providing a neurostimulator with an IPG body and at least a primary integral lead with electrodes disposed thereon. A primary incision is opened to expose the subcutaneous region below the dermis in a selected portion of the body. A pocket is then opened for the IPG through the primary incision and the primary integral lead is inserted through the primary incision and routed subcutaneously to a first desired nerve region along a first desired path. The IPG is disposed in the pocket through the primary incision. The primary incision is then closed and the IPG and the electrodes activated to provide localized stimulation to the desired nerve region and at least one of the nerves associated therewith to achieve a desired pain reduction response from the patient.

A method in which a location is determined on the skin that is proximate to a sensory nerve that is associated with a painful condition. At least one needle of a cryogenic device is inserted into the location on the skin such that the needle is proximate to the sensory nerve. The device is activated such that the at least one needle creates a cooling zone about the sensory nerve, thereby eliminating or reducing severity of the painful condition.

Orthodontic remodeling devices having an extraoral housing containing a power source operably coupled to an actuator operably coupled to a processor that controls said actuator; the extraoral housing operably connected to an intraoral U-shaped bite plate; the bite plate having upper and lower vertical edges on a facial edge thereof and upper and lower vertical edges on a lingual edge thereof. During usage the orthodontic remodeling device is held in place only by teeth clamping on the bite plate and vibrates at a selected frequency between 0.1 and 400 Hz. Methods of using same for faster orthodontic remodeling and pain reduction are also provided.

The present invention provides methods for reducing pain in a subject in need thereof by delivering a volatile anesthetic in a solution or an emulsion that can additionally include an extractive solvent in an amount effective to reduce pain without substantially interfering with motor function. Chronic or acute pain may be treated, or the volatile anesthetic may be delivered as a regional anesthetic to a subject to anesthetize a portion of the subject prior to surgery. Dosing regimes including a one-time administration, continuous and / or periodic administration are contemplated.