System and method for optogenetic therapy
First Claim
1. A method for illuminating, from within the intrathecal space of the spine of a patient, a nerve root pair that has been genetically modified to comprise light sensitive protein, comprising:
- a. surgically delivering an implantable optical applicator in a compressed state through a small surgical access created between calcified structures of the spine to the intrathecal space; and
b. expanding the implantable optical applicator inside of the intrathecal space to an expanded state, the implantable optical applicator comprising a first lighting segment, a second lighting segment, and one or more biasing segments operatively coupled to one or more of the first and second lighting segments, wherein the first lighting segment is configured to illuminate a first nerve root of a selected nerve root pair while the second lighting segment is configured to illuminate a second nerve root from the selected nerve root pair, and wherein the one or more biasing segments are configured to engage a dura portion of the spine and place at least one of the first and second lighting segments in apposition to the first or second nerve root.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.
41 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for illuminating, from within the intrathecal space of the spine of a patient, a nerve root pair that has been genetically modified to comprise light sensitive protein, comprising:
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a. surgically delivering an implantable optical applicator in a compressed state through a small surgical access created between calcified structures of the spine to the intrathecal space; and b. expanding the implantable optical applicator inside of the intrathecal space to an expanded state, the implantable optical applicator comprising a first lighting segment, a second lighting segment, and one or more biasing segments operatively coupled to one or more of the first and second lighting segments, wherein the first lighting segment is configured to illuminate a first nerve root of a selected nerve root pair while the second lighting segment is configured to illuminate a second nerve root from the selected nerve root pair, and wherein the one or more biasing segments are configured to engage a dura portion of the spine and place at least one of the first and second lighting segments in apposition to the first or second nerve root. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification