Methods and apparatus for effectuating a lasting change in a neural-function of a patient
First Claim
1. An apparatus for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient, comprising:
- an electrode array having an electrical contact configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the brain; and
an implantable stimulus unit having a pulse generator for outputting electrical stimulation signals to the electrode array and a controller coupled to the pulse generator, wherein the controller includes a limiting module having a preset therapy period during which a plurality of discrete therapy sessions are to be performed for recovering a functional ability corresponding to the neural function, and wherein the limiting module is configured to prevent the stimulation signals from being provided to the electrode array after expiration of the therapy period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. An apparatus for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient, comprising:
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an electrode array having an electrical contact configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the brain; and
an implantable stimulus unit having a pulse generator for outputting electrical stimulation signals to the electrode array and a controller coupled to the pulse generator, wherein the controller includes a limiting module having a preset therapy period during which a plurality of discrete therapy sessions are to be performed for recovering a functional ability corresponding to the neural function, and wherein the limiting module is configured to prevent the stimulation signals from being provided to the electrode array after expiration of the therapy period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient, comprising:
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an electrode array having a support member configured to be implanted under the scalp of the patient and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the support member; and
an implantable stimulus unit having a signal generator that outputs electrical stimulation signals to the electrode array and a limiting module that prevents the electrical stimulation signals from being provided to the electrode array after expiration of a therapy period for recovering functional ability corresponding to the impaired neural function. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient, the method comprising:
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determining a therapy period during which at least one therapy session is to be performed to recover and/or develop a functional ability corresponding to the neural function;
identifying a stimulation site in and/or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function;
positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site;
providing at least one electrical stimulation treatment to the stimulation site by delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy session; and
preventing the electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site after expiration of the therapy period. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method for stimulating neurons in a brain of a patient using an implanted electrode assembly having a contact positioned at least proximate to the cortex of the patient and an implanted signal generator electrically coupled to the contact, the method comprising:
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performing an electrical stimulation session by generating an electrical stimulation waveform with the signal generator to apply an electrical current to the contact at a stimulation site proximate to a surface layer of the cortex;
repeating the electrical stimulation session at intervals throughout a therapy period; and
preventing the electrical stimulation from being delivered to the contact upon expiration of the therapy period. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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Specification