Electromagnetic therapy device and methods

• US 20040176805A1
• Filed: 05/21/2003
• Published: 09/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: BioElectronics Corporation
• Original Assignee: BioElectronics Corporation
• Inventors: Woodhams, James, Martinez, John, Whelan, Andrew J., Cox, Timothy, Toy, Stephanie
• Granted Patent: US 8,412,328 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0428 Specially adapted for iontophoresis, e.g. AC, DC or including drug reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/325 for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body electrodes for external use A61N1/0428
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/40 Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling microwave apparatus A61N5/00; Applying radio-frequency signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/02 using magnetic fields produced by coils, including single turn loops or electromagnets A61N2/12 takes precedence

Abstract

Systems and techniques for applying an electromagnetic field to bodily tissue include a self-contained and portable electromagnetic field generating device disposed over a surface of bodily tissue such that the radiated electromagnetic fields impinge upon the bodily tissue. The device includes an electromagnetic field generator, which is coupled to an antenna that is arranged to radiate the electromagnetic field. A power source is coupled to the generator to provide power for the device and an activator is used to initiate radiation of the electromagnetic field. Methods of inducing electrical current in bodily tissues and treating disorders, such as pain-related disorders, are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

an electromagnetic field generator;

an antenna coupled to the generator and arranged to radiate the electromagnetic field;

a power source coupled to the generator; and

an activator to initiate radiation of the electromagnetic field,

wherein the device is self-contained and portable.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the antenna comprises antenna conductors on a printed circuit board.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the power source is a battery.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein when the device is disposed over a bodily tissue alternating current is induced in the bodily tissue to promote at least one of cellular communication or cellular stimulation.

5. The device of claim 3, further comprising:

an annular ring to surround the battery; and

a wire wound around the annular ring.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the annular ring has a stepped cross-section and wherein the wire wound on a top and outer side of the annular ring is coupled to the antenna conductors.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the annular ring comprises a ferrite ring.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein the annular ring comprises an insulating-magnetic ring.

9. The device of claim 3, wherein the alternating current induced in the bodily tissue is parallel or perpendicular to the direction of antenna conductors.

10. A method of inducing electrical current in a bodily tissue, the method comprising:

positioning the device of claim 1 adjacent a bodily tissue of an individual; and

operating the device for a duration, at a frequency, and at a peak available radiated power density effective to induce electrical current in the bodily tissue,

wherein the device is positioned relative to the individual such that the device induces electrical current in the bodily tissue without making conductive contact with the bodily tissue.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the frequency is 27±

0.5 MHz.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the peak available radiated power density is less than 100 microwatts per square centimeter measured at the surface of the bodily tissue.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the induction of electrical current in the bodily tissue reduces or eliminates a pain sensation in the individual.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the device comprises a delivery system.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the delivery system comprises a patch, bandage, pad, brace, strap, tape, adhesive, or cast.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the delivery system comprises a single use adhesive bandage.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising pulsing the generated electromagnetic field.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising altering at least one of a duty-cycle and a pulse repetition rate of the pulsed electromagnetic field.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the duty cycle is approximately 8%-10%.

20. A method of treating an individual, the method comprising:

positioning the device of claim 1 adjacent a bodily tissue of an individual; and

operating the device for a duration, at a frequency, and at a peak available radiated power

density effective to elicit a therapeutic response in the individual,

wherein the device is positioned relative to the individual such that the device induces electrical current in the bodily tissue of the individual without making conductive contact with the bodily tissue.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the individual has a pain-related disorder and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain in the individual.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the individual has a bone, joint, soft-tissue, or connective tissue disorder and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of inflammation in a bone, joint, soft-tissue, or connective tissue of the individual.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the individual has a bone, joint, soft-tissue, or connective tissue disorder and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain associated with the disorder.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the individual has a dental condition, and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain associated with the condition.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the individual has an arthritic disorder and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain associated with the disorder.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the disorder is osteoarthritis of the knee and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain of the knee.

27. The method of claim 20 wherein the of post-surgical recovery or nausea of chemotherapy or nausea or motion sickness and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of nausea and vomiting.

28. The method of claim 20, wherein the frequency is 27±

0.5 MHz.

29. The method of claim 20, wherein the peak available radiated power density is less than 100 microwatts per square centimeter measured at the surface of the bodily tissue.

30. A method of treating an individual, the method comprising:

providing a device comprising an electromagnetic field generator;

positioning the device adjacent a bodily tissue of an individual; and

operating the device for a duration, at a frequency, and at a peak available radiated power density effective to elicit a therapeutic response in the individual,

wherein the device is positioned relative to the individual such that the device induces electrical current in the bodily tissue of the individual without making conductive contact with the bodily tissue, and wherein the device effects a penetration of the induced current into the bodily tissue such that the therapeutic response is elicited at a depth of at least 2 cm in the bodily tissue.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the therapeutic response is elicited at a depth of at least 3 cm in the bodily tissue.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the therapeutic response is elicited at a depth of 2 to 3 cm in the bodily tissue.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the individual has a pain-related disorder and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain in the individual.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the individual has a bone, joint, soft-tissue, or connective tissue disorder and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of inflammation in a bone, joint, soft-tissue, or connective tissue of the individual.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein the individual has a bone, joint, soft-tissue, or connective tissue disorder and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain associated with the disorder.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein the individual has a dental condition, and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain associated with the condition.

37. The method of claim 30, wherein the individual has an arthritic disorder and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain associated with the disorder.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the disorder is osteoarthritis of the knee and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain of the knee.

39. A method of treatment, the method comprising:

providing a device selected from the group consisting of a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) apparatus, a transcutaneous electrical neural stimulator (TENS), and a static magnet array;

positioning the device at a distance from an individual effective to elicit a therapeutic response in the individual, wherein the device is positioned at a bodily location selected from the group consisting of the external end of the elbow transverse crease, the depression at the lower border of the malleolus lateralis, below the lateral extremity of the clavicle at the level of the first intercostals space, between the fourth lumbar vertebra and the fifth lumbar vertebra or 1 inch to the right or left thereof horizontally, a depression anterior or inferior to the head of the fibula, about 1.5 inches above the medial border of the patella, and between the radius and the palmaris longus; and

maintaining the device at the bodily location for a duration effective to elicit the therapeutic response.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the individual has a disorder selected from the group consisting of adhesive capsulitis, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, back pain, multiple sclerosis, tendon inflammation, and carpal tunnel syndrome, and the therapeutic response comprises a reduction or elimination of pain associated with the disorder.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein the device is a PEMF apparatus.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein the device is a TENS.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein the device is a static magnet array.

44. The method of claim 39, wherein the device comprises:

an electromagnetic field generator;

an antenna coupled to the generator and arranged to radiate the electromagnetic field;

a power source coupled to the generator; and

an activator to initiate radiation of the electromagnetic field,

wherein the device is self-contained and portable.