Methods and devices for the treatment of neurological and physiological disorders

• US 20050015129A1
• Filed: 05/11/2004
• Published: 01/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hans A. Mische
• Original Assignee: Hans A. Mische
• Inventors: Mische, Hans A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,300,449 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/115
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320725 with radially expandable cutting or abrading elements A61B17/32075 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00247 Making holes in the wall of the heart, e.g. laser Myocardial revascularization
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00256 Creating an electrical block
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2945 Curved jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/32096 for slowly cutting through tissue, e.g. stent like temporary implants having sharp edges
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00392 Transmyocardial revascularisation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0004 Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2493 Transmyocardial revascularisation [TMR] devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/88 the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils forming a net-like or mesh-like structure A61F2/90
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/90 characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0026 Anti-eating devices using electrical stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/003 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0036 Intragastrical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0089 Instruments for placement or removal
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0693 Brain, cerebrum
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0069 Tip not integral with tube
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/10 Balloon catheters A61M25/0125 takes precedence; embolectomy A61B17/22032; retractors A61B17/02; inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts A61F2/958 ; stomach balloons for treatment of obesity A61F5/0003; oesophagal tubes A61J15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 29/02 Dilators made of swellable material balloon catheters for angioplasty A61M25/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36025 for treating a mental or cerebral condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 : Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Novel devices and methods that affect the neurologic and biological electrical conduction systems for the treatment various neurological and physiological disorders. Localized mechanical forces imparted by the inventive devices and methods modify or alter the mechanoelectric and or electrochemical properties of the affected tissues and biologic systems. Combinations of various technologies can be incorporated into the devices and methodologies for specific treatments. The devices and methods can be used to treat a number of neurologic and physiologic disorders such as Parkinson'"'"'s, epilepsy, atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrhythmia, obesity, and others.

Claims

1. A method of treating blood pressure disorders comprising the steps of:

identifying the carotid sinus;

placing a mechanical stress device proximate to the carotid sinus with a placement device;

removing said placement device, whereby said mechanical stress device remains proximate to the carotid sinus;

whereby said mechanical stress device affects baroreceptors at said carotid sinus;

whereby the affected baroreceptors trigger the sympathetic nervous system control of the blood pressure.

2. A method as in claim 1, where the device is located external to a blood vessel.

3. A method as in claim 1, where the device is located internal to a blood vessel.

4. A method as in claim 1, where the device is directly coupled to an electrical generator.

5. A method as in claim 1, where the device is remotely coupled to an electrical generator.

6. A method of treating cardiac rhythm disorders involving an abhorrent electrical conduction path in the myocardial tissues comprising the steps of:

identifying target tissue having the electrical conduction defect responsible for the cardiac rhythm disorder;

placing a mechanical stress device in said target tissue with a placement device;

removing said placement device, whereby said mechanical stress device remains in said tissue;

whereby the mechanical stress modifies the abhorrent electrical conduction path in the myocardial tissue.

7. A method as in claim 6, where the device is directly coupled to an electrical generator.

8. A method as in claim 6, where the device is remotely coupled to an electrical generator.

9. A method as in claim 6, where the device has a sensor circuit.

10. A method as in claim 6, where the device stretches the myocardial tissue.

11. A method as in claim 6, where the device compresses the myocardial tissue.

12. A method as in claim 6, where the device is partially embedded within the myocardial tissue.

13. A method as in claim 6, where the device is in contact with both the external and internal surfaces of the myocardial tissue.

14. A method of treating epilepsy comprising the steps of:

identifying the vagus nerve;

placing a mechanical stress device proximate to the vagal nerve with a placement device;

removing said placement device, whereby said mechanical stress device remains proximate to the vagal nerve;

whereby said mechanical stress device affects the conduction of the vagal nerve;

whereby the affected nerve the mitigates an epileptic seizure.

15. A method as in claim 14, where the device is directly coupled to an electrical generator.

16. A method as in claim 14, where the device has a sensor circuit.

17. A method as in claim 14, where the device stretches the vagal nerve.

18. A method as in claim 14, where the device compresses the vagal nerve.