Electrical stimulation to treat hair loss

• US 20050107842A1
• Filed: 02/03/2003
• Published: 05/19/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Original Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Inventors: Rezai, Ali R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,493,168 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/50
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/326 for promoting growth of cells, e.g. bone cells

Abstract

A hair restoration apparatus includes an electrical generator configured to generate an electrical signal meeting defined characteristics. A controller in operative communication with the generator controls operation of the generator and characteristics of the generated electrical signal selected to effect a therapeutically effective application of electrical signals to a hair restoration site. An electrode in electrical communication with the electrical generator is disposed in an area where application of the electrical signal is desired. An electrical connection between the electrical generator and the electrode is provided and sealed for at least partial implantation under the skin of a patient in selected embodiments.

Claims

1. An electrical apparatus for treating hair loss comprising:

a power supply capable of selectively generating an electrical signal;

a controller in operative connection with the power supply, the controller controlling the generated electrical signal;

an electrode mechanism disposed adjacent to an area of hair loss, the electrode mechanism in electrical communication with the power supply, the electrode mechanism formable by a user to correspond to the area of hair loss.

2. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, the power supply being disposed externally relative to a patient, the electrode mechanism being disposed internally relative to the patient, the electrical apparatus further comprising:

an insulated coupling passing through skin of the patient and capable of electrically interconnecting the external power supply and the internal electrode mechanism.

3. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, the power supply and the electrode mechanism being disposed internal to a patient, the electrical apparatus further comprising:

an insulated coupling electrically interconnecting the power supply and the electrode mechanism; and

a remote control device in select data communication with the controller.

4. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, where the electrode mechanism is formable by cutting to shape.

5. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, where the electrode mechanism is generally flat having an identifiable first side to be placed closest to the area of hair loss, the generated electrical signal being most prominently conducted from the first side.

6. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an electrical signal comprising a voltage in the range of 0.1 microvolts and 20 volts.

7. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an electrical signal comprising a pulse width in the range of 10 microseconds and 1000 microseconds.

8. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an electrical signal comprising a frequency in the range of 2 hertz and 2500 hertz.

9. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an electrical signal including characteristics selected from the set of a voltage in the range of 0.1 microvolts and 20 volts, a pulse width in the range of 10 microseconds and 1000 microseconds, a frequency in the range of 2 hertz and 2500 hertz, and combinations thereof.

10. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, where the electrode mechanism is placed subcutaneously.

11. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, where the electrode mechanism is placed subgaleally.

12. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a microinfusion device in operative communication with the controller, the controller controlling release of a chemical agent from the microinfusion device to the area of hair loss.

13. The electrical apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a closed loop feedback system operably connected to the controller, the closed loop feedback system including a sensor sensitized to detect a treatment to the area of hair loss.

14. A hair restoration apparatus comprising:

an electrical generator configured to generate an electrical signal having a pulse width in the range of 10 microseconds and 1000 microseconds;

a controller in operative connection with the generator, the controller controlling the operation of the electrical generator and characteristics of the generated electrical signal selected to effect a therapeutically effective application of electrical signal to a hair restoration site;

an electrode in electrical communication with the electrical generator, the electrode disposed in an area where application of the electrical signal is desired; and

an electrical connection between the electrical generator and the electrode, the electrical connection being sealed for at least partial implantation under the skin of a patient.

15. The hair restoration apparatus as set forth in claim 14, where the controller comprises computer readable code configured to select a pulse width, a voltage, a frequency and effective combinations thereof.

16. The hair restoration apparatus as set forth in claim 15, where the electrode is shapable to cover an area where hair restoration is desired.

17. A method of treating hair loss comprising:

generating an electrical signal;

adapting the electrical signal to comprise a voltage in the range of 0.1 microvolts to 20 volts;

coupling the adapted electrical signal to an electrode disposed in a therapeutically effective area to treat hair loss.

applying the adapted electrical signal through the electrode to the therapeutically effective area to treat hair loss.

18. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising:

adapting the electrical signal to comprise a frequency in the range of 2 hertz to 2500 hertz.

19. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising:

adapting the electrical signal to comprise a pulse width in the range of 10 microseconds and 1000 microseconds.

20. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising:

conforming the electrode to correspond to a shape and area of a hair loss treatment area.

21. The method as set forth in claim 20, further comprising:

surgically implanting the conformed electrode under the skin adjacent to the hair loss treatment area; and

extending a lead from the conformed electrode for connection to an electrical signal generator.

22. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising:

surgically implanting the electrode adjacent to the hypothalamus.