Partially implantable system for the electrical treatment of cancer

• US 20050222623A1
• Filed: 04/06/2004
• Published: 10/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Oncostim, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Oncostim, Inc.
• Inventors: Kroll, Mark, Kroll, Kai, Schroeppel, Edward
• Granted Patent: US 7,720,549 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/326 for promoting growth of cells, e.g. bone cells

Abstract

This present embodiment relates generally to the electrical treatment of malignant tumors and neoplasms by applying a voltage to affected tissue. Devices and various adaptations therein are described for use in electrical therapy. Additionally, various ambulatory devices are described which advantageously increase versatility of the electrical therapy system. The ambulatory devices may include an internal and external power source and/or a first and second power source. The ambulatory devices may also include communication means for communicating between various portions of the device.

Claims

1. A medical device for the treatment of cancer comprising:

an implantable portion comprising;

a device housing;

circuitry contained within said device housing;

at least one electrode operably coupled to said circuitry wherein said circuitry delivers electrical therapy to said at least one electrode for the treatment of cancerous tumors; and

an external portion comprising;

a means for interacting with said implantable portion; and

an affixing means for securing said external portion.

2. The medical device of claim 1 wherein said implantable portion further comprises a power source.

3. The medical device of claim 2 wherein said power source is a battery.

4. The medical device of claim 2 wherein said power source is rechargeable.

5. The medical device of claim 2 wherein said external portion recharges said implantable power source.

6. The medical device of claim 1 wherein said interacting means is any of the group consisting of a hardwire connection and a wireless connection.

7. The medical device of claim 1 wherein said interactions between said external portion and said implantable portion include any of the group consisting of controlling said implantable portion, providing power to said implantable portion, monitoring said implantable portion, receiving data from said implantable portion, and dispensing drugs to said implantable portion.

8. The medical device of claim 7 wherein said data received from said implantable portion is formatted into an oncogram.

9. The medical device of claim 1 wherein said external portion is secured to any of the group consisting of a patient, a patient'"'"'s bed, and an IV bracket.

10. The medical device of claim 1 further comprising an external portion containing apparatus.

11. The medical device of claim 1 wherein said external portion makes electrical contact with the skin of a patient.

12. A medical device for the treatment of cancer comprising:

an implantable portion comprising;

a device housing;

circuitry contained within said device housing;

at least one electrode operably coupled to said circuitry wherein said circuitry delivers electrical therapy to said at least one electrode for the treatment of cancerous tumors; and

an external portion comprising;

a means for providing power to said implantable portion; and

an affixing means for securing said external portion.

13. The medical device of claim 12 wherein said implantable portion further comprises a power source.

14. The medical device of claim 13 wherein said power source is a battery.

15. The medical device of claim 13 wherein said power source is rechargeable.

16. The medical device of claim 13 wherein said external portion recharges said implantable power source.

17. The medical device of claim 12 wherein said external portion is secured to any of the group consisting of a patient, a patient'"'"'s bed, and an IV bracket.

18. The medical device of claim 12 further comprising an external portion containing apparatus.

19. The medical device of claim 12 wherein said external portion makes electrical contact with the skin of a patient.

20. The medical device of claim 12 further comprising a communication means for communicating between said implantable portion and said external portion.

21. The medical device of claim 20 wherein said external portion receives data from said implantable portion by way of said communication means.

22. The medical device of claim 21 wherein said data is formatted into an oncogram.

23. A medical device for the treatment of cancer comprising:

an implantable portion comprising;

a device housing;

a port for receiving power;

circuitry contained within said device housing wherein said circuitry is coupled to said port for receiving power; and

at least one electrode operably coupled to said circuitry wherein said circuitry delivers electrical therapy to said at least one electrode for the treatment of cancerous tumors;

an external portion comprising;

circuitry contained within said external portion wherein said circuitry is coupled to a power source;

a wire operably coupled to said circuitry of said external portion and said port for receiving power of said implantable portion wherein said wire transports power from said external portion to said implantable portion; and

an affixing means for securing said external portion.

24. The medical device of claim 23 wherein said power source is a battery.

25. The medical device of claim 23 wherein said implantable portion further comprises a power source.

26. The medical device of claim 25 wherein said power source is a battery.

27. The medical device of claim 25 wherein said power source is rechargeable.

28. The medical device of claim 25 wherein said external portion recharges said power source of said implantable portion.

29. The medical device of claim 23 wherein said external portion is secured to any of the group consisting of a patient, a patient'"'"'s bed, and an IV bracket.

30. The medical device of claim 23 wherein said external portion further comprises a connecting means for quickly coupling and uncoupling said external portion to said port for receiving power.

31. The medical device of claim 23 wherein said external portion makes electrical contact with the skin of a patient.

32. The medical device of claim 23 further comprising a communication means for communicating between said implantable portion and said external portion.

33. The medical device of claim 32 wherein said communications means is any of the group consisting of a hardwire connection and a wireless connection.

34. The medical device of claim 32 wherein said external portion receives data from said implantable portion by way of said communication means.

35. The medical device of claim 33 wherein said data is formatted into an oncogram.

36. The medical device of claim 23 further comprising an external portion containing apparatus.

37. A medical device for the treatment of cancer comprising:

an external generator for providing power;

at least one electrode transcutaneously placed in a body wherein said at least one electrode is operably coupled to said external generator such that said at least one electrode delivers electrical therapy to body tissue; and

an affixing means for securing said external generator.

38. The medical device of claim 37 wherein said external portion is secured to any of the group consisting of a patient, a patient'"'"'s bed, and an IV bracket.

39. The medical device of claim 37 wherein said external portion makes electrical contact with the skin of a patient.

40. The medical device of claim 37 further comprising an external portion containing apparatus.

41. The medical device of claim 37 further comprising an implantable portion electrically between said electrode and said external portion.

42. A method of treating cancerous tumors comprising the steps of:

implanting at least one electrode into said tumor;

coupling a source of electrical power to said electrode;

delivering electrical therapy into said tumor; and

securing said external generator.

43. The method of claim 42 further comprising the step of adding a second source of electrical power between said electrode and said source of electrical power.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein said second source of electrical power is implanted.