Methods and Apparatus for Effectuating a Lasting Change in a Neural Function of a Patient, Including Via Mechanical Force on Neural Tissue
First Claim
1. An implantable patient treatment apparatus, comprising:
- an implantable force delivery device that is changeable between a first state in which the force delivery device applies a first mechanical force to neural tissue, and a second state in which the force delivery device applies no mechanical force or a second mechanical force less than the first mechanical force to the neural tissue while the force delivery device is implanted;
an actuator coupled to the force delivery device with a communication link to change the state of the force delivery device; and
a controller operatively coupled to the actuator to automatically direct the force delivery device to change repeatedly between the first and second states while the force delivery device is implanted.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for effectuating a lasting change in a neural function of a patient, including via mechanical force on neural tissue, are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment includes an implantable force delivery device that is changeable between a first state in which the force delivery device applies a first mechanical force to neural tissue, and the second state in which the force delivery device applies no mechanical force or a second mechanical force less than the first mechanical force to the neural tissue, while the force delivery device is implanted. An actuator can be coupled to the force delivery device with a communication link to change the state of the force delivery device, and a controller can be operably coupled to the actuator to automatically direct the force delivery device to change repeatedly between the first and second states while the force delivery device is implanted.
53 Citations
55 Claims
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1. An implantable patient treatment apparatus, comprising:
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an implantable force delivery device that is changeable between a first state in which the force delivery device applies a first mechanical force to neural tissue, and a second state in which the force delivery device applies no mechanical force or a second mechanical force less than the first mechanical force to the neural tissue while the force delivery device is implanted; an actuator coupled to the force delivery device with a communication link to change the state of the force delivery device; and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator to automatically direct the force delivery device to change repeatedly between the first and second states while the force delivery device is implanted. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An implantable patient treatment apparatus, comprising:
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implantable force delivery means for applying a mechanical force to neural tissue, the force delivery means being changeable between a first state in which the force delivery means applies a first mechanical force to neural tissue, and a second state in which the force delivery means applies no mechanical force or a second mechanical force less than the first mechanical force to the neural tissue while the force delivery means is implanted; actuation means for changing the state of the force delivery means; and control means operatively coupled to the actuation means for automatically directing the force delivery means to repeatedly change state while the force delivery means is implanted. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for treating a patient, comprising:
directing an implanted force delivery device to repeatedly alternate between a first state and a second state while the force delivery device is implanted in a patient, wherein; when the force delivery device is in the first state, it applies a first mechanical force to target neural tissue of the patient; and when the force delivery device is in the second state, it applies no mechanical force or a second mechanical force less than the first mechanical force to the target neural tissue over the course of a treatment regimen to achieve a patient benefit. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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48. A method for treating a patient, comprising:
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identifying a patient dysfunction; identifying a corresponding target location of the brain that is associated with the dysfunction; and applying a therapy at the target location, the therapy including at least one of an electrical stimulation, a chemical infusion, and a mechanical force. - View Dependent Claims (49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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Specification