DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

• US 20090221943A1
• Filed: 03/02/2009
• Published: 09/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/29/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sensory Neurostimulation, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Sensory Neurostimulation, Inc.
• Inventors: JONES, MIKE, MEMMOLO, AL, Burbank, Fred
• Granted Patent: US 9,017,273 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 601/46
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0071 using a resistor, e.g. near the spot to be heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0075 using a Peltier element, e.g. near the spot to be heated or cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0296 Intervals of heating alternated with intervals of cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/008 Apparatus for applying pressure or blows almost perpendicular to the body or limb axis, e.g. chiropractic devices for repositioning vertebrae, correcting deformation
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0237 for the lower limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0255 Both knee and hip of a patient, e.g. in supine or sitting position, the feet being moved together in a plane substantially parallel to the body-symmetrical plane A61H1/0214 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0266 Foot
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 15/0078 power-driven
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2015/0014 cylinder-like, i.e. rollers
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0142 Beds
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/02 heated or cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0228 heated by an electric resistance element
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0242 by a fluid circulating in the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0257 by a heat accumulator, e.g. a sand or liquid reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0285 with Peltier elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/10 with further special therapeutic means, e.g. electrotherapy, magneto therapy or radiation therapy, chromo therapy, infrared or ultraviolet therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/105 with means for delivering media, e.g. drugs or cosmetics
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1207 with electric or magnetic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1215 Rotary drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1642 Holding means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/165 : Wearable interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1676 : Pivoting
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5005 : for controlling frequency distribution, modulation or interference of a driving signal
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2203/0456 : Supine
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/10 : Leg
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/106 : for the lower legs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/108 : for the upper legs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/12 : Feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/02 : with electric or magnetic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/0218 : with alternating magnetic fields producing a translating or oscillating movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/0263 : using rotating unbalanced masses
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 7/001 : without substantial movement between the skin and the device
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 7/004 : power-driven, e.g. electrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 9/0078 : with intermittent or alternately inflated bladders or cuffs mattresses for preventing bed-sores with alternated pressurized chambers A61G7/05776
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 9/0092 : Cuffs therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 : for treatment of pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/00 : Magnetotherapy

Abstract

A system 100 and methods for generating a counter-stimulation in a patient suffering from RLS.

Claims

1. A system for generating a counter-stimulation in a patient suffering from RLS, the system comprising:

a device configured and arranged to generate a counter-stimulation in a patient suffering from RLS, the counter-stimulation of an amplitude, intensity, and time duration either

lower than that which would wake the patient and higher than that sufficient to relieve RLS symptoms, or

sufficient to relieve RLS symptoms and allow the patient to return to sleep;

a controller configured and arranged to drive the counter-stimulation generation device, the controller in communication with the counter-stimulation device; and

a base configured and arranged to hold the counter-stimulation generation device adjacent to a patient, the counter-stimulation device attached to the base.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises an stimulator selected from the group consisting of a fluid pressure applicator, a mechanical point pressure applicator, a mechanical roller, a mechanical lift, a vibration generator, a nerve stimulator, a muscle stimulator, a heater, a cooler, a chemical applicator, and a magnet.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the device comprises a vibration generator selected from the group consisting of a piezo-chip, a loudspeaker, a motor with an eccentric weight, and a solenoid.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the vibration generator comprises an electric motor having a shaft, and a weight having a hole therein, the weight positioned on the shaft, the hole located at a position offset from a center of mass of the weight.

5. The system according to claim 4, further comprising:

a housing attached to the base; and

wherein the weight is located in the housing.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a flexible sheet.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the sheet comprises a foam sheet, the counter-stimulation device positioned in the foam sheet.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a rigid shell having at least one housing, the counter-stimulation device located in the housing.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the counter-stimulation device comprises a mechanical vibrator.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the rigid shell comprises a hole sized and adapted to receive the kneecap of the patient.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein the rigid shell is shaped to at least in part conformingly fit over the thigh of the patient.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the rigid shell is shaped to conformingly fit over the calf of the patient.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a flexible and elastic sleeve having at least one pocket, the counter-stimulation device positioned in the at least one pocket.

14. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of counter-stimulation devices attached to the base and in communication with the controller.

15. A method of treating RLS, the method comprising:

selecting a patient experiencing RLS;

stimulating a portion of the patient at an amplitude, intensity, and duration sufficient to act as a counter-stimulation to RLS and either to allow the patient to return to sleep or to not wake a sleeping patient.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said patient is asleep;

and wherein said counter-stimulation is insufficient to wake the patient.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the patient is awake;

and wherein said counter-stimulation is insufficient to prevent the patient from falling asleep.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein said counter-stimulation is selected from the group consisting of pressure application, mechanical point pressure application, a mechanically rolling against the patient'"'"'s skin, mechanically lifting at least a portion of the patient, vibration, a nerve stimulation, a muscle stimulation, heat, cold, a chemical application, and magnetism.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said counter-stimulation comprises mechanical vibration.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said mechanical vibration is generated by an electric motor.