METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY STIMULATING CELLS IMPLANTED IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A method of cell therapy, comprising:
- preparing at least partially undifferentiated cells for implantation;
implanting the at least partially undifferentiated cells at an implantation site of a nervous system of a patient;
positioning at least one electrode in communication with the implantation site of the nervous system of the patient; and
differentiating the at least partially undifferentiated cells into cells with increased neural characteristics when compared to the at least partially undifferentiated cells by applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode while the electrode is in communication with the implantation site of the nervous system.
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Abstract
The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for stimulating cells implanted in the regions of nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. Accordingly, the functionality of the cells can be improved, for example, by differentiating undifferentiated or partially undifferentiated cells into neurons or other cells having action potentials. The method can also include promoting directional growth and connectivity of fully differentiated neural cells implanted in a patient'"'"'s nervous system through electrical enhancement, for example, electrical stimulation via an anode and cathode. Methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer'"'"'s, Pick'"'"'s, Parkinson'"'"'s, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of cell therapy, comprising:
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preparing at least partially undifferentiated cells for implantation; implanting the at least partially undifferentiated cells at an implantation site of a nervous system of a patient; positioning at least one electrode in communication with the implantation site of the nervous system of the patient; and differentiating the at least partially undifferentiated cells into cells with increased neural characteristics when compared to the at least partially undifferentiated cells by applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode while the electrode is in communication with the implantation site of the nervous system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of cell therapy, comprising:
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identifying an implantation site of a nervous system of a patient by generating remotely from a location in the nervous system an intended neural activity and determining the site of the nervous system where the generated neural activity is present; preparing at least partially undifferentiated cells for implantation; at the implantation site, implanting the at least partially undifferentiated cells directly into tissue of the patient without an implanted substrate; positioning a first electrode and a second electrode at least proximate to the implantation site of the nervous system, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart from the at least partially undifferentiated cells; and differentiating the at least partially undifferentiated cells into cells with increased neural characteristics when compared to the at least partially undifferentiated cells by applying an electrical potential between the first electrode and the second electrode and directing an electrical current through the tissue adjacent to the at least partially undifferentiated cells and to the at least partially undifferentiated cells.
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21-94. -94. (canceled)
Specification