DEVICE FOR PERINEUM REEDUCATION

• US 20110230931A1
• Filed: 09/14/2009
• Published: 09/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Blue Medical Innovation Ltd.
• Original Assignee: I-Gen Healthcare, Ltd.
• Inventors: Hagege, Edward
• Granted Patent: US 8,634,920 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/063 using impedance measurements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/202 Assessing bladder functions, e.g. incontinence assessment
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/391 of genito-urinary organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4337 of the vagina
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4393 Sexual arousal or erectile dysfunction evaluation, e.g. tumescence evaluation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/68 Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0524 Vaginal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades

Abstract

The invention provides a perineal rehabilitation device comprising an applicator that is either an endocavity applicator (100) or an annular applicator (100′), locally supporting a charging electrode (104, 105) and at least one stimulation electrode (101, 102) respectively on its periphery or on its inside face, and including at least one energy storage unit that is rechargeable via the charging applicator (104, 105), the applicator (100, 100′) including at least one microprocessor for executing an electrical stimulation program, the device being characterized in that the applicator (100, 100′) is controlled by a control module (200) in the form of a remote control connected to the applicator (100, 100′) by a wireless connection and including a user interface for enabling the user to input operating data for the applicator (100, 100′) and a control unit for controlling the applicator (100, 100′) by sending control signals thereto, the applicator (100, 100′) being suitable for receiving control signals for modifying the intensity of stimulation while it is in operation and for modifying its ongoing operation as a function of such control signals.

Claims

1. A perineal rehabilitation device comprising an applicator that is either an endocavity applicator (100) or an annular applicator (100′

), locally supporting a charging electrode (104, 105) and at least one stimulation electrode (101, 102) respectively on its periphery or on its inside face, and including at least one energy storage unit that is rechargeable via the charging applicator (104, 105), the applicator (100, 100′

) including at least one microprocessor for executing an electrical stimulation program, the device being characterized in that it further comprises a control module (200) in the form of a remote control connected to the applicator (100, 100′

) by a wireless connection and including a user interface for enabling the user to input operating data for the applicator (100, 100′

) and a control unit for controlling the applicator (100, 100′

) by sending control signals thereto, the applicator (100, 100′

) being suitable for receiving control signals for modifying the intensity of stimulation while it is in operation and for modifying its ongoing operation as a function of such control signals.

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that all of the programs begin electrical stimulation at zero intensity.

3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control module (200) includes means for indicating stimulation operating ranges of the applicator (100, 100′

).

4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control module (200) includes a memory for storing time-stamped data concerning the operating intensities and durations requested of the applicator (100, 100′

).

5. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control module (200) includes at least one connection port (209) for transferring time-stamp data to a computer (600).

6. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control module (200) includes means suitable for sending control signals to the applicator (100, 100′

), automatically or on user input, causing the applicator to issue stimuli of increasing intensity, and in that the interface includes means enabling the user to indicate the moment when the stimuli begin to be felt.

7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control module (200) includes means for storing the intensity in use at the moment when the user indicates that the stimuli can be felt.

8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the applicator (100, 100′

) includes means suitable, while the device is in operation, for performing measurements relating to the reaction of the body.

9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the applicator (100, 100′

) includes a pressure sensor for taking measurements relating to muscle contraction.

10. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the wireless connection is bidirectional and the control module (200) includes a “

feedback”

unit for receiving measurements from the applicator, for processing these measurements in real time, for calculating an appropriate operating mode as a function of the measurements, and for sending a control signal corresponding to this mode of operation to the applicator (100, 100′

).

11. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the control module (200) includes a memory for storing information relating to the reaction of the body.

12. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the applicator (100, 100′

) includes an electrode (103) for detecting that it has been inserted or installed correctly, which electrode is suitable for detecting contact with the body, said electrode (103) being suitable for sending a signal to the microprocessor installed within the applicator and/or the microprocessor installed within the control module, the microprocessor being such as to be suitable for causing stimulation to stop as soon as the applicator is no longer in contact with the body.

13. An endocavity applicator (100) locally supporting at least one charging electrode (104, 105), and, at its periphery, at least one stimulation electrode (101, 102), and at least one energy storage unit that is rechargeable via the charging electrode, the applicator being for use with a control module (200) connected to the applicator (100, 100′

) by a wireless communication connection for forming a perineal rehabilitation device according to claim 1.

14. An annular applicator (100′

) locally supporting at least one charging electrode (104′

, 105′

), and, at its inside face, at least one stimulation electrode (101′

, 102′

), and at least one energy storage unit that is rechargeable via the charging electrode, the applicator being for use with a control module connected to the applicator (100′

) by a wireless communication connection for forming a perineal rehabilitation device according to claim 1.

15. A control module (200) connected to an endocavity or an annular applicator according to claim 13 via a wireless communication connection and including a user interface to enable the user to input operating data for the applicator, and a control unit for controlling the applicator by sending intensity-modifying control signals thereto.