Modulating Function of Neural Structures Near the Ear
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- one or more electrically-conductive elements;
an energy-regulating housing adapted to contain the electrically-conductive element, the energy regulating housing adapted to electrically insulate the electrically-conductive element and dissipate heat;
a stimulus generator in electrical communication with the electrically-conductive element and configured to deliver stimulus energy to the electrically-conductive element in a manner that allows the element to generate an electromagnetic field to stimulate a portion of a neural system of a subject; and
a power source in communication with the stimulus generator for providing stimulus energy to the stimulus generator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Stimulation of the facial nerve system (e.g., electrically, electromagnetically, etc.) in ischemic stroke patients will cause dilation of occluded arteries and dilation of surrounding arteries, allowing for blood flow to circumvent the obstruction and reach previously-deprived tissue. The device approaches the facial nerve and its branches in the vicinity of the ear. In use, the device can be inserted into the ear canal and/or placed in proximity to the ear in order to stimulate the facial nerve system non-invasively (e.g., using an electromagnetic field). The device can be used in the emergency treatment of acute stroke or chronically variations for long-term maintenance of blood flow to the brain and stroke prevention. Additional embodiments of the device may be adapted for use on different regions of the body.
80 Citations
32 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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one or more electrically-conductive elements; an energy-regulating housing adapted to contain the electrically-conductive element, the energy regulating housing adapted to electrically insulate the electrically-conductive element and dissipate heat; a stimulus generator in electrical communication with the electrically-conductive element and configured to deliver stimulus energy to the electrically-conductive element in a manner that allows the element to generate an electromagnetic field to stimulate a portion of a neural system of a subject; and a power source in communication with the stimulus generator for providing stimulus energy to the stimulus generator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32-50. -50. (canceled)
Specification