UTERINE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A balloon electrode array device configured to apply stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions, the balloon electrode array device comprising:
- at least one balloon;
an access tube extending into the at least one balloon;
a plurality of lead wires routed through the access tube and into an inside portion of the balloon; and
a plurality of electrodes, each one of the plurality of electrodes coupled to one of the plurality of lead wires, the plurality of electrodes extending from the inside portion of the balloon to an outer surface of the balloon.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for applying stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions are provided. The system includes stimulation electrodes of a balloon electrode array device, a ring electrode array device, an electrode probe device, or a mesh electrode array device. Some aspects of the invention also provide a connector and cable device for coupling the stimulation electrodes to electronics for generating and providing the stimulating current to the stimulation electrodes.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A balloon electrode array device configured to apply stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions, the balloon electrode array device comprising:
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at least one balloon; an access tube extending into the at least one balloon; a plurality of lead wires routed through the access tube and into an inside portion of the balloon; and a plurality of electrodes, each one of the plurality of electrodes coupled to one of the plurality of lead wires, the plurality of electrodes extending from the inside portion of the balloon to an outer surface of the balloon. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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25. A method for treating insufficient uterine contractions after labor and delivery, the method comprising:
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generating electrical stimulating current signals at a frequency between about 5.0 Hertz and about 100 Hertz; and applying the electrical stimulating current signals to one of a cervix, a vagina, and a uterus using one of a balloon electrode array device, a mesh electrode array device, an electrode probe device, and a ring electrode array device to produce uterine tonic contractions.
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26. A system for treating insufficient uterine contractions in a patient after labor and delivery, the system comprising:
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a control module which performs at least one of preprogrammed stimulation tasks and user-defined stimulation tasks; a current source controlled by the control module to produce stimulating current at a frequency between about 5.0 Hertz and about 100 Hertz; one of a balloon electrode array device, a mesh electrode array device, an electrode probe device, and a ring electrode array device coupled to one of a uterus, a cervix, a vaginal wall, and an abdominal wall of the patient to provide the stimulating current to the patient in order for the patient to produce tonic uterine contractions.
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Specification