Subcutaneous neural stimulation or local tissue destruction

• US 4,343,301 A
• Filed: 10/04/1979
• Issued: 08/10/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert Indech
• Original Assignee: Robert Indech
• Inventors: Indech, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Pellegrino, Stephen C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hanley, John C.
• Application Number:
  US06/081,884
• Time in Patent Office: 1,041 Days
• Field of Search: 128/420 A, 128/24 A, 128/24 R, 128/663, 128/660, 128/32, 128/33, 128/24 A
• US Class Current: 601/3
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0015 applied simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/0245 with ultrasonic transducers, e.g. piezoelectric
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2007/0026 Stimulation of nerve tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2007/0073 using multiple frequencies
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2007/0078 with multiple treatment transducers
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/02 Localised ultrasound hyperthermia hyperthermia in general A61F7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01H 13/00 Measuring resonant frequency

Abstract

A method of generating a high energy density at any point in the body, noninvasively, by two high frequency sonic beams creating a low frequency beating pattern at their intersection locus. One method provides for two transducers at different angular positions. Each transducer produces a beam pattern of high frequency. One transducer produces a high frequency which is higher by a predetermined quantity than the other. At their point of intersection, the sonic oscillations add and subtract, producing a low frequency beat equal to the predetermined quantity. This high energy low frequency beat can be used to stimulate neural points in the skull or other parts of the body or for tissue destruction. In a related method, the high frequency beams are set in axial alignment so that the frequency generating output is fixed between the transducers. A master modulator can then be used to electronically vary the position of the intersecting locus along the axial line connecting the transducers.

Claims

1. A method of noninvasively stimulating a neuron within a body via a mechanical resonance produced by a low frequency sonic beat comprising the steps of positioning a pair of transducers on the body so that the sonic waves emanating therefrom will intersect, sending a high frequency sonic wave from one transducer, sending a high frequency sonic wave from the other transducer, one of said sonic waves having a slightly higher frequency than the other, whereby a low frequency beat is produced at the intersection of said waves equal to the difference in frequency between said waves, whereby said low frequency beat is sufficient in amplitude to produce an action potential at a neuron situated at said intersection point, and directing said intersection to a predetermined point within the body.

2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the frequency of one of said sonic waves is 1000 Hertz or more and the frequency of the second of said waves is the same as the first plus 100 Hertz or less.

3. The method as in claim 1, wherein said transducers are positioned to direct their sonic waves at an angle of less than 180°

to intersect within the body.

4. The method as in claim 3, wherein the frequency of one of said sonic waves is 1000 Hertz or more and the frequency of the second of said waves is the same as the first plus 100 Hertz or less.

5. The method as in claim 1, wherein the point of positioning of the low frequency beat may be varied within the body.

6. The method as in claim 5, wherein said transducers are in opposed position to produce sonic beams along an axial line between them, the position of said low frequency beat being variable along said axial line.

7. The method as in claim 6, wherein the frequency of one of said sonic waves is 1000 Hertz or more and the frequency of the second of said waves is the same as the first plus 100 Hertz or less.