Electrical control of body discharges and headaches

• US 4,537,195 A
• Filed: 07/16/1982
• Issued: 08/27/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/1980
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Roy E. Mcdonnell
• Original Assignee: Roy E. Mcdonnell
• Inventors: McDonnell, Roy E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shein, Mitchell J.
• Application Number:
  US06/403,497
• Time in Patent Office: 1,138 Days
• Field of Search: 128/1 C, 128/419 R, 128/421-422, 128/639
• US Class Current: 607/46
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 for treatment of pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36034 specified by the stimulation parameters

Abstract

Electrical stimulation through externally applied electrodes is used to control discharge from a stoma. The electrical signals applied to the electrodes have a frequency in the range of 10 Hz to 80 Hz, and a voltage level in the range of 20 volts to 60 volts. Apparatus for effecting the electrical stimulation is described. The electrodes may be ECG electrodes or formed as a pair of discs molded into an insulating pad.

Claims

1. A method for controlling discharge from a stoma comprising:

(a) winding a length of muscle around the intestine connected to the stoma in the region adjacent to the stoma;

(b) applying a pair of mutually spaced electrodes to the skin in the region of the length of muscle; and

(C) applying to the electrodes a continuous electrical signal at a voltage in the range 20 volts to 60 volts and at a frequency in the range 10 Hz to 80 Hz,

whereby the length of muscle is caused to contract around the intestine and effectively prevent discharge through the stoma.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 in which the length of muscle is part of the Rectus Abdominis or the Lattissimus Dorsi.

3. A method as defined in claim 2, in which the electrodes are applied to the skin in the region of the Ventral Rami thoracic spinal nerve or the Thoracodorsal nerve.

4. A method as defined in claim 2, in which the electrodes are a pair of disc electrodes, and are first moulded into the surface of an insulating plate or pad, the plate or pad being subsequently applied to the skin.

5. A method as defined in claim 4, in which the electrodes are independently applied to the skin.

6. A method as defined in claim 5, in which said electrical signal is a D.C. signal having a square wave waveform.

7. A method as defined in claim 1, in which the electrodes are applied to the skin in the region of the Ventral Rami thoracic spinal nerve or the Thoracodorsal nerve.

8. A method as defined in claim 1, in which the electrodes are a pair of disc electrodes, and are first moulded into the surface of an insulating plate or pad, the plate or pad being subsequently applied to the skin.

9. A method as defined in claim 1, in which the electrodes are independently applied to the skin.

10. A method as defined in claim 1, in which said electrical signal is a D.C. signal having a square wave waveform.