Pulsed galvanic stimulator

• US 5,010,896 A
• Filed: 10/17/1989
• Issued: 04/30/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: BioTex Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Westec Corporation
• Inventors: Westbrook, Barbara-Ann
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S.
• Application Number:
  US07/422,532
• Time in Patent Office: 560 Days
• Field of Search: 128/783, 128/791, 128/798, 128/799, 128/802, 128/803, 128/640, 128/644
• US Class Current: 607/152
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0452 Specially adapted for transcutaneous muscle stimulation [TMS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0476 Array electrodes (including any electrode arrangement with more than one electrode for at least one of the polarities)
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0484 Garment electrodes worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0492 Patch electrodes A61N1/0412, A61N1/0428 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/22 Electromedical belts , e.g. neck chains, armbands

Abstract

A pulsed galvanic medical treatment device is provided comprising a power control and supply source, a pair of electrodes connected to the power control and supply source, a return pad connected to the power control and supply source and connecting wraps for tightly strapping the electrodes and return pads to a portion of the body to be treated. The electrodes and return pads are formed from a liquid absorbing sponge member backed by a flexible vinyl coating and having an electrical conducting substance disposed therebetween. The electrical conductor extends beyond the electrodes and return pad at least several inches where it can be connected to the power control and supply source.

Claims

1. A pulsed galvanic medical treatment device, comprising:

means for controlling power;

a plurality of substantially planar pads, including treatment and return pads, said treatment and return pads each having a coating forming a first surface thereof, a liquid absorbing member forming a second surface thereof opposite said first surface, and an electrical conductor disposed between said first and second surfaces;

a first elongated band adapted to be wrapped around a first part of a body to be treated;

means for adjustably attaching said treatment pads to said first elongated band;

connecting means for connecting the electrical conductor of each of said pads to said power control means;

a second elongated band adapted to be wrapped around a second part of the body to be treated; and

means for adjustably attaching said return pad to said second elongated band;

wherein each of said first and second elongated bands has a substantially inelastic starter portion forming a first end portion thereof and adapted to receive said treatment pads and said return pad, respectively, an elastic tightening portion forming a second end portion thereof, and fasteners located on said first and second end portions and adapted to be joined to said inelastic starter portion.

2. The treatment device according to claim 1 wherein said coating is vinyl.

3. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein said fasteners comprise:

a first hook and loop fastener portion disposed on said substantially inelastic starter portion; and

a second hook and loop fastener portion disposed on said elastic tightening portion.

4. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein said power control means comprises:

means for selecting the mode of current delivery;

means for controlling the intensity of the current;

means for controlling the frequency of the current; and

means to control the polarity of the planar pad means.

5. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein said means for adjustably attaching said treatment pads comprises a pair of fasteners disposed along opposite edges of said first surface, so that said treatment pads may be removably and adjustably attached to said first elongated band.

6. The treatment device according to claim 5, wherein said fasteners of said attaching means are hook and loop fasteners.

7. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein a pair of fasteners are attached to opposite edges of said first surface of each of said treatment and return pads, so that said treatment and return pads may be removably and adjustably attached to the inelastic starter portion of said first and second elongated bands, respectively.

8. The treatment device according to claim 7, wherein said fasteners on said first surface are hook and loop fasteners.

9. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein said connecting means comprises electrically conducting members connected to the electrical conductor of each of said treatment and return pads.

10. The treatment device according to claim 9, wherein each of said electrically conducting members includes a pigtail connection forming a terminal end thereof, and wherein said connecting means further comprises electrical wires connecting said power control means to said pigtail connections.

11. The treatment device according to claim 10, wherein said pigtail connections are spaced from said treatment and return pads, respectively.

12. A pulsed galvanic medical treatment device, comprising:

means for controlling power;

a substantially planar pad having a coating forming a first surface thereof, a liquid absorbing member forming a second surface thereof opposite said first surface, and an electrical conductor disposed between said first and second surfaces;

an elongated band adapted to be wrapped around a part of a body to be treated;

means for adjustably attaching said pad to said elongated band; and

connecting means for connecting the electrical conductor of said pad to said power control means,

wherein said elongated band has a substantially inelastic starter portion forming a first end portion thereof and adapted to receive said pad, an elastic tightening portion forming a second end portion thereof, and fasteners located on said first and second end portions and adapted to be joined to said inelastic starter portion.

13. The treatment device according to claim 12, wherein said fasteners comprise a first hook and loop fastener portion disposed on said substantially inelastic starter portion, and a second hook and loop fastener portion disposed on said elastic tightening portion.

14. The treatment device according to claim 13, wherein said means for adjustably attaching comprise a pair of hook and loop fasteners attached to opposite edges of said first surface of said pad.