Spinal cord stimulation

• US 6,169,924 B1
• Filed: 04/27/1999
• Issued: 01/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Martin W. Joseph, Meloy T. Stuart
• Original Assignee: Meloy T. Stuart
• Inventors: Meloy, T. Stuart, Martin, W. Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): EVANISKO, GEORGE ROBERT
• Application Number:
  US09/300,584
• Time in Patent Office: 616 Days
• Field of Search: 607/1, 607/2, 607/39-41
• US Class Current: 607/39
• 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 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36107 Sexual dysfunction stimulating genital organs A61N1/36007

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for spinal cord stimulation to treat orgasmic dysfunction. Stimulating electrodes are placed in the spinal canal via a needle inserted between the appropriate vertebrae in parallel with the spinal cord. The electrodes are connected to a power source. Through variable transmission of electrical signals a patient suffering from orgasmic dysfunction may once again achieve orgasm.

Claims

1. A method for treating orgasmic dysfunction comprising:

supplying electrical stimulation to a selected area of the spinal cord of a patient in an effective amount to achieve genital stimulation and orgasm.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the genital stimulation induces orgasm.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected area is T-8-S-3, inclusive of the lumbar.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected area is T-1-L-2.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

implanting the tip of at least one insulated lead at said selected area of the patient'"'"'s spinal cord at a spot that effectively corresponds to the patient'"'"'s genitalia;

transmitting electrical impulses to the at least one lead whereby each of the at least one lead carries electrical impulses to stimulate spinal nerves to induce orgasm.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the selected area is T-11, two insulated leads are implanted with opposite electrical charges and the electrical impulses are transmitted at 100 Hz and 0.4 V through 250 milliseconds.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

implanting at least one insulated lead at said selected area of the patient'"'"'s spinal cord at a spot that corresponds to the patient'"'"'s genitalia;

implanting an implantable pulse generator

transmitting signals from an external controller through the patient'"'"'s skin to said implantable pulse generator in the patient whereby the pulse generator receives the signals and in turn sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord to cause the patient'"'"'s orgasm.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

implanting an implantable pulse generator that supplies energy for stimulation in the patient;

connecting an insulated extension to the implantable pulse generator;

implanting at least one lead at said selected area of the spinal cord at a spot that corresponds to the patient'"'"'s genitalia and thereafter connecting the at least one lead to the insulated extension;

stimulating spinal nerves with electrical impulses supplied by the implantable pulse generator whereby orgasm is achieved.

9. A method for treating orgasmic dysfunction comprising:

implanting at least one stimulating lead into a patient'"'"'s epidural space wherein the at least one lead has a tip with four electrodes to carry electrical impulses with an entry level of approximately lumbar level three and a lead tip level in the range from about thoracic level ten through sacral level three;

testing the at least one lead position to match a stimulation pattern to the patient'"'"'s orgasmic nerve distribution;

securing the at least one lead for trial screening of the patient'"'"'s response to stimulation;

connecting a percutaneous extension to the implanted and secured at least one lead;

externalizing percutaneous wires for trial screening of the patient'"'"'s response to stimulation;

screening the patient for a trial period wherein the patient is evaluated in an awake and active state for stimulation effectiveness; and

internalizing a spinal cord stimulation system if the trial screening period is positive by removing the percutaneous extension, implanting a neurostimulator and an extension for connection with the at least one lead whereby the spinal cord stimulation system is operative to induce orgasm upon activation of the neurostimulator.

10. The method of claim 9 further including:

repositioning the at least one lead after testing.

11. The method of claim 9 further including:

removing the at least one lead and percutaneous extension if the trial screening is negative.

12. The method of claim 9 further including:

the neurostimulator activating by a magnet.

13. The method of claim 9 further including:

the neurostimulator is activating by a patient programmer.

14. A method for treatment of orgasmic dysfunction comprising:

effectively stimulating a patient'"'"'s spinal cord at a spot that corresponds to the patient'"'"'s genitalia to induce orgasm.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

supplying the effective stimulation with an electrical impulse whereby orgasm is achieved through electrical stimulation.