Integrated cast and muscle stimulation system
First Claim
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a cast;
a plurality of electrode ports integrated into said cast, wherein said electrode ports comprise means for holding an electrode module or a restraint module;
an electrical conductor connected to an electrode port of said plurality of electrode ports; and
a stimulator port within said cast, wherein said stimulator port comprises means for containing an electrical stimulation unit (ESU) and for providing a conductive path between each said electrical conductor and said ESU.
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Abstract
The present invention is a device that allows electrical stimulation to an anatomical site that is covered by a cast. The electrode is applied to achieve a desired physiological response (e.g., bone growth), treatment of pain, or the prevention of muscle atrophy.
77 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a cast;
a plurality of electrode ports integrated into said cast, wherein said electrode ports comprise means for holding an electrode module or a restraint module;
an electrical conductor connected to an electrode port of said plurality of electrode ports; and
a stimulator port within said cast, wherein said stimulator port comprises means for containing an electrical stimulation unit (ESU) and for providing a conductive path between each said electrical conductor and said ESU. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
a conductive layer that enables current to flow from said ESU stimulator into tissue;
an electrical conductor connected to said conductive layer; and
an electrode module conductive pad that makes contact with said electrode port conductive pad when said electrode module is inserted into said electrode port.
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8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said conductive layer comprises material selected from the group consisting of a hygrogel, a conductive adhesive, a conductive gel and a conductive material.
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9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said conductive layer comprises a conductive gel.
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10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stimulator port comprises an indentation for capturing said ESU.
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11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said eledrode port comprises an indentation for capturing said electrode or restraint module.
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12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrode port comprises an outer segment for perforating a portion of said cast, wherein said outer segment may be cut or snapped off to expose said electrode port.
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13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said electrode port comprises plastic.
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14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrode port comprises a lower segment for placement near the skin of a patient, wherein said lower segment comprises a soft material to reduce the possibility of irritation to the patient.
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15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said soft material is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, silicone and fiberglass.
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16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrode port comprises a lower segment for placement near the skin of a patient, wherein said lower portion is less than 0.04 inches thick to prevent any excess pressure.
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17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrode port comprises an upper segment for placement away from the skin of a patient, wherein said upper segment comprises a hard plastic to maintain shape and function over the lifetime of the use of said apparatus.
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18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stimulator port comprises radial peg holes for locating and holding an ESU.
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19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrode port comprises radial peg holes for locating and holding said electrode module or said restraint module in position.
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20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said restraint module comprises a soft material.
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21. A method for treating a patient, comprising:
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forming a cast onto a limb of said patient;
integrating a plurality of electrode ports into said cast, wherein said electrode ports comprise means for removably restraining an electrode module;
providing an electrode module in at least two electrode ports;
providing a stimulator port within said cast for containing an electrical stimulation unit (ESU) and for providing a conductive path between each said electrode port and said ESU, wherein said stimulator port comprise means for removably restraining an ESU;
securing an ESU within said stimulator port; and
energizing at least two electrode modules.
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Specification