Systems and methods for modulation of circulatory perfusion by electrical and/or drug stimulation
First Claim
1. A method for modulating circulatory perfusion in coordination with delivery of medication, comprising:
- implanting at least one system control unit in the body of the patent, wherein the at least one unit controls the delivery of at least one electrical stimulus to at least a first predetermined area affecting circulatory perfusion;
applying the at least one stimulus to the at least first predetermined area in order to modulate circulatory perfusion in at least a second area of the patient being treated wherein the at least second area includes tissue targeted to receive medication;
delivering medication to the at least second area of the patient being treated; and
modifying the stimulus applied to the at least first predetermined area to cause hyperfusion in the at least second area, wherein perfusion of the medication is restricted due to the hyperfusion in the second area of the patient being treated.
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Accused Products
Abstract
One or more implantable system control units (SCU) apply one or more stimulating drugs and/or electrical pulses to one or more predetermined areas affecting circulatory perfusion. The SCU preferably includes a programmable memory for storing data and/or control parameters, and preferably uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. If necessary, periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The SCU provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue with electrical and/or infusion pulses when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the SCU(s) and/or for the transmission of power. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust electrical and/or drug stimulation parameters.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for modulating circulatory perfusion in coordination with delivery of medication, comprising:
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implanting at least one system control unit in the body of the patent, wherein the at least one unit controls the delivery of at least one electrical stimulus to at least a first predetermined area affecting circulatory perfusion;
applying the at least one stimulus to the at least first predetermined area in order to modulate circulatory perfusion in at least a second area of the patient being treated wherein the at least second area includes tissue targeted to receive medication;
delivering medication to the at least second area of the patient being treated; and
modifying the stimulus applied to the at least first predetermined area to cause hyperfusion in the at least second area, wherein perfusion of the medication is restricted due to the hyperfusion in the second area of the patient being treated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for modulating circulatory perfusion in coordination with delivery of medication, comprising:
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implanting at least one system control unit in the body of the patient, wherein the at least one unit controls the delivery of electrical stimulation to at least a first predetermined area affecting circulatory perfusion;
applying the electrical stimulation to the at least first predetermined area in order to modulate circulatory perfusion in at least a second area of the patient being treated wherein the at least second area includes tissue targeted to receive medication;
delivering medication to the at least third area of the patient being treated; and
modifying the stimulus applied to the at least first predetermined area to cause hyperperfusion in the at least second area, wherein the medication is focused into the second area of the patient due to the hyperperfusion in the second area of the patient being treated. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification