Electrical stimulation to treat hair loss

• US 7,493,168 B2
• Filed: 02/03/2003
• Issued: 02/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Original Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Inventors: Rezai, Ali R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bockelman; Mark W
• Application Number:
  US10/503,029
• Publication Number:
  US 20050107842A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,206 Days
• Field of Search: 604/20, 604/21, 607/50, 607/139, 607/152, 607/116
• US Class Current: 607/50
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/326 for promoting growth of cells, e.g. bone cells

Abstract

A hair restoration apparatus includes an electrical generator configured to generate an electrical signal meeting defined characteristics. A controller in operative communication with the generator controls operation of the generator and characteristics of the generated electrical signal selected to effect a therapeutically effective application of electrical signals to a hair restoration site. An electrode in electrical communication with the electrical generator is disposed in an area where application of the electrical signal is desired. An electrical connection between the electrical generator and the electrode is provided and sealed for at least partial implantation under the skin of a patient in selected embodiments.

Claims

1. A method of treating hair loss in a patient suffering from hair loss, comprising:

providing an electrode having a conductive side and an insulated side;

surgically implanting the electrode under the skin of the patient adjacent the hair loss are such that the implanted conductive side faces the hair loss area and the implanted insulated side faces away from the hair loss area, wherein an electric field generated by the electrode is directed substantially towards the hair loss area;

generating an electrical signal;

adapting the electrical signal to comprise a voltage in the range of 0.1 microvolts to 20 volts;

coupling the adapted electrical signal to the electrode; and

applying the adapted electrical signal through the electrode to the hair loss area and treating said hair loss.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

adapting the electrical signal to comprise a frequency in the range of 2 hertz to 2500 hertz.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

adapting the electrical signal to comprise a pulse width in the range of 10 microseconds and 1000 microseconds.

4. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising extending a lead from the electrode for connection to an electrical signal generator.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising;

conforming the shape of the electrode to the hair loss area.