System and method for transducing, sensing, or affecting vaginal or body conditions, and/or stimulating perineal musculature and nerves using 2-way wireless communications

• US 7,577,476 B2
• Filed: 10/26/2001
• Issued: 08/18/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Athena Feminine Technologies Incorporated (Athenahealth Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Athena Feminine Technologies Incorporated (Athenahealth Incorporated)
• Inventors: Sarkis, George, Hochman, Joel S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hindenburg; Max
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOEKSTRA, JEFFREY GERBEN
• Application Number:
  US10/007,393
• Publication Number:
  US 20030083590A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,853 Days
• Field of Search: 600300-301, 600/304, 600/372, 600/373, 600/546, 600/547, 600/549, 600/551, 600/573, 600/587, 600/591, 600/29, 600/38, 600/33, 607 39- 41
• US Class Current: 600/546
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0045 Devices for taking samples of body liquids devices for taking blood samples A61B5/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/0019 based on measurement of temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/0022 based on measurement of viscosity or visco-elasticity
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/0074 Vaginal or cervical secretions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/242 Packaging, i.e. for packaging the sensor or apparatus before use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/01 Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue clinical contact thermometers G01K13/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/227 of constricting muscles, i.e. sphincters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/24 Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4337 of the vagina
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5097 wireless
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0524 Vaginal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control

Abstract

A system and method are provided for transducing vaginal conditions, affecting vaginal or body conditions, and/or stimulating perineal musculature and nerves. A separate, portable, non-implanted intravaginally containable combination probe and transceiver is provided that can sense vaginal conditions, can deliver signals or medication, and/or can stimulate perineal musculature and nerves. This probe unit is provided with 2-way wireless communication for transmitting information that is transduced and for receiving control and programming signals. In addition, a separate combination controller and transceiver is provided for wirelessly sending signals to the probe unit and for receiving signals therefrom. A real time wireless signal feedback loop is thus provided between the controller and the probe and/or external devices, networks and databases.

Claims

1. A system for stimulating pelvic muscles and/or nerves in a mammal, comprising:

a portable probe unit, said probe unit comprising a substantially cylindrical body having a substantially smooth and substantially sealed outer surface with a rounded end and so dimensioned as to permit comfortable and repeated insertion into, removal from, and containment entirely within a mammal'"'"'s vagina;

substantially annular means substantially flush with the outer surface of the body of the probe unit and adapted to deliver electrical pulses;

a programmable microprocessor;

memory;

a battery; and

two-way communication means with antenna and adapted to both transmit signals to a controller unit and receive signals from said controller unit wirelessly and in real time; and

the controller unit comprising two-way communication means adapted to both receive signals from said probe unit and transmit signals to said probe unit wirelessly and in real time, wherein said signals to said probe unit comprise control and programming signals acting as a feedback loop configured to start, stop, and/or alter the activity of the annular means of the probe unit, either automatically or manually, for stimulating pelvic muscles and/or nerves in a mammal.

2. A system according to claim 1, said probe unit and/or said controller unit further comprising means for transmitting signals to and/or receiving signals from an external device, network, and/or database, wirelessly and in real time.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said controller unit is provided with memory.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said probe unit is adapted to be programmed to start and/or stop delivery of electrical pulses after a predetermined period of time.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said probe unit is adapted to be programmed to deliver cycles of alternating electrical pulses and rest periods.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said probe unit is adapted to be programmed to deliver electrical pulses of varying strengths.

7. A system according to claim 1, said probe unit further comprising means for sensing a vaginal condition.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein said probe unit is adapted to be programmed to adjust its delivery of electrical pulses in response to a sensed vaginal condition.

9. A system according to claim 1, wherein said probe unit is adapted to deliver medication.

10. A system according to claim 1, said probe unit further comprising means for facilitating removal of the probe from a mammal'"'"'s vagina.

11. A system according to claim 1, wherein said probe unit is less than one inch in diameter and less than four inches in length.

12. A system according to claim 1, wherein said probe unit and said controller unit are adapted to be held together, and wherein separation of said probe unit and said controller unit causes said probe unit to turn on.

13. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a tester for said probe unit.

14. A system according to claim 13, further comprising a holder adapted to hold said probe unit, said controller unit, and said tester.

15. A system according to claim 1, wherein said controller unit is adapted to be hand-held.

16. A system according to claim 1, wherein said controller unit is adapted to permit manual operation and control of said probe unit.

17. A system according to claim 1, wherein said means of said controller unit for wirelessly altering integrates a battery, transceiver, antenna, memory and a microprocessor.

18. A system according to claim 1, wherein said probe unit contains no surface controls.

19. A system according to claim 1, wherein said controller unit also includes, integrated with said two-way communication means, a programmable microprocessor, battery and antenna.

20. A system according to claim 1, wherein said microprocessor of said probe unit is a programmable microprocessor.

21. A system according to claim 1, wherein said two-way communication means of said probe unit and said controller unit are in the form of transceivers.