Multi-mode pelvic exercise probe

• US 7,628,744 B2
• Filed: 01/10/2007
• Issued: 12/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Anatasol, LLC
• Original Assignee: Anatasol, LLC
• Inventors: England, Michael J., Hoffman, Gerry M., Hoffman, Craig A.
• Primary Examiner(s): BAKER, LORI LYNN
• Application Number:
  US11/621,796
• Publication Number:
  US 20070112284A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,063 Days
• Field of Search: 482111-112, 482/148, 600/591, 600/30, 600/38, 7337901-37908, 128/DIG.5, 601/45, 607/138
• US Class Current: 482/148
• 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 5/053 Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0538 invasively, e.g. using a catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/227 of constricting muscles, i.e. sphincters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7405 using sound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7455 characterised by tactile indication, e.g. vibration or electrical stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/20 for vaginal muscles or other sphincter-type muscles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/905 Feedback to patient of biological signal other than brain electric signal

Abstract

A perineometer exercise probe for home or clinical use assesses the strength of pelvic floor muscles and provides audible, visual and tactile biofeedback signals as training aids during pelvic exercises. The exercise probe is selectively operable in a passive reaction mode, in which audible, visual and tactile biofeedback signals proportional to pelvic muscle contractions are generated, and in an active vibrating mode in which therapeutic vibrations are applied directly to internal pelvic musculature with or without co-generation of biofeedback signals proportional to the strength of pelvic muscle contractions; and in a combination of both modes simultaneously. The probe reacts the pelvic contraction forces and thus provides passive tactile feedback signals that are experienced simultaneously with audible, visual and vibration-induced tactile biofeedback signals for improving the endurance and strength of pelvic floor muscles. Biofeedback signaling is facilitated by wireless two-way communication between the probe and a portable monitor.

Claims

1. An instrument for training and rehabilitating a patient'"'"'s pelvic muscles comprising a probe configured for insertion into a pelvic cavity and including at least one sensor for dynamically sensing a force applied to the probe by contraction of the pelvic muscles, vibrator apparatus disposed in the probe for imparting mechanical vibrations against the pelvic muscles, and a control circuit coupled to the sensor and the vibrator apparatus for selectively operating the training instrument in a passive, reaction mode in which passive tactile feedback signals are produced with co-generation of biofeedback signals proportional to pelvic muscle contractions, and in an active, vibrating mode in which vibration therapy is applied directly to internal pelvic musculature;

and in a combination of both modes simultaneously;

said sensor includes a variable impedance element for exhibiting a change in electrical impedance in response to pressure forces applied to the probe; and

said control circuit includes an electronic circuit module enclosed within the probe and electrically coupled to the variable impedance element for transmitting wireless feedback signals in response to pelvic contraction forces applied to the probe.