Lumen-traveling biological interface device and method of use
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of emplacing a neural stimulation device, comprising:
- causing a self-propelling neural stimulation device to travel within a body tube tree of a subject toward a target site, the self-propelling neural stimulation device carrying at least one additional neural stimulation device;
if a branch point including two or more branches within the body tube tree is reached by the self-propelling neural stimulation device, causing the self-propelling neural stimulation device to enter a branch leading toward the target site;
causing the self-propelling neural stimulation device to stop traveling upon reaching the target site;
releasing the at least one additional neural stimulation device from the self-propelling neural stimulation device; and
delivering a neural stimulus at the target site.
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Abstract
Lumen-traveling biological interface devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, electrodes or other electromagnetic transducers for detecting biological signals and electrodes, coils or other electromagnetic transducers for delivering electromagnetic stimuli to stimulus responsive tissues. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices may also include additional components such as sensors, an active portion, and/or control circuitry.
334 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method of emplacing a neural stimulation device, comprising:
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causing a self-propelling neural stimulation device to travel within a body tube tree of a subject toward a target site, the self-propelling neural stimulation device carrying at least one additional neural stimulation device; if a branch point including two or more branches within the body tube tree is reached by the self-propelling neural stimulation device, causing the self-propelling neural stimulation device to enter a branch leading toward the target site; causing the self-propelling neural stimulation device to stop traveling upon reaching the target site; releasing the at least one additional neural stimulation device from the self-propelling neural stimulation device; and delivering a neural stimulus at the target site. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification