Methods and apparatus for effectuating a lasting change in a neural-function of a patient

• US 8,073,546 B2
• Filed: 07/12/2010
• Issued: 12/06/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Sheffield, W. Douglas, Firlik, Andrew D.
• Primary Examiner(s): KAHELIN, MICHAEL WILLIAM
• Application Number:
  US12/834,711
• Publication Number:
  US 20110004270A1
• Time in Patent Office: 512 Days
• Field of Search: 607/45
• US Class Current: 607/45
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0531 Brain cortex electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0534 Electrodes for deep brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0539 Anchoring of brain electrode systems, e.g. within burr hole
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36025 for treating a mental or cerebral condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36031 using physiological parameters for adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/361 Phantom sensations, e.g. tinnitus
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators

Abstract

The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. For example, the method can include selecting a stimulation site by generating an intended neural activity by triggering a neural signal in or from the impaired body part and detecting a region of the brain in which a response neural activity occurs in reaction to the neural signal.

Claims

1. A method of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body part, comprising:

selecting a stimulation site by (a) generating an intended neural activity by triggering a neural signal in or from the impaired body part, wherein the impaired body part is a limb, digit or combination thereof affected by neural dysfunction of the patient'"'"'s brain, (b) detecting a cortical region of the brain in which a response neural activity occurs in reaction to the neural signal and (c) selecting the stimulation site to be within the detected cortical region;

positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site; and

applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering a neural signal comprises passively moving the impaired body part.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering a neural signal comprises passively moving the impaired body part via attaching the impaired body part to a passive motion machine that moves the impaired body part through a defined motion.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering a neural signal comprises applying an electrical stimulation to the impaired body part.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering a neural signal comprises applying an electrical stimulation to a nerve of the impaired body part.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein applying electrical stimulation to the nerve of the impaired body part is performed using percutaneous electrodes.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein applying the electrical stimulation to the impaired body part is performed using subcutaneous or transcutaneous electrical devices.

8. The method of claim 4 wherein applying the electrical stimulation to the impaired body part uses transcutaneous electrode patches.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein trigging the neural signal comprises applying stimulation to the impaired body part using transcutaneous magnetic elements.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the impaired body part is incapable of volitional control.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the selecting the stimulation site further comprises assessing where the brain is recruiting neurons related to the functionality of the impaired body part.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the patient suffers from a movement disorder.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the patient suffers from Parkinson'"'"'s disease.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the stimulation site comprises the motor cortex.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein triggering the neural signal comprises using sensory test or sensory stimulation.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the sensory test comprises pricking the patient.