Methods and apparatus for deep brain stimulation

• US 8,543,211 B2
• Filed: 07/22/2009
• Issued: 09/24/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Electrocore, Llc
• Original Assignee: Electrocore, Llc
• Inventors: Simon, Bruce J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wieland, Robert N
• Application Number:
  US12/507,135
• Publication Number:
  US 20100010564A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,525 Days
• Field of Search: 607/45, 607/88, 607/40, 607/46, 604/20, 604/41, 604/45, 604/48, 604/100
• US Class Current: 607/45
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1088 having special surface characteristics depending on material properties or added substances, e.g. for reducing friction
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1093 having particular tip characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/054 with electrotherapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0681 Sinus (maxillaris)
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0693 Brain, cerebrum
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/10 Balloon catheters A61M25/0125 takes precedence; embolectomy A61B17/22032; retractors A61B17/02; inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts A61F2/958 ; stomach balloons for treatment of obesity A61F5/0003; oesophagal tubes A61J15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1027 Making of balloon catheters
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0517 Esophageal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0531 Brain cortex electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0534 Electrodes for deep brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0546 Nasal electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system

Abstract

The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for treating nerve disorders in the brain. An electrode is introduced into a patient'"'"'s sinus cavity and an electrical impulse is applied to the electrode to modulate one or more target nerves in the brain to treat the disorder. In preferred embodiments, the electrode is positioned within a sinus cavity adjacent to or near the frontal cortex of the brain and the electrical signal is sufficient to modulate, stimulate and/or inhibit nerves within the frontal cortex. The electrode may be movable between a collapsed or compact configuration for introduction into the sinus cavity and an expanded configuration for contacting tissue within the sinus cavity to deliver the electrical impulse through the tissue to the target nerves in the brain.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a patient'"'"'s hearing comprising:

introducing an electrode into a sinus cavity in a patient adjacent or near a cochlea; and

applying an electrical impulse to the electrode sufficient to stimulate one or more auditory nerves in the cochlea.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring the patient to determine if the patient can hear the electrical signals produced by the auditory nerves in response to the electrical impulse.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the introducing step is carried out by advancing the electrode through a nostril of the patient and then expanding the electrode within the sinus cavity.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the sinus cavity is one of the frontal sinus, the sphenoidal sinus or the ethmoid sinus.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the introducing step comprises advancing a balloon through a nostril of the patient and expanding the balloon within the sinus cavity.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the electrode is housed within the balloon, the expanding step being carried out by delivering electrically conductive fluid into an interior of the balloon.