Systems for stimulating neural targets
First Claim
1. A device for mounting to an ear lobe of a patient, the device comprising:
- a clip configured to be clipped to the ear lobe;
a neural stimulator connected to the clip and including;
a neural stimulation circuit;
a controller;
a memory; and
an electrode; and
a sensor connected to the stimulation circuit, the sensor adapted to monitor a physiological parameter,wherein the controller is configured to control the neural stimulation circuit to stimulate neural targets in the vicinity of the ear lobe, including setting parameters of a neural stimulation signal, and further configured to titrate therapy using the physiological parameter, andwherein the clip, neural stimulator and sensor are configured such that the entire weight of the device is supported by the clip on the ear lobe.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed herein, among other things, is a method for stimulating neural targets in the vicinity of a human ear. According to an embodiment, a device is clipped on a patient ear lobe, the device including a neural stimulation electrode. A neural stimulation signal is applied to the electrode to transcutaneously stimulate neural targets in the vicinity of the ear lobe, according to an embodiment. A physiological parameter is sensed using a sensor connected to the device. According to an embodiment, the neural stimulation signal is adjusted in response to the sensed parameter. The method is used is a variety of treatment regimens, including anti-hypertensive and cardiac improvement therapy.
61 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device for mounting to an ear lobe of a patient, the device comprising:
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a clip configured to be clipped to the ear lobe; a neural stimulator connected to the clip and including; a neural stimulation circuit; a controller; a memory; and an electrode; and a sensor connected to the stimulation circuit, the sensor adapted to monitor a physiological parameter, wherein the controller is configured to control the neural stimulation circuit to stimulate neural targets in the vicinity of the ear lobe, including setting parameters of a neural stimulation signal, and further configured to titrate therapy using the physiological parameter, and wherein the clip, neural stimulator and sensor are configured such that the entire weight of the device is supported by the clip on the ear lobe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A device for mounting to an ear lobe of a patient, the device comprising:
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a clip configured to be clipped to the ear lobe; a neural stimulator including an electrode in the clip, the neural stimulator adapted to stimulate neural targets in the vicinity of the ear lobe, the stimulator further adapted to communicate with a stimulation circuit to receive a neural stimulation signal; a memory adapted to store a programmed schedule for delivering neural stimulation; and a sensor connected to the stimulation circuit, the sensor adapted to monitor a physiological parameter, wherein the device titrates therapy using the physiological parameter, and wherein the clip, neural stimulator and sensor are configured such that the entire weight of the device is supported by the clip on the ear lobe. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A device for mounting to an ear lobe of a patient, the device comprising:
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a housing, wherein the housing is conductive and functions as an electrode; a clip configured to be clipped to the ear lobe; a neural stimulator within the housing connected to the clip, the neural stimulator connected to the electrode and adapted to stimulate neural targets in the vicinity of the ear lobe; a stimulation circuit within the housing adapted to communicate with the neural stimulator to provide a neural stimulation signal; and a sensor connected to the stimulation circuit, the sensor adapted to monitor a physiological parameter, wherein the device titrates therapy using the physiological parameter, and wherein the clip, neural stimulator and sensor are configured such that the entire weight of the device is supported by the clip on the ear lobe. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification