System and method for neuro-stimulation

• US 9,616,234 B2
• Filed: 04/10/2014
• Issued: 04/11/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Trustees of Boston University
• Original Assignee: Trustees of Boston University
• Inventors: Harry, Jason D., Niemi, James B., Kellogg, Scott, D'Andrea, Susan
• Primary Examiner(s): Alter, Alyssa M
• Application Number:
  US14/249,856
• Publication Number:
  US 20140364678A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,097 Days
• Field of Search: 607 48, 607 3
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0026 Anti-eating devices using electrical stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1207 with electric or magnetic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/165 Wearable interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5007 computer controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5023 Interfaces to the user
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5043 Displays
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5058 Sensors or detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/004 With mechanical drive, e.g. spring mechanism or vibrating unit being hit for starting vibration and then applied to the body of a patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/02 with electric or magnetic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/0263 using rotating unbalanced masses
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0452 Specially adapted for transcutaneous muscle stimulation [TMS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0456 Specially adapted for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0464 Specially adapted for promoting tissue growth
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0472 Structure-related aspects
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0476 Array electrodes (including any electrode arrangement with more than one electrode for at least one of the polarities)
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0484 Garment electrodes worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0492 Patch electrodes A61N1/0412, A61N1/0428 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0556 Cuff electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/321 Electromedical belts
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36003 of motor muscles, e.g. for walking assistance
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 : of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3601 : of respiratory organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 : with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 : for treatment of pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36034 : specified by the stimulation parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 : Pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36164 : Sub-threshold or non-excitatory signals non-excitatory signals to the heart A61N1/3628
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3627 : for treating a mechanical deficiency of the heart, e.g. congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37247 : User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/006 : for magnetic stimulation of nerve tissue

Abstract

A neuro-stimulation system employs a includes a stimulator which may include electrode devices and/or vibration elements. A controller may be employed to drive the stimulating elements with an electrical signal. In response to the electrical signal, the stimulating elements deliver electrical and/or mechanical stimulation to the body part. The stimulation may be an aperiodic stimulation and/or may be a subthreshold stimulation. In one embodiment, the stimulator is disposable and the processor determines usage of the stimulator and ensures that the stimulator is limited to a certain amount of use. Neuro-stimulation systems may be applied to sensory cells of body parts during movement of the body parts to induce neuroplastic changes. Such movement may involve a variety of therapeutic applications, e.g. in stroke patient therapy.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

generating at least one bias signal using a system for providing sub-threshold stimulation, the system comprising an application body with a stimulating element generating the at least one bias signal;

inputting the at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a chest region of a subject while the subject is undergoing lung function, such that the sub-threshold stimulation is transferred to intercostal muscles of the subject; and

inducing a neuroplastic response in the nervous system of the subject by inputting the at least one bias signal for at least a period of time whereby the subject'"'"'s lung function is improved by increasing an expansion or a contraction of lungs of the subject during the subject'"'"'s lung function.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one bias signal is continuously applied to the chest region of the subject.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one bias signal is non-continuously applied to the chest region of the subject.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one bias signal is a modulated bias signal applied to the chest region of the subject.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bias signal is a modulated bias signal that is continuously applied to the chest region of the subject.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bias signal is a modulated bias signal that is non-continuously applied to the chest region of the subject.