Methods for modulating osteochondral development using bioelectric stimulation
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a capacitive electrode having an anodized layer that has a thickness of at least 48 nanometers and no greater than 70 nanometers; and
an electrical stimulator coupled to the capacitive electrode and operable to provide at least a first therapeutic signal via the capacitive electrode.
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Abstract
Compositions and methods are provided for modulating the growth, development and repair of bone, cartilage or other connective tissue. Devices and stimulus waveforms are provided to differentially modulate the behavior of osteoblasts, chondrocytes and other connective tissue cells to promote proliferation, differentiation, matrix formation or mineralization for in vitro or in vivo applications. Continuous-mode and pulse-burst-mode stimulation of cells with charge-balanced signals may be used. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by nitric oxide release through electrical stimulation and may be modulated through co-administration of NO donors and NO synthase inhibitors. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by release of BMP-2 and BMP-7 in response to electrical stimulation to promote differentiation of cells. The methods and devices described are useful in promoting repair of bone fractures, cartilage and connective tissue repair as well as for engineering tissue for transplantation.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a capacitive electrode having an anodized layer that has a thickness of at least 48 nanometers and no greater than 70 nanometers; and an electrical stimulator coupled to the capacitive electrode and operable to provide at least a first therapeutic signal via the capacitive electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system comprising:
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a capacitive electrode having an anodized layer that has a thickness of at least 48 nanometers and no greater than 70 nanometers; and an electrical stimulator coupled to the capacitive electrode and operable to provide at least a therapeutic signal via the capacitive electrode, wherein the capacitive electrode is a bridge electrode. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A system comprising:
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a capacitive electrode having an anodized layer that has a thickness of at least 48 nanometers and no greater than 70 nanometers, the capacitive electrode being disposed beneath skin of a patient; a skin electrode capacitively coupled to the capacitive electrode disposed beneath the skin; and an electrical stimulator coupled to the capacitive electrode and operable to provide at least a therapeutic signal via the capacitive electrode. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification