Devices, systems and methods for treating pain with electrical stimulation
First Claim
1. A non-invasive electrical stimulation device, comprising:
- a housing having an exterior surface;
a controller disposed within the housing, the controller including a programmable processor and a signal generator, the processor configured to receive waveform information and output stimulation control signals, the signal generator configured to receive the stimulation control signals and generate corresponding electrical stimulation waveforms, wherein the signal generator has a first signal line and a second signal line;
a conductive surface coupled to the exterior surface of the housing and being in electrical communication with the first signal line of the signal generator; and
an electrode that is repositionable with respect to the housing, the electrode having a surface for contacting a patient'"'"'s skin and configured to transmit the electrical stimulation waveforms through the patient'"'"'s skin to a nerve beneath the skin, the electrode electrically discontinuous from the second signal line when in a first position and in electrical communication with the second signal line when in a second position.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating migraine headaches and other conditions by non-invasive electrical stimulation of nerves and other tissue. A hand-held device includes a housing with a controller having a signal generator, an electrode for delivering electrical signals, and a conductive surface configured as a return path for the electrical signals. In certain implementations, the electrode is repositionable with respect to the housing. The patient can self-apply the hand-held device by pressing it against areas in need of pain relief. The device may include a pressure-sensitive gating switch to control delivery of the stimulation therapy. In certain embodiments, the electrode is a rollerball electrode. The device may include a chamber for retaining and dispensing conductive gel to the therapy site. In certain approaches, the device includes an electrode support for coupling an electrical stimulation system to the head for hands-free electrical stimulation therapy.
47 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A non-invasive electrical stimulation device, comprising:
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a housing having an exterior surface; a controller disposed within the housing, the controller including a programmable processor and a signal generator, the processor configured to receive waveform information and output stimulation control signals, the signal generator configured to receive the stimulation control signals and generate corresponding electrical stimulation waveforms, wherein the signal generator has a first signal line and a second signal line; a conductive surface coupled to the exterior surface of the housing and being in electrical communication with the first signal line of the signal generator; and an electrode that is repositionable with respect to the housing, the electrode having a surface for contacting a patient'"'"'s skin and configured to transmit the electrical stimulation waveforms through the patient'"'"'s skin to a nerve beneath the skin, the electrode electrically discontinuous from the second signal line when in a first position and in electrical communication with the second signal line when in a second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system for transmitting electrical stimulation through a patient'"'"'s skin to a nerve beneath the skin, the system comprising:
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a hand-held electrical stimulation device comprising a housing enclosing a programmable processor and a signal generator, the processor configured to receive stimulation protocols through a port in an exterior surface of the housing, the processor further configured to output stimulation control signals, the signal generator configured to receive the stimulation control signals and generate corresponding electrical stimulation waveforms, wherein the signal generator has a first signal line and a second signal line, a conductive surface coupled to the exterior surface of the housing and being in electrical communication with the first signal line of the signal generator, and an electrode that is repositionable with respect to the housing, the electrode having a surface for contacting a patient'"'"'s skin and configured to transmit electrical stimulation through the patient'"'"'s skin to a nerve beneath the skin, the electrode electrically discontinuous from the second signal line when in a first position and in electrical communication with the second signal line when in a second position, the electrical stimulation transmitted to the nerve based on the stimulation protocols received in the programmable processor; and a docking station in data communication with a communication network, the docking station configured to receive the hand-held electrical stimulation device and download the stimulation protocols to the programmable processor through the port when the hand-held electrical stimulation device is received in the docking station. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification