Method and apparatus for performing microcurrent stimulation (MSC) therapy

• US 7,158,834 B2
• Filed: 12/17/2003
• Issued: 01/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Atlantic Medical Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Atlantic Medical Incorporated
• Inventors: Paul, Edward L. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pezzuto; Robert E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Gedeon; Brian T.
• Application Number:
  US10/738,921
• Publication Number:
  US 20040176820A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,112 Days
• Field of Search: 607/141, 607/53, 607/54, 607/68, 607/69, 623/4.1, 623/5.11, 623/6.63, 606/4
• US Class Current: 607/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/326 for promoting growth of cells, e.g. bone cells
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36046 of the eye

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing microcurrent stimulation (MSC) therapy. In accordance with the present invention, it has been determined that the application of microcurrent signals at particular frequencies to the eye for particular periods of time stabilizes and even improves conditions of macular degeneration and other ocular diseases. Experimental data from clinical trials shows that results of persons who underwent therapy are at least better than placebo (i.e., efficacious), and that the therapy is safe. In fact, experimental data from clinical trials showed that approximately 98% of the patients who underwent the MCS therapy of the invention experienced either stabilization or improvement of macular degeneration within one year of starting therapy. Of this percentage, approximately 65% of the patients subjected to the MCS therapy experienced improved vision, while approximately 32% experienced stabilization of macular degeneration (i.e., no further loss of vision).

Claims

1. A microcurrent stimulation (MCS) kit comprising:

an MCS apparatus comprising;

an electrical circuit configured to generate a microcurrent signal having a particular carrier frequency modulated by one of at least first and second modulation frequencies;

controller logic in communication with the electrical circuit, the controller logic being configured to control which of at least the first and second modulation frequencies are superimposed onto the carrier frequency and to control first and second time periods during which the first and second modulation frequencies, respectively, are superimposed onto the carrier frequency, the first modulation frequency being greater than the second modulation frequency and the first time period being shorter than the second time period, the second time period commencing upon expiration of the first time period;

goggles comprising a microcurrent conductor configuration configured to receive the microcurrent signal generated by the electrical circuit and to apply the microcurrent signal to ocular tissue of the user;

at least a first positive electrode connected on a first end thereof to a positive terminal of the electrical circuit, the first positive electrode having a second end electrically coupled to the microcurrent conductor configuration of the goggles for providing the microcurrent signal generated by the electrical circuit to the microcurrent conductor configuration of the goggles; and

at least a second electrode connected on a first end thereof to a negative terminal of the electrical circuit, the first negative electrode having a second end configured to be placed in contact with a location on the user'"'"'s body.

2. An apparatus for applying a microcurrent signal to ocular tissue of a user to perform microcurrent stimulation (MCS) therapy, the apparatus comprising:

an electrical microcurrent signal generation circuit configured to generate an electrical microcurrent signal; and

goggles configured to receive the microcurrent signal from the electrical microcurrent generation circuit and to provide the microcurrent signal to at least first and second electrodes of the goggles, the first electrode having a first end connected to a first terminal of the signal generation circuit and a second end connected to the goggles for delivering the microcurrent signal to the goggles, the second electrodes having a first end connected to a second terminal of the signal generation circuit and a second end configured to be placed in contact with a location on a user'"'"'s body.

3. A kit for performing microcurrent stimulation (MCS) therapy that enables conditions of macular degeneration and other ocular diseases to be improved or at least stabilized, the kit comprising:

pair of microcurrent stimulating devices for applying at least two microcurrent signals to ocular tissue of an eye of a user, the pair of microcurrent stimulating devices are designed to have a configuration of goggles, wherein the at least two microcurrent signals are different in modulation frequency, wherein the microcurrent stimulating device is capable of being operationally connected to a microcurrent stimulating device, wherein the microcurrent stimulating device is configured to be placed in direct contact with the eyelid of the eye or in proximity of the eye so that at least two microcurrent signals can be applied to the ocular tissue of the eye for particular periods of time.