System and method for treating a nerve symptom

• US 8,855,776 B2
• Filed: 05/16/2013
• Issued: 10/07/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: National Taiwan University (Government of The Republic of China)
• Original Assignee: National Taiwan University (Government of The Republic of China)
• Inventors: Lin, Chii-Wann, Lu, Shey-Shi, Chiu, Hung-Wei, Yang, Yao Joe, Shih, Win-Pin, Chang, Chi-Heng, Lin, Wei-Tso, Wen, Yeong-Ray
• Primary Examiner(s): MANUEL, GEORGE C
• Application Number:
  US13/895,523
• Publication Number:
  US 20130317564A1
• Time in Patent Office: 509 Days
• Field of Search: 607/45
• US Class Current: 607/45
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36064 Epilepsy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36067 Movement disorders, e.g. tremor or Parkinson disease stimulating motor muscle A61N1/36003
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36153 Voltage A61N1/3616 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36171 Frequency
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source

Abstract

An implantable electrical stimulation system for treating a nerve symptom, the system comprising an implantable device. The implantable devices includes a wave generator that is operable to generate a signal wave and a white noise, mix the signal wave and the white noise, and produce an electrical stimulating signal. The system further comprises an electrode unit located in close proximity to a target nerve and is operable to provide the electrical stimulating signal to the nerve. The system further comprises an external controlling device.

Claims

1. An implantable electrical stimulation system for treating a nerve symptom, the system comprising:

an implantable device comprising;

a wave generator, wherein the wave generator is operable to generate a signal wave and a white noise, mix the signal wave and the white noise, and produce an electrical stimulating signal;

an electrode unit adapted to be located in proximity to a target nerve for providing the electrical stimulating signal to the nerve; and

an external controlling device;

wherein the electrode unit comprises more than one electrode separated by insulating parts, and a distance between the electrode unit and the target nerve is between about 2 mm and about 6 mm.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system generates radiofrequency stimulation pulses.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the implantable device further comprises a sensor operable to detect at least one of the group consisting of:

temperature, impedance, and electrophysiological parameters.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the implantable device further comprises a first wireless communication unit operable to transmit signals to the external controlling device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the implantable device further comprises a first power supply unit.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the implantable device further comprises a first micro control unit.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the external controlling device comprises a second power supply unit, a second wireless communication unit, and a second micro control unit.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the external controlling device further comprises a screen.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal wave generated by the wave generator is a sine wave, a triangular wave, a square wave, a random wave, or any combination thereof.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the nerve symptom is selected from a group consisting of:

back pain, chronic pain, motor disorders, dystonia, spasticity, tremors, and epilepsy.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrode unit is a linear type, a circular type, a Swiss-roll type, a clip type, and/or spring type electrode unit.