Methods and devices for performing electrical stimulation to treat various conditions

• US 9,002,477 B2
• Filed: 11/20/2013
• Issued: 04/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Emkinetics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Emkinetics, Inc.
• Inventors: Burnett, Daniel R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wieland, Robert N
• Application Number:
  US14/085,639
• Publication Number:
  US 20140148870A1
• Time in Patent Office: 503 Days
• Field of Search: 607/118
• US Class Current: 607/118
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0456 Specially adapted for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]
• 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 1/0502 Skin piercing electrodes
• 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 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 for treatment of pain
• 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 1/36075 Headache or migraine
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36096 Mood disorders, e.g. depression, anxiety or panic disorder
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36107 Sexual dysfunction stimulating genital organs A61N1/36007
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36139 with automatic adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/40 Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling microwave apparatus A61N5/00; Applying radio-frequency signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/006 for magnetic stimulation of nerve tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/008 for pain treatment or analgesia
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/02 using magnetic fields produced by coils, including single turn loops or electromagnets A61N2/12 takes precedence

Abstract

In certain variations, systems and/or methods for electromagnetic induction therapy are provided. One or more ergonomic or body contoured applicators may be included. The applicators include one or more conductive coils configured to generate an electromagnetic or magnetic field focused on a target nerve, muscle or other body tissues positioned in proximity to the coil. One or more sensors may be utilized to detect stimulation and to provide feedback about the efficacy of the applied electromagnetic induction therapy. A controller may be adjustable to vary a current through a coil to adjust the magnetic field focused upon the target nerve, muscle or other body tissues based on the feedback provide by a sensor or by a patient. In certain systems or methods, pulsed magnetic fields may be intermittently applied to a target nerve, muscle or tissue without causing habituation.

Claims

1. A method of performing electrical stimulation therapy, comprising:

non-invasively positioning a first portion of a patient'"'"'s body relative to an electrical stimulator such that a posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof within the first portion of the body is in proximity to the electrical stimulator;

passing a current through the electrical stimulator;

delivering an electrical stimulus from the electrical stimulator to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof;

detecting electrical conduction through the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof or detecting a muscular response caused by an electrical conduction through the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof via at least one sensor positioned along a second portion of the body;

receiving a signal from the at least one sensor indicative of the detected electrical conduction or muscular response thereby providing feedback about the efficacy of the applied electrical stimulation therapy; and

adjusting the current via a controller in communication with the electrical stimulator based on the feedback.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof to treat fecal incontinence.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof to treat restless leg syndrome.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof to treat premature ejaculation.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof to treat chronic pain.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof to treat osteoarthritis or arthritis.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof responsible for neuropathic pain to treat neuropathic pain.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof to treat neuralgia.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof to treat atrophy.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulus is delivered to the posterior tibial nerve or branch thereof to treat paralysis.