Method and apparatus for transdermal stimulation over the palmar and plantar surfaces

• US 9,630,004 B2
• Filed: 03/29/2016
• Issued: 04/25/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Emkinetics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Emkinetics, Inc.
• Inventors: Rajguru, Amit, Burnett, Daniel R.
• Primary Examiner(s): CAREY, MICHAEL JAMES
• Application Number:
  US15/084,356
• Publication Number:
  US 20160206876A1
• Time in Patent Office: 392 Days
• Field of Search: 607 46, 607 2, 607 40, 607115, 607144, 607145
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4047 afferent nerves, i.e. nerves that relay impulses to the central nervous system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0456 Specially adapted for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• 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 1/36057 adapted for stimulating afferent nerves
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/004 specially adapted for a specific therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/02 using magnetic fields produced by coils, including single turn loops or electromagnets A61N2/12 takes precedence

Abstract

Various methods and devices for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy to a patient are provided. In certain variations, a method may include positioning a stimulator electrode over a glabrous skin surface overlying a target nerve of a subject. Electrical stimulation may be delivered through or across the glabrous skin surface to the target nerve to stimulate the target nerve, while remaining safe and tolerable to the patient. Electrical stimulation may be delivered at frequencies that may be painful or intolerable when applied over non-glabrous surfaces of the body. Various applicators or devices for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy are also provided.

Claims

1. A method for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy to a subject comprising:

positioning a stimulator electrode upon a glabrous skin surface overlying a palm of the subject;

delivering electrical stimulation transdermally via a pulse generator through the glabrous skin surface and to a target nerve or tissue within the hand to stimulate the target nerve or tissue within the hand so that pain felt by the subject is mitigated;

providing feedback signals based on nerve conduction velocity detection of the electrical stimulation via a sensor; and

adjusting or optimizing the electrical stimulation delivered through the glabrous skin surface and to the target nerve or tissue within the hand based on the nerve conduction velocity detection.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising detecting tetany in the subject as an indication that a threshold frequency of the delivered electrical stimulation has been reached.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising automatically or manually decreasing a strength of the electrical stimulation once tetany has been detected.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing a foot of the subject on a platform having one or more microneedles.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising coating the stimulator electrode with a pain relief drug prior to positioning the stimulator electrode over the glabrous skin surface.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising implanting or injecting a conductive substance near the target nerve or tissue to improve electrical conductivity to the target nerve prior to delivering electrical stimulation.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising positioning a ground electrode upon the subject prior to delivering electrical stimulation.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein positioning a stimulator electrode comprises positioning a surface electrode or microneedle electrode upon the glabrous skin surface.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein positioning a stimulator electrode comprises positioning the stimulator electrode over the glabrous skin surface with an ergonomic applicator.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the ergonomic applicator comprises a glove or brace.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering electrical stimulation comprises delivering one or more cycles of pulses at 5 Hz to 20 Hz.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering electrical stimulation comprises delivering a cycle having a first preset number of pulses followed by a pause in electrical stimulation, followed by a second preset number of pulses, and repeating the cycle as necessary.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering electrical stimulation comprises periodically pausing the electrical stimulation for a preset amount of time to overcome habituation.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering electrical stimulation comprises delivering the electrical stimulation on an intermittent or chronic basis.