Nerve regeneration system and method
AssigneeCheckpoint Surgical, Inc.
InventorsKevin Scanlan, Eric R. Walker, Leonard M. Cosentino
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A stimulation device includes an adaptor component. The adaptor component couples a percutaneous lead to the stimulation device. The stimulation device may apply a stimulation signal to target tissue via the adaptor. A surgeon may place the stimulation device in a container and the adaptor component may be disposed outside of the container. Methods describe prolonged stimulation of target tissue via a stimulation device. The prolonged stimulation may be applied during and after a surgical procedure.
Claims26
A method for stimulating tissue, comprising:
- performing a surgery while utilizing an electrical stimulation device;
- placing a lead at or near a target nerve that is proximal to a site of a nerve injury, wherein the lead is operatively attachable to the electrical stimulation device;
- stimulating the target nerve with the lead and the electrical stimulation device during the surgery to determine excitability of the target nerve;
- determining whether application of electrical stimulation for nerve regeneration therapy is appropriate based on the threshold for excitability;
- applying an electrical stimulation pulse having a waveform directly to the target nerve through the lead and the electrical stimulation device before, during, or after the surgery;
- and
- directly activating excitable tissue of the target nerve to alter recovery of the target nerve for a period of time that is one minute or greater but less than 30 minutes.
A method for stimulating tissue, comprising:
- placing a lead at or near a target nerve proximal to a site of suspected injury;
- applying a first electrical stimulation pulse having a waveform via a stimulation device to the target nerve;
- determining or measuring excitability of the target nerve to identify a site of injury and/or evaluate a degree of injury;
- based on the determination or measurement of excitability, applying a second electrical stimulation pulse having a waveform to the target nerve;
- directly activating excitable tissue of the target nerve altering recovery of the target nerve;
- and
- performing a subcutaneous surgery before or after applying the second electrical stimulation pulse.
A method comprising:
- applying a first electrical stimulation pulse having a waveform to a target nerve that is proximal to a site of injury or repair through an electrical stimulation device, wherein the first electrical stimulation pulse is configured to assess excitability of the target nerve;
- placing a lead at or near the target nerve and based on a determination of excitability of the target nerve applying a second electrical stimulation pulse having a waveform with the electrical stimulation device to the target nerve;
- and
- directly activating the target nerve to enhance nerve function recovery.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.