Nasal stimulation devices and methods
AssigneeOculeve, Inc.
InventorsDouglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
Claims21
1-30. (canceled)
A handheld stimulator for reducing discomfort associated with facial tissue of a subject, comprising:
- a handheld portion configured to be held by the subject;
- and
- a stimulating portion located at an end of the handheld portion, the stimulating portion comprising an electrode configured to deliver an electrical stimulus to external facial tissue of the subject thereby activating a facial nerve for reducing discomfort associated with facial tissue of the subject,
- wherein the electrical stimulus comprises a biphasic pulse waveform having a frequency between 0.1 Hz and 200 Hz.
A handheld stimulator for improving comfort associated with facial tissue of a subject, comprising:
- a stimulator body portion configured to be held by the subject;
- and
- an electrode located at an end of the stimulator body portion, the electrode configured to deliver an electrical stimulus to external nasal skin of the subject thereby activating a facial nerve for improving comfort associated with facial tissue of the subject,
- wherein the electrical stimulus comprises a biphasic pulse waveform having a frequency between 0.1 Hz and 200 Hz.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.