Devices and Methods for Neuromodulation
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorsMario I. ROMERO-ORTEGA, Margarita MARTINEZ-GOMEZ
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Abstract
In one aspect, a neuromodulation device is described herein. In some embodiments, a neuromodulation device comprises a chamber operable to receive a nerve, at least one electrode disposed in the chamber, and a channel defined by two walls. In some embodiments, the channel of the device is in fluid communication with an interior of the chamber and an external surface of the device. In another aspect, methods of neuromodulation are described herein. In some embodiments, methods described herein can use one or more neuromodulation devices described herein.
Claims20
A method comprising:
- providing an implantable neuromodulation device having a chamber configured to apply an electrical stimulation;
- engaging a target nerve with the implantable neuromodulation device by compressing at least a portion of the target nerve in a channel of the implantable neuromodulation device, and sliding the target nerve into a chamber of the neuromodulation device fluidly connected to the channel where the target nerve is decompressed;
- and
- applying an electrical stimulation to the target nerve via one or more electrodes positioned within the chamber of the neuromodulation device thereby initiating a response from a pelvic floor muscle innervated by the target nerve.
A method to repair a nerve in a human patient to treat a pelvic floor disorder, the method comprising:
- providing an implantable neuromodulation device having a chamber configured to apply an electrical stimulation;
- engaging a target nerve with the implantable neuromodulation device by compressing at least a portion of the target nerve in a channel of the implantable neuromodulation device, and sliding the target nerve into a chamber of the neuromodulation device fluidly connected to the channel where the target nerve is decompressed;
- and
- applying a sustained electrical stimulation to the target nerve via one or more electrodes positioned within the chamber of the neuromodulation device thereby initiating a repair process in the target nerve.
A method for blocking activity in a target nerve, the method comprising:
- providing an implantable neuromodulation device having a chamber configured to apply an electrical stimulation;
- engaging a target nerve with the implantable neuromodulation device by compressing at least a portion of the target nerve in a channel of the implantable neuromodulation device, and sliding the target nerve into a chamber of the neuromodulation device fluidly connected to the channel where the target nerve is decompressed;
- and
- applying a high frequency electrical stimulation having a frequency between about 1 to 1000 KHz to the target nerve via one or more electrodes positioned within the chamber of the neuromodulation device thereby blocking electrical activity in the target nerve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.