Method and apparatus for treatment of pain by frequently alternating temperature stimulation
OwnerIgor Kissininventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for use in the treatment of pain through frequently alternating temperature stimulation uses a Peltier effect thermoelectric unit to induce thermal gradients in a patient's skin to selectively elevate and lower the temperature of the skin relative to a baseline skin temperature for brief intervals. The duration, intensity, frequency, and direction of the thermal gradient may be controlled via a microprocessor-based controller and a set of rheostats.
Claims18
Apparatus for treatment of pain by iterative application of a thermal gradient to the skin comprising:
- (a) thermoelectric means for generating a thermal gradient in adjacent skin tissue responsive to an electrical current input thereto;
- (b) controller means operatively connected to said thermoelectric means for adjusting the duration of the application of said thermal gradient and the direction of the thermal gradient periodically whereby the direction of said thermal gradient is reversed at least once per minute;
- and
- (c) means for varying the intensity of said thermal gradient by varying amplitude of the electrical current input to said thermoelectric means.
Apparatus for treatment of pain by iterative application of a thermal gradient to the skin, comprising:
- (a) thermoelectric means for generating a thermal gradient proximal the skin responsive to an electrical current input thereto;
- and
- (b) controller means operably connected to said thermoelectric means for controlling the duration and intensity of said thermal gradient and reversing the direction of said thermal gradient at least once per minute.
A method for treatment of pain comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a thermal gradient to the skin by placing a thermoelectric apparatus adjacent the skin over a local area associated with the pain whereby the temperature of the skin is varied within a predetermined range relative to predetermined baseline temperature;
- (b) varying the duration of said thermal gradient within a predetermined range;
- and
- (c) varying the direction of said thermal gradient at least once per minute.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.