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US 4,702,254 AGranted
Neurocybernetic prosthesis
OwnerJacob Zabarainventor
Life of this patent
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OwnerJacob Zabarainventor
Estimating the term…
A neurocybernetic prosthesis for controlling or preventing epileptic seizures and other motor disorders includes a pulse generator which generates electrical pulses having a frequency of between 30 and 300 cycles per second, a pulse duration of between 0.3 and 1 millisecond and a constant current of between 1 and 20 milliamperes. The generator is enclosed in an epoxy-titanium shell and is implanted in the body, preferably in the axilla. Electrode leads pass from the generator through a subcutaneous tunnel and terminate in an electrode patch on the vagus nerve. Provisions are made for varying the electrical signal from the generator after it has been implanted to "tune" the same to the patient. The prosthesis may be designed to be turned on manually when the patient senses the imminence of a convulsion. Alternatively, sensors may be provided for determining changes in the values of state parameters such as electrocencephalographic waves which precede a convulsion. The pulse generator can then be turned on automatically in response to the sensors.
A method of controlling or preventing involuntary movements such as caused by epileptic seizures, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, spasticity, motor disorders and the like comprising determining that an involuntary movement is going to occur and thereafter applying a pulsed electrical signal to the vagus nerve to thereby prevent or control such movement.
A neurocybernetic prosthesis for controlling or preventing involuntary movements such as caused by epileptic seizures, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, spasticity, motor disorders and the like comprising:
A method of controlling or preventing involuntary movements such as caused by epileptic seizures, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, spasticity, motor disorders and the like comprising determining that an involuntary movement is going to occur and thereafter applying a pulsed electrical signal to the vagus nerve at a point below the inferior cardiac nerve to thereby prevent or control such movement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.