Methods and systems for direct electrical current stimulation as a therapy for prostatic hypertrophy
AssigneeAdvanced Bionics AG
InventorsTodd K. Whitehurst, James P. McGivern, Janusz A. Kuzma
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Abstract
A small implantable stimulator(s) includes at least two electrodes for delivering electrical stimulation to surrounding tissue. The small stimulator provides means of stimulating the prostate with direct electrical current, such as relatively low-level direct current, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. The stimulator may be configured to be small enough to be implanted entirely within the prostate. Open- and closed-loop systems are disclosed.
Claims26
A method for treating a patient with BPH, comprising:
- providing at least one stimulator having at least two electrodes;
- implanting the at least one stimulator in the prostate;
- providing operating power to the at least one stimulator;
- providing stimulation parameters to the at least one stimulator;
- generating direct electric current in accordance with the stimulation parameters;
- and
- delivering the current to prostate tissue near the at least one stimulator;
- wherein the at least one stimulator has a size and shape suitable for placement entirely within the prostate.
A microstimulator for treating a patient with BPH, comprising:
- electrical circuitry controlling electrical stimulation delivered to tissue;
- at least two electrodes electrically connected to the electrical circuitry and configured to deliver the electrical stimulation to the prostate;
- and
- wherein the microstimulator is configured for implantation entirely within or near the prostate.
A method for treating a patient with BPH, comprising:
- providing at least one stimulator having at least two electrodes;
- implanting at least one electrode of the at least one stimulator in the prostate;
- providing operating power to the at least one stimulator;
- providing stimulation parameters to the at least one stimulator;
- and
- delivering direct electric current in accordance with the stimulation parameters to prostate tissue near the at least two electrodes;
- wherein the at least one stimulator has a size and shape suitable for placement entirely within or near the prostate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.