Systems and methods for facilitating and/or effectuating development, rehabilitation, restoration, and/or recovery of visual function through neural stimulation
AssigneeNorthstar Neuroscience, Inc.
InventorsBradford E. Gliner, Warren D. Sheffield
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
System and methods for effectuating and/or facilitating visual function in a patient. One embodiment of a system comprises a neural stimulation system and a visual training system. The neural stimulation system can include a pulse generator and a stimulus delivery device coupled to the pulse generator. The stimulus delivery device is configured to deliver a stimulus to the brain of the patient. The visual training system can include a computer and a display coupled to the computer. The computer has a computer operable medium containing instructions to provide a visual output to the patient via the display.
Claims46
A system for effectuating and/or facilitating visual function in a patient, comprising:
- a neural stimulation system including a pulse generator and a stimulus delivery device coupled to the pulse generator, the stimulus delivery device being configured to deliver a stimulus to the brain of the patient via a pathway that does not include the cornea;
- and
- a visual training system including a computer and a display coupled to the computer, the computer having a computer operable medium containing instructions to provide a visual output to the patient via the display.
A method for effectuating and/or facilitating visual function in a patient, comprising:
- identifying a neural stimulation site corresponding to neural activity associated with the visual function, and at which neuroplasticity is occurring and/or may be expected to occur to carry out the visual function;
- and
- applying neural stimulation to a population of neurons at the stimulation site via a pathway that does not include the cornea.
A method for effectuating and/or facilitating visual function in a patient, comprising:
- implanting an electrode at an occipital lobe of the patient proximate to the dura of the cortex;
- implanting a pulse generator in the patient and electrically coupling the pulse generator to the electrode;
- and
- applying electrical pulses to the electrode.
A system for effectuating and/or facilitating visual function in a patient, comprising:
- a neural stimulation system including a pulse generator and a stimulus delivery device coupled to the pulse generator, the stimulus delivery device being configured to deliver a stimulus to the brain of the patient, the stimulus delivery device comprising a cortical electrode configured to be implanted in the patient at a location proximate to the cortex;
- and
- a visual training system including a computer and a display coupled to the computer, the computer having a computer operable medium containing instructions to provide a visual output to the patient via the display.
A method for effectuating and/or facilitating visual function in a patient, comprising:
- identifying a neural stimulation site corresponding to neural activity associated with the visual function, and at which neuroplasticity is occurring and/or may be expected to occur to carry out the visual function;
- and
- applying neural stimulation to a population of neurons at the stimulation site by implanting a cortical electrode in the patient and delivering an electrical stimulus to the cortex via the implanted electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.