US 8,475,506 B1Granted

VCSEL array stimulator apparatus and method for light stimulation of bodily tissues

AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation

InventorsMark P. Bendett, Jonathon D. Wells

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

An apparatus and method using an array of VCSELs operable to emit light at one or more wavelengths, pulse-repetition rates, pulse durations, pulse powers, pulse energies, and/or light-distribution spatial and/or temporal patterns, that are effective to stimulate or photostimulate human or other animal tissue, and in particular, nerve tissue. In some embodiments, the invention provides an implantable device that includes an array having a plurality of VCSELs in a spatial pattern suitable to stimulate or photostimulate a plurality of different areas of tissue (e.g., a plurality of different nerves). In some embodiments, the device is instead partially implantable. In some embodiments, the device is instead external to the body of the animal.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

emitting pulsed light having a wavelength in a range of 1.8 microns to 2 microns and having a pulse duration from each of a first plurality of vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) including a first VCSEL and a second VCSEL, wherein the pulsed light from the first VCSEL and the second VCSEL is configured to stimulate nerve-action-potential responses in optically stimulatable target tissue, and wherein at least the first VCSEL is mounted on a first flexible substrate portion configured to conform to an anatomical shape of a first optically stimulatable target tissue of an animal;
directing the light from the first VCSEL onto the first tissue but substantially not onto a second optically stimulatable target tissue in order to stimulate nerve-action-potential responses in the first tissue;
and
directing the light from the second VCSEL onto the second tissue but substantially not onto the first tissue in order to stimulate nerve-action-potential responses in the second tissue.

1 more element

An apparatus comprising:

a first plurality of vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) including a first VCSEL and a second VCSEL;
a control circuit configured to control generation of pulsed light from the first and second VCSELs, wherein the pulsed light from the first VCSEL and the second VCSEL is configured to stimulate nerve-action-potential responses in optically stimulatable target tissue, and wherein at least the first VCSEL is mounted on a first flexible substrate portion configured to conform to an anatomical shape of a first optically stimulatable target tissue of an animal;
a light delivery system configured to direct the light from the first VCSEL onto the first tissue but substantially not onto a second optically stimulatable target tissue in order to stimulate nerve-action-potential responses in the first tissue;
and
the light delivery system further configured to direct the light from the second VCSEL onto the second tissue but substantially not onto the first tissue in order to stimulate nerve-action-potential responses in the second tissue.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 12/191,301Filed 13 Aug 2008 · us provisional application
Priority: 13 Aug 2007
Granted: 2 Jul 2013
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification4 codes

A61N 5/0622
Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment: optical stimulation for exciting neural tissue
A61N 2005/0612
Apparatus for use inside the body: using probes penetrating tissue; interstitial probes
A61N 2005/063
Using light: comprising light transmitting means, e.g. optical fibres
A61N
Electrotherapy