# US 8,543,211 B2 · Methods and apparatus for deep brain stimulation

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- Number: US 8,543,211 B2
- Document ID: US8543211B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/507,135
- Filed: 2009-07-22
- Published: 2010-01-14
- Granted: 2013-09-24
- Earliest claimed: 2008-04-10
- Assignees: ElectroCore, Inc.
- Applicants: Bruce J. Simon
- Inventors: Bruce J. Simon
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8543211B2

## CPC

- A61N 1/0551: {Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes}
- A61M 25/10: Balloon catheters ({A61M25/0125 takes precedence; embolectomy A61B17/22032; retractors A61B17/02;} inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts A61F2/958 {; stomach balloons for treatment of obesity A61F5/0003; oesophagal tubes A61J15/00})
- A61M 25/1027: {Making of balloon catheters}
- A61N 1/0517: {Esophageal electrodes}
- A61N 1/0546: {Nasal electrodes}
- A61N 1/3605: {Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system}
- A61M 2025/1088: {having special surface characteristics depending on material properties or added substances, e.g. for reducing friction}
- A61M 2025/1093: {having particular tip characteristics}
- A61M 2205/054: with electrotherapy
- A61M 2210/0681: Sinus (maxillaris)
- A61M 2210/0693: Brain, cerebrum
- A61N 1/0531: {Brain cortex electrodes}
- A61N 1/0534: {Electrodes for deep brain stimulation}
- A61N 1/36017: {with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin}
- A61N: ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infrared radiators for heating H05B)
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}

## Abstract

The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for treating nerve disorders in the brain. An electrode is introduced into a patient's sinus cavity and an electrical impulse is applied to the electrode to modulate one or more target nerves in the brain to treat the disorder. In preferred embodiments, the electrode is positioned within a sinus cavity adjacent to or near the frontal cortex of the brain and the electrical signal is sufficient to modulate, stimulate and/or inhibit nerves within the frontal cortex. The electrode may be movable between a collapsed or compact configuration for introduction into the sinus cavity and an expanded configuration for contacting tissue within the sinus cavity to deliver the electrical impulse through the tissue to the target nerves in the brain.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for monitoring a patient's hearing comprising:
introducing an electrode into a sinus cavity in a patient adjacent or near a cochlea; and
applying an electrical impulse to the electrode sufficient to stimulate one or more auditory nerves in the cochlea.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring the patient to determine if the patient can hear the electrical signals produced by the auditory nerves in response to the electrical impulse.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the introducing step is carried out by advancing the electrode through a nostril of the patient and then expanding the electrode within the sinus cavity.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the sinus cavity is one of the frontal sinus, the sphenoidal sinus or the ethmoid sinus.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the introducing step comprises advancing a balloon through a nostril of the patient and expanding the balloon within the sinus cavity.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5 wherein the electrode is housed within the balloon, the expanding step being carried out by delivering electrically conductive fluid into an interior of the balloon.