Methods and apparatuses for improving peripheral nerve function

US11285321B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Regents of the University of California · US
• U.S. Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs · US
• LightSide MD, LLC · US

Inventors

• Karunesh Ganguly · San Francisco, US
• Adelyn TSU · San Francisco, US
• Nikhilesh NATRAJ · San Francisco, US
• Gabriel Philip HOWLES-BANERJI · Cupertino, US
• Rajiv Doshi · Los Altos, US
• Kondapavulur T. Venkateswara-Rao · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 14, 2017
• Grant date: Mar 29, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 18, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A90/10
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for sensory electrical stimulation of the peripheral nervous system to improve human motor function and performance are described. Methods and devices may be used to enhance physical performance of athletes, professionals, and gamers or improve motor function (hand, finger and limb movement) in patients rehabilitating from neurological deficits and impairments caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury and other neurologic or non-neurologic conditions. These apparatuses and methods may be used for physical training and mental training (to improve memory and functional performance including motor coordination, limb-eye coordination, occupational and recreational skills) through periodic or sustained sensory electrical stimulation. Treatment plans may be based on biomarkers and may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses. Learning and feedback techniques individualize treatment parameters depending on the subject's neurologic and motor function in diseased patients and healthy users.