Implantable epilepsy monitor apparatus
US4566464A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/7257
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A low-power personal epilepsy seizure warning system is disclosed based on the clinical observation that while the brain potentials marking the onset of epilepsy vary from patient to patient, indicative brain potentials in any one patient are highly likely to remain constant. The system includes an implantable monitor to detect brain potentials and recognize the onset of a seizure, and an external warning unit to warn the patient when a seizure is imminent. The monitor is configured to recognize a patient's indicative potentials after preoperative EEG observation, and may include relatively simple analog circuitry to recognize simple forms, or a microprocessor and programmed memory to recognize complex forms utilizing algorithms such as the fast Fourier transform. An external program adjustment unit may also be utilized to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the monitor corresponding to the patient's experience of insufficient or excessive warnings after implantation. Since the implanted monitor uses high power for transmission only during warnings or sensitivity adjustment, its overall consumption of power is low and it may be expected to operate without the need for replaceme…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.