Method for conditioning pelvic musculature using an implanted microstimulator
US6061596A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37211
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for conditioning pelvic muscle tissue for the purpose of treating urinary incontinence uses one or more tiny implantable stimulators (20)--termed "microstimulators"--implanted in or near certain pelvic structures so as to contact target muscle tissue. The microstimulators (20) are small enough to allow their implantation using a hypodermic needle (104). Once implanted, the microstimulators (20) are controlled using a controller (105, 106) and an appropriate coupling coil (102) that couples modulated radio frequency (RF) power into the microstimulators. A fitting station (110) facilitates adjusting the stimulus pattern and amplitude to best meet the needs of a given patient. Once fitted, electrical stimulation is thus provided to the target tissue in accordance with a specified externally-controlled exercise or other regime.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.