Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for preventing deep vein thrombosis
US6226552A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0492
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A neuro-muscular electrical stimulation system provides a series of electrical pulses to instigate muscle twitch to aid in preventing the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. The duration and duty cycle of the electrical pulses provided to a patient's muscle tissue is controlled to instigate muscle twitch without causing tetanic muscle contractions. The system preferably includes a single electrode that is placed upon each calve of a patient. The electrical stimulator device includes a unique housing and circuit board arrangement that facilitates easy assembly without requiring any soldering connections between the circuit board, a power source and electrical leads that are utilized to provide signals to the electrodes that are placed on the patient. The circuit board preferably is made from a slightly resilient plastic material that is flexed from a disconnected position into an electrically connected position upon assembly of the stimulator device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.