Vestibular stimulation system and method
US7469162B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36036
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.