Apparatus for optical stimulation of nerves and other animal tissue
US7736382B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/0659
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light-generating source is operatively coupled to an optical fiber, which in turn is coupled to a plug in the end of a holder in a sheath. Light is then passed from the light source through the optical fiber to the holder and out a selected optical tip on the sheath to provide an efficacious amount of light to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. Some embodiments omit the fiber and use light directly from the laser diode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.