Systems, methods and devices for a skull/brain interface
US8761889B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2007/0026
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method is disclosed for conveying a form of neuromodulation (e.g., electrical, chemical, optical, or thermal) from an external neuromodulation source interiorly of the skull to modulate neural activity. The method involves forming one or more apertures through or partially through the skull to provide an interface for delivering the neuromodulation. A method is disclosed for sensing one or more parameters characteristic of one or more states of the brain through an interface formed with one or more apertures extending all the way or part of the way through the skull. A device is disclosed that is implantable in the skull of a human patient to provide an interface between the exterior of the skull and the brain that includes a channel of a length sufficient to traverse the entire thickness of the skull or at least a part of the thickness of the skull. The channels may be provided in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with or without inner lumens. The channels may be configured for ion conduction of electrical signals, enabling DC or near DC stimulation of target neurons. Methods and devices for transferring energy (e.g., thermal energy) generated inside the skull to the outside of…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.