Modular stimulator for treatment of back pain, implantable RF ablation system and methods of use

US9248278B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Mainstay Medical Limited · IE

Inventors

• Peter Andrew Crosby · Bellevue, US
• Dan Sachs · Minneapolis, US
• Prashant Rawat · Blaine, US
• Jason Alan Shiroff · Edina, US
• Johannes Petrus Heemels · Keerbergen, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 10, 2011
• Grant date: Feb 2, 2016
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/36146
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for treating back pain are provided, in which an implantable stimulator is configured to communicate with an external control system, the implantable stimulator providing a neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy designed to cause muscle contraction to rehabilitate the muscle, restore neural drive and restore spinal stability; the implantable stimulator further including one or more of a number of additional therapeutic modalities, including a module that provides analgesic stimulation; a module that monitors muscle performance and adjusts the muscle stimulation regime; and/or a module that provides longer term pain relief by selectively and repeatedly ablating nerve fibers. In an alternative embodiment, a standalone implantable RF ablation system is described.