Non-invasive, vibrotactile medical device to restore normal gait for patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy
US9452101B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2201/5097
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Provided is a comfortable and discrete device wearable by a patient to restore balance and gait. The device re-establishes the sensorimotor loop by providing the patient with a secondary signal to healthy nerves around the knee to alert the patient that the patient's heel has just struck the ground. In this regard, the device monitors the patient's leg movements to detect when the patient's heel strikes the ground and sends the secondary signal, i.e., vibrotactile stimulation, in response to the detected heel strike. The central nervous system incorporates the new signal and the motor system responds as if there is not loss of sensation in the foot and returns to its normal gait.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.