Method and system for modulating neural activity

US9789315B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Gearbox, Inc.

Inventors

• Ralph G. Dacey, Jr. · Chesterfield, US
• Nathan P. Myhrvold · Bellevue, US
• Michael A. Smith · Phoenix, US
• Lowell L. Wood, JR. · Bellevue, US
• Victoria Y.H. Wood · Livermore, US
• Gregory J. Zipfel · Chesterfield, US
• Gregory J. Della Rocca · Columbia, US
• Colin P. Derdeyn · Chesterfield, US
• Joshua L. Dowling · Webster Groves, US
• Eleanor V. Goodall · Seattle, US
• Roderick A. Hyde · Redmond, US
• Muriel Y. Ishikawa · Livermore, US
• Jordin T. Kare · Seattle, US
• Eric C. Leuthardt · Chesterfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 6, 2016
• Grant date: Oct 17, 2017
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2007/0026
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by cyclically modulating neural activity in peripheral neural structures are disclosed. Neural activity may be modulated cyclically by stimuli delivered via various types of stimulus sources. In an aspect, activity of a sensory nerve is modulated. Neural modulation may be used, for example, to modulate an undesired sensation, such as pain, or an immune or inflammatory response or process. Delivery of stimuli for modulating neural activity may be controlled in part in response to an input from a user input device.