Systems, methods and devices for a skull/brain interface

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016339243-A1
Application number	US-201615225741-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Aug 1, 2016
Priority date	Oct 30, 2007
Publication date	Nov 24, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

Methods, devices, and systems induce neuromodulation by focusing a source of stimulation through a skull/brain interface in the form of an aperture formed in the skull, a naturally occurring fenestration in the skull, or a transcranial channel. Methods, devices, and systems identify where to locate skull/brain interfaces, accessories that can be used with the interfaces, and features for controlling stimulation delivered through the interfaces. Multiple indications for the skull/brain interfaces include diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, depression, Alzheimer's disease, autism, coma, and pain.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A device for introducing a form of neuromodulation to a patient through a skull/brain interface comprising one of an aperture, a naturally-occurring fenestration, and a transcranial channel, the device comprising:
a stimulator configured to generate and deliver the form of neuromodulation; at least one element to which the stimulator is coupled, the at least one element configured to position the stimulator in the vicinity of a skull/brain interface near a target area of neural tissue; and a remote control device for remotely controlling at least one operating parameter of the stimulator.

2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the stimulator comprises:
at least one scalp electrode pad; and a stimulation source coupled to the at least one scalp electrode pad.

3 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the at least one scalp electrode pad is configured to be positioned in abutting contact with a scalp of the patient.

4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the stimulator is removably coupled to the at least one element.

5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one element comprises a helmet.

6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one element comprises a headpiece.

7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the form of neuromodulation is one of direct current stimulation, near direct current stimulation, pulsatile current stimulation, and alternating current stimulation.

8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the form of neuromodulation is configured to improve one or more facilities of the patient.

9 . The device of claim 8 , wherein the one or more facilities comprise one or more of the following: memory retention, visual acuity, verbal fluency, and creativity.

10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the target area of neural tissue is the occipital cortex, and the source of modulation is a source of anodal direct current stimulation.

11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the target area of neural tissue is one or more of the primary motor cortex, the somatosensory cortex, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the left prefrontal cortex.

Assignees

• Neuropace Inc

Inventors

• Wingeier Brett
• Chao Daniel
• Pless Benjamin
• Tcheng Thomas

Classifications

• A61N1/0539

  Anchoring of brain electrode systems, e.g. within burr hole · CPC title

• A61N1/205

  for promoting a biological process · CPC title

• A61N1/0492

  Patch electrodes (A61N1/0412, A61N1/0428 take precedence) · CPC title

• A61B2090/103

  Cranial plugs for access to brain · CPC title

• A61N1/36025 Primary

  for treating a mental or cerebral condition · CPC title