THERMALLY ASSISTED PULSED ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FIELD STIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

摘要

A method, apparatus and a system for thermally-assisted pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for treatment of osteoarthritis are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a multi-coil applicator adapted for positioning near or around of the treated joint, a pulse generator functionally coupled to the applicator, a power supply, and a feedback loop for stabilizing the temperature of the joint. The feedback loop includes a heating element, a temperature sensor and an electronic controller for maintaining the temperature of the joint in the range of 38 to 42 degree C. At elevated temperatures the healing effect of PEMF stimulation on the cartilage is maximized and overall efficiency of the treatment is improved. To produce a high electric field, the coils of the applicator are made with a low number of turns, for example less than 5 turns, and are spatially arranged to cover the whole joint without “dead” zones.

主权项

1. A pulsed electromagnetic field therapy apparatus for delivering treatment to a portion of the spine of a patient, the apparatus comprising:
an applicator comprising:
a central portion;a first shoulder support extending from the central portion and configured to loop over a first shoulder of the patient;a second shoulder support extending from the central portion and configured to loop over a second shoulder of the patient;a first belt portion extending from the central portion and configured to wrap in a counterclockwise direction around a waist of the patient; anda second belt portion extending from the central portion and configured to wrap in a clockwise direction around a waist of the patient,wherein the first shoulder portion is securable to the first belt portion on a front side of the patient,wherein the second shoulder portion is securable to the second belt portion on the front side of the patient, andwherein the first belt portion is securable to the second belt portion on the front side of the patient; a plurality of electromagnetic coils provided to the central portion of the applicator, the coils configured to generate an electric field and a magnetic field; and a control housing disposed on one of the first belt portion and the second belt portion, the housing including a switching board functionally connected to the plurality of electromagnetic coils, a processor functionally connected to the switching board; and a power source electrically connected to the switching board.