SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AURICULAR PERIPHERAL NERVE FIELD STIMULATION

摘要

The invention relates to an electrical stimulation device with a stimulator containing a generator for generating electrical stimulation impulses with defined stimulation parameters, and a power supply for supplying the generator with electrical energy, and with at least one needle electrode array for insertion into the skin surface of an area that is to be stimulated. This includes an apparatus for stimulating auricular points on the human ear is provided using low voltage pulses that are generated and delivered by portions of the apparatus, particularly by percutaneously implanted needle electrodes into the cranial and/or peripheral nerves and corresponding neural vascular bundles of the auricular and periauricular areas. The system includes methods of evaluating and implanting of the electrode/needle array. The methods may include transillumination of the auricular and periauricular tissues and surrounding neurovascular anatomy.

主权项

1. An auricular electrical stimulation device comprising:
(a) a stimulator comprising (i) a generator for generating electrical stimulation pulses with defined stimulation parameters, (ii) a voltage supply for supplying the generator with electrical energy and (iii) a control device for generating stimulation pulses from the generator having a defined current voltage or current amplitude, a defined duration, a defined repetition frequency and a defined duty cycle; (b) at least one therapy electrode connected to the stimulator for providing stimulation pulses to an area to be stimulated; and (c) at least one reference electrode connected to the stimulator for providing a ground connection for the stimulator (d) wherein the at least one therapy electrode comprises an array of at least two (2) needle electrodes for insertion into the skin surface of an area to be stimulated; (e) wherein the needle electrode array is designed for auricular peripheral or cranial nerve field stimulation.