US5358513A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Parameter selection and electrode placement of neuromuscular electrical stimulation apparatus
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
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Filing: 1992-12-09
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Granted: 1994-10-25
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Expires: 2012-12-09
Abstract
Abstract A method of neuro-muscular electrical stimulation for treatment and prevention of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism employs electrodes attached to an anterior portion of a patient's knee, immediately proximal the common peroneal nerve. Electrical stimulation is comprised of trains of pulse modulated sinusoids where each pulse has a rise time of about 1 second, a fall time of about 0.5 seconds, and a plateau (on time) of about 1 to 10 seconds. Peroneal nerve stimulation is achieved thereby causing passive stretching of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (major posterior calf muscles) rather than a contraction for creating a blood pumping action.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack H. Powell, III
- 👤 Joseph J. Seaman
- 👤 Russell A. Foley
- 👤 JoAnn Leahy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/36014; A61N1/3603; A61N1/36034
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis in a lower extremity of an immobilized patient, the method comprising: placing a plurality of electrodes on an anterior portion of at least one knee of the immobilized patient, proximal a common peroneal nerve of said patient; and applying an electrical current to said electrodes while the patient remains immobilized thereby stimulating the common peroneal nerve transcutaneously, such that dorsiflexion muscle stimulation is produced, whereby blood flow in the deep leg veins of said patient is increased with minimal pain imparted to said patient.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis in a lower extremity of an immobilized patient, the method comprising: placing a plurality of electrodes on an anterior portion of at least one knee of the immobilized patient, proximal a common peroneal nerve of said patient; and applying an electrical current to said electrodes while the patient remains immobilized thereby stimulating the common peroneal nerve transcutaneously, such that dorsiflexion muscle stimulation is produced, whereby blood flow in the deep leg veins of said patient is increased with minimal pain imparted to said patient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electrical current includes a train of modulated pulses for reducing pain associated with the application of said electrical current.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said train is periodically applied.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said period has an on time about 4 seconds and an off time about 55 seconds.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said train has a rise time about 1 second.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said train has a fall time about 0.5 seconds.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said train has a carrier frequency current about 2500 Hertz.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said carrier frequency current is pulse modulated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 8 wherein said pulse modulation is performed at a rate of about 60 pulses per second.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis in a lower extremity of an immobilized patient, the method comprising: (a) placing a first plurality of electrodes on an anterior portion of a first knee of the immobilized patient, said electrodes placed proximal a common peroneal nerve of said patient and a second plurality of electrodes on an anterior portion of a second knee of the immobilized patient, said electrodes placed proximal a common peroneal nerve of said patient; (b) applying an electrical current for a predetermined period of time to said first electrodes on said first knee while the patient remains immobilized thereby stimulating the common peroneal nerve on said first knee transcutaneously, such that dorsiflexion muscle stimulation is produced; (c) applying an electrical current for a predetermined period of time to said second electrodes on said second knee while the patient remains immobilized thereby stimulating the common peroneal nerve on said second knee transcutaneously, such that dorsiflexion muscle stimulation is produced; and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c).
Claim 12
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis in a lower extremity of an immobilized patient, the method comprising: (a) placing a first plurality of electrodes on an anterior portion of a first knee of the immobilized patient, said electrodes placed proximal a common peroneal nerve of said patient and a second plurality of electrodes on an anterior portion of a second knee of the immobilized patient, said electrodes placed proximal a common peroneal nerve of said patient; (b) applying an electrical current for a predetermined period of time to said first electrodes on said first knee while the patient remains immobilized thereby stimulating the common peroneal nerve on said first knee transcutaneously, such that dorsiflexion muscle stimulation is produced; (c) applying an electrical current for a predetermined period of time to said second electrodes on said second knee while the patient remains immobilized thereby stimulating the common peroneal nerve on said second knee transcutaneously, such that dorsiflexion muscle stimulation is produced; and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c).
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the application of electrical current in step (b) is synchronized with the application of electrical current in step (c).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the electrical current is applied sequentially to the first and second electrodes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3083712A
Cited
US5097833A
Cited
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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