U.S. patent application number 10/057115 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-02 for fully implantable miniature neurostimulator for stimulation as a therapy for epilepsy.
Invention is credited to Kuzma, Janusz A., McGivern, James P., Whitehurst, Todd K..
Application Number | 20040172089 10/057115 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32911611 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040172089 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Whitehurst, Todd K. ; et
al. |
September 2, 2004 |
FULLY IMPLANTABLE MINIATURE NEUROSTIMULATOR FOR STIMULATION AS A
THERAPY FOR EPILEPSY
Abstract
A small implantable stimulator(s) with at least two electrodes
is small enough to have the electrodes located adjacent to a nerve
structure at least partially responsible for epileptic seizures.
The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve
structure(s) when desired, and may be implanted via a minimal
surgical procedure.
Inventors: |
Whitehurst, Todd K.;
(Sherman Oaks, CA) ; McGivern, James P.;
(Stevenson Ranch, CA) ; Kuzma, Janusz A.; (Parker,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADVANCED BIONICS CORPORATION
25129 RYE CANYON ROAD
VALENCIA
CA
91355
US
|
Family ID: |
32911611 |
Appl. No.: |
10/057115 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60265008 |
Jan 30, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/0529 20130101;
A61N 1/37205 20130101; A61N 1/36064 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/045 |
International
Class: |
A61N 001/18 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for treating a patient with epilepsy, comprising:
providing at least one leadless stimulator having at least two
electrodes; implanting the at least one stimulator adjacent to at
least one nerve structure at least in part responsible for
epileptic seizures; providing operating power to the at least one
stimulator; using at least one external appliance to transmit
stimulation parameters to the at least one stimulator; receiving
and storing the stimulation parameters; generating stimulation
pulses in accordance with the stimulation parameters; and
delivering the stimulation pulses to nerves adjacent to the at
least one stimulator; wherein the stimulator has a size and shape
suitable for placement of the electrodes adjacent to the at least
one nerve structure.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one nerve structure
comprises at least one of a trigeminal nerve, a branch of the
trigeminal nerve, a trigeminal ganglion, an ophthalmic nerve, a
branch of the ophthalmic nerve, a maxillary nerve, a branch of the
maxillary nerve, a mandibular nerve, a branch of the mandibular
nerve, a greater occipital nerve, a branch of the greater occipital
nerve, a lesser occipital nerve, a branch of the lesser occipital
nerve, a third occipital nerve, a branch of the third occipital
nerve, a facial nerve, a branch of the facial nerve, a
glossopharyngeal nerve, and a branch of the glossopharyngeal
nerve.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the stimulation pulses are
delivered at greater than about 100 to 150 Hz.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the stimulation pulses are
delivered at less than about 100 to 150 Hz.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing at least one
sensor; using the at least one sensor to sense a physical
condition; and determining the stimulation parameters based upon
the sensed condition.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the at least one sensor is a part
of the stimulator.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing and
implanting more than one stimulator.
8. A method for treating a patient with epilepsy, comprising the
steps of: providing at least one means for stimulating tissue;
implanting the at least one stimulating means adjacent to at least
one nerve structure at least in part responsible for epileptic
seizures; providing operating power to the at least one stimulating
means; transmitting stimulation parameters to the at least one
stimulating means using at least one external appliance; receiving
and storing the stimulation parameters; generating stimulation
pulses in accordance with the stimulation parameters; and
delivering the stimulation pulses to nerves structures adjacent to
the at least one stimulating means; wherein the stimulating means
has a size and shape suitable for placement near the at least one
nerve and has leads up to 150 mm long.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the body of the stimulator is no
more than 150 mm from the at least one nerve structure to be
stimulated.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the at least one nerve structure
comprises at least one of a trigeminal nerve, a branch of the
trigeminal nerve, a trigeminal ganglion, an ophthalmic nerve, a
branch of the ophthalmic nerve, a maxillary nerve, a branch of the
maxillary nerve, a mandibular nerve, a branch of the mandibular
nerve, a greater occipital nerve, a branch of the greater occipital
nerve, a lesser occipital nerve, a branch of the lesser occipital
nerve, a third occipital nerve, a branch of the third occipital
nerve, a facial nerve, a branch of the facial nerve, a
glossopharyngeal nerve, and a branch of the glossopharyngeal
nerve.
11. A method for treating a patient with epilepsy, comprising:
providing at least one leadless stimulator having at least two
electrodes; providing at least one sensor; implanting the at least
one stimulator adjacent to at least one nerve structure at least in
part responsible for epileptic seizures; providing operating power
to the at least one stimulator; using the sensor to sense a
physical condition; determining stimulation parameters based upon
the sensed condition; generating stimulation pulses in accordance
with the stimulation parameters; and delivering the stimulation
pulses to nerves structures adjacent to the at least two
electrodes; wherein the stimulator has a size and shape suitable
for placement of the electrodes adjacent to the at least one nerve
structure.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the at least one sensor is a
part of the stimulator.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the stimulation parameters are
determined using at least one external appliance.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein providing power to the at least
one stimulator comprises receiving power from at least one external
appliance.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein providing power to the at least
one stimulator further comprises storing the power received from
the at least one external appliance.
16. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing and
implanting more than one stimulator.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein the at least one nerve structure
comprises at least one of a trigeminal nerve, a branch of the
trigeminal nerve, a trigeminal ganglion, an ophthalmic nerve, a
branch of the ophthalmic nerve, a maxillary nerve, a branch of the
maxillary nerve, a mandibular nerve, a branch of the mandibular
nerve, a greater occipital nerve, a branch of the greater occipital
nerve, a lesser occipital nerve, a branch of the lesser occipital
nerve, a third occipital nerve, a branch of the third occipital
nerve, a facial nerve, a branch of the facial nerve, a
glossopharyngeal nerve, and a branch of the glossopharyngeal
nerve.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein the sensor senses at least one
of electrical activity of the brain, electrical activity of a
nerve, muscle activity, and patient movement.
19. The method of claim 11 wherein the sensor senses at least one
of medication level, neurotransmitter level, hormone level,
cytokine level, enzyme level, level of a bloodborne substance, and
level of a substance in the cerebrospinal fluid.
20. A system for treating a patient with epilepsy, comprising: at
least one leadless stimulator having at least two electrodes; means
for implanting the at least one stimulator adjacent to at least one
nerve structure at least in part responsible for epileptic
seizures; means for providing operating power to the at least one
stimulator; at least one external appliance used to transmit
stimulation parameters to the at least one stimulator; means for
receiving and storing the stimulation parameters; and means for
generating stimulation pulses in accordance with the stimulation
parameters; wherein the at least two electrodes deliver the
stimulation pulses to nerves adjacent to the at least one
stimulator; and wherein the stimulator has a size and shape
suitable for placement of the electrodes adjacent to the at least
one nerve structure.
21. The system of claim 20 further comprising at least one sensor
for sensing a physical condition; and means for determining the
stimulation parameters based upon the sensed condition.
22. The system of claim 21 wherein the sensor includes means for
sensing at least one of electrical activity of the brain,
electrical activity of a nerve, muscle activity, and patient
movement.
23. The system of claim 21 wherein the sensor includes means for
sensing at least one of medication level, neurotransmitter level,
hormone level, cytokine level, enzyme level, level of a bloodborne
substance, and level of a substance in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/265,008, filed Jan.
30, 2001, which application is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to implantable
stimulator systems, and more particularly relates to an implantable
stimulator system utilizing one or more implantable
microstimulators for treating epilepsy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Epilepsy is characterized by a tendency to recurrent
seizures that can lead to loss of awareness, loss of consciousness,
and/or disturbances of movement, autonomic function, sensation
(including vision, hearing and taste), mood, and/or mental
function. Epilepsy afflicts 1-2% of the population in the developed
world. The mean prevalence of active epilepsy (i.e., continuing
seizures or the need for treatment) in developed and undeveloped
countries combined is estimated to be 7 per 1,000 of the general
population, or approximately 40 million people worldwide. Studies
in developed countries suggest an annual incidence of epilepsy of
approximately 50 per 100,000 of the general population. However,
studies in developing countries suggest this figure is nearly
double at 100 per 100,000.
[0004] Epilepsy is often but not always the result of underlying
brain disease. Any type of brain disease can cause epilepsy, but
not all patients with the same brain pathology will develop
epilepsy. The cause of epilepsy cannot be determined in a number of
patients; however, the most commonly accepted theory posits that it
is the result of an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain,
e.g., neurotransmitters. Children and adolescents are more likely
to have epilepsy of unknown or genetic origin. The older the
patient, the more likely it is that the cause is an underlying
brain disease such as a brain tumor or cerebrovascular disease.
[0005] Trauma and brain infection can cause epilepsy at any age,
and in particular, account for the higher incidence rate in
developing countries. For example, in Latin America,
neurocysticercosis (cysts on the brain caused by tapeworm
infection) is a common cause of epilepsy; in Africa, AIDS and its
related infections, malaria and meningitis, are common causes; in
India, AIDS, neurocysticercosis and tuberculosis, are common
causes. Febrile illness of any kind, whether or not it involves the
brain, can trigger seizures in vulnerable young children, which
seizures are called febrile convulsions. About 5% of such children
go on to develop epilepsy later in life. Furthermore, for any brain
disease, only a proportion of sufferers will experience seizures as
a symptom of that disease. It is therefore suspected that those who
do experience such symptomatic seizures are more vulnerable for
similar biochemical/neurotransmitter reasons.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention disclosed and claimed herein provides means
for chronically stimulating a trigeminal ganglion or ganglia, a
trigeminal nerve(s), or branch(es) of a trigeminal nerve(s) with a
miniature implantable neurostimulator that can be implanted with a
minimal surgical procedure. This invention also provides means for
chronically stimulating a greater occipital nerve(s), lesser
occipital nerve(s), third occipital nerve(s), facial nerve(s),
glossopharyngeal nerve(s), or a branch(es) of any of these neural
structures with a miniature implantable neurostimulator that can be
implanted with a minimal surgical procedure. Electrical stimulation
of such targets may provide significant therapeutic benefit in the
management of epilepsy.
[0007] To treat epilepsy, a miniature implantable neurostimulator,
such as a Bionic Neuron (also referred to as a BION.TM.
microstimulator) may be implanted via a minimal surgical procedure
(e.g., injection or small incision) adjacent to a trigeminal
ganglion or ganglia, trigeminal nerve(s), branch(es) of a
trigeminal nerve(s) (e.g., ophthalmic nerve(s), maxillary nerve(s),
and/or mandibular nerve(s)), or branch(es) of any of these neural
structures. A BION may additionally or alternatively be implanted
adjacent to a greater occipital nerve(s), a lesser occipital
nerve(s), a third occipital nerve(s), a facial nerve(s), a
glossopharyngeal nerve(s), or a branch(es) of any of these neural
structures to treat epilepsy.
[0008] A microstimulator may be implanted via injection and/or via
endoscopic means. A more complicated surgical procedure may be
required for sufficient access to a particular nerve (e.g., a nerve
surrounded by scar tissue) or for purposes of fixing the
neurostimulator in place. A single microstimulator may be
implanted, or two or more microstimulators may be implanted to
achieve greater stimulation of one or more nerves.
[0009] The microstimulator used with the present invention
possesses one or more of the following properties, among
others:
[0010] at least two electrodes for applying stimulating current to
surrounding tissue;
[0011] electronic and/or mechanical components encapsulated in a
hermetic package made from biocompatible material(s);
[0012] an electrical coil or other means of receiving energy and/or
information inside the package, which receives power and/or data by
inductive or radio-frequency (RF) coupling to a transmitting coil
placed outside the body, thus avoiding the need for electrical
leads to connect devices to a central implanted or external
controller;
[0013] means for receiving and/or transmitting signals via
telemetry;
[0014] means for receiving and/or storing electrical power within
the microstimulator; and
[0015] a form factor making the microstimulator implantable via a
minimal surgical procedure.
[0016] A microstimulator may operate independently, or in a
coordinated manner with other implanted devices, or with external
devices. For instance, a microstimulator may incorporate means for
sensing epilepsy, which it may then use to control stimulation
parameters in a closed loop manner. The sensing and stimulating
means may be incorporated into a single microstimulator, or a
sensing means may communicate sensed information to at least one
microstimulator with stimulating means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and other aspects of the present invention will be
more apparent from the following more particular description
thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings
wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1A depicts various nerve branches dorsal to the
trigeminal nerve and nearby bony structures;
[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates the trigeminal nerve, and nerve branches
dorsal and proximal to the trigeminal nerve;
[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates various autonomic nerves in the
head;
[0021] FIG. 2B depicts various nerves and muscles of the back of
the head and neck;
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stimulation
system of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates preferred external components of the
invention; and
[0024] FIG. 5 depicts a system of implantable devices that
communicate with each other and/or with external
control/programming devices.
[0025] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
components throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The following description is of the best mode presently
contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is
not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The
scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the
claims.
[0027] Recent studies in both developed and developing countries
have shown that up to 70% of newly diagnosed children and adults
with epilepsy can be successfully treated (i.e., complete control
of seizures for several years) with anti-epileptic drugs. After two
to five years of successful treatment, drugs can be withdrawn in
about 70% of children and 60% of adults without the patient
experiencing relapses. However, up to 30% of patients are
refractory to medication. There is evidence that the longer the
history of epilepsy, the harder it is to control. The presence of
an underlying brain disease typically results in a worse prognosis
in terms of seizure control. Additionally, partial seizures,
especially if associated with brain disease, are more difficult to
control than generalized seizures.
[0028] Patients suffering from epilepsy may undergo surgery to
remove a part of the brain in which the seizures are believed to
arise, i.e., the seizure focus. However, in many patients a seizure
focus cannot be identified, and in others the focus is in an area
that cannot be removed without significant detrimental impact on
the patient. For example, in temporal lobe epilepsy, patients may
have a seizure focus in the hippocampi bilaterally. However, both
hippocampi cannot be removed without devastating impacts on
long-term memory. Other patients may have a seizure focus that lies
adjacent to a critical area such as the speech center.
[0029] Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been applied with partial
success in patients with refractory epilepsy. In this procedure, an
implantable pulse generator (IPG) is implanted in the patient's
thorax, and an electrode lead is routed from the IPG to the left
vagus nerve in the neck. Helix-shaped stimulation and indifferent
electrodes are attached to the vagus nerve via an invasive surgical
process that requires the carotid sheath to be fully exposed. Based
on a number of studies, approximately 5% of patients undergoing VNS
are seizure-free, and an additional 30-40% of patients have a
greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency.
[0030] In addition to this relatively low efficacy, VNS may lead to
significant side effects. The vagus nerve provides parasympathetic
innervation to the cardiac tissue, and thus VNS may lead to
bradycardia, arrhythmia, or even graver cardiac side effects. In
fact, VNS systems may only be used on the left vagus nerve, as the
right vagus nerve contributes significantly more to cardiac
innervation. Additionally, VNS may interfere with proper opening of
the vocal cords, which has led to hoarseness and shortness of
breath in a significant number of VNS patients.
[0031] The exact mechanism of action of VNS is unknown. The nucleus
of tractus solitarius (NTS; a.k.a., nucleus of the solitary tract)
is a primary site at which vagal afferents terminate. Because
afferent vagal nerve stimulation has been demonstrated to have
anticonvulsant effects, it is likely that changes in synaptic
transmission in the NTS can regulate seizure susceptibility. To
demonstrate this, Walker, et al. ("Regulation of limbic motor
seizures by GABA and glutamate transmission in nucleus tractus
solitarius," Epilepsia, 1999 August) applied muscimol, an agonist
of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, to the NTS in a murine
model of epilepsy. Muscimol applied to the NTS attenuated seizures
in all seizure models tested, whereas muscimol applied to adjacent
regions of NTS had no effect. Additionally, bicuculline methiodide,
a GABA antagonist, injected into the NTS did not alter seizure
responses. Finally, anticonvulsant effects were also obtained with
application of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, into the NTS.
Unilateral injections were sufficient to afford seizure protection.
Walker, et al. concludes that inhibition of the NTS outputs
enhances seizure resistance in the forebrain and provides a
potential mechanism for the seizure protection obtained with vagal
stimulation.
[0032] The NTS sends fibers bilaterally to the reticular formation
and hypothalamus, which are important in the reflex control of
cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal functions. The
NTS also provides input to the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus,
which enables the parasympathetic fibers of the vagus nerve to
control these reflex responses. The NTS runs the entire length of
the medulla oblongata, and the NTS (as well as the trigeminal
nucleus) receives somatic sensory input from all cranial nerves,
with much of its input coming from the vagus nerve.
[0033] Convincing evidence has been given that a significant number
of neurons in the trigeminal nerve project to the NTS. By applying
horseradish peroxidase to peripheral branches of the trigeminal
nerve in the cat, it was found that branches of the trigeminal
nerve (the lingual and pterygopalatine nerves) were found to
contain fibers which ended ipsilaterally in the rostral portions of
the NTS, massively in the medial and ventrolateral NTS, moderately
in the intermediate and interstitial NTS, and sparsely in the
ventral NTS. (The rostral-most part of the NTS was free from
labeled terminals.) After injecting the enzyme into the NTS
portions rostral to the area postrema, small neurons were scattered
in the maxillary and mandibular divisions of the trigeminal
ganglion. It was concluded that trigeminal primary afferent neurons
project directly to the NTS. By staining for substance P
immunoreactivity, it was found that Substance P-containing
trigeminal sensory neurons project to the NTS.
[0034] There is also convincing evidence that a significant number
of neurons in the trigeminal nucleus project to the NTS as well. In
one study, retrograde transport of a protein-gold complex was used
to examine the distribution of spinal cord and trigeminal nucleus
caudalis neurons that project to the NTS in the rat. The authors
found that retrogradely labeled cells were numerous in the
superficial laminae of the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, through its
rostrocaudal extent. Since the NTS is an important relay for
visceral afferents from both the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves,
it is suggested that the spinal and trigeminal neurons that project
to the NTS may be part of a larger system that integrates somatic
and visceral afferent inputs from wide areas of the body. The
projections may underlie somatovisceral and/or viscerovisceral
reflexes, perhaps with a significant afferent nociceptive
component.
[0035] Another study utilized microinfusion and retrograde
transport of D-[3H]-aspartate to identify excitatory afferents to
the NTS. The authors found that the heaviest labeling was localized
bilaterally in the trigeminal nucleus with cells extending through
its subdivisions and the entire rostrocaudal axis.
[0036] In addition, a study by Fanselow, et al. ("Reduction of
pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure activity in awake rats by
seizure-triggered trigeminal nerve stimulation," Journal of
Neuroscience, 2000 November) demonstrated that unilateral
stimulation via a chronically implanted nerve cuff electrode
applied to the infraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve led to a
reduction in electrographic seizure activity of up to 78%. The
authors reported that bilateral trigeminal stimulation was even
more effective.
[0037] The thalamus is believed to play a major role in some types
of epilepsy by acting as a center for seizure onset or as a relay
station in allowing a focal seizure to propagate. In a Single
Positron Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) study of patients
with left-sided VNS systems, a consistent decrease of activity was
found in the left thalamus caused by VNS. The authors concluded
that left-sided VNS reduces seizure onset or propagation through
inhibition of the thalamic relay center.
[0038] Thalamic relay neurons are essential in generating 3-Hz
absence seizures and are believed to be involved in other types of
epilepsy. Thalamic nuclei of some patients suffering from epilepsy
display neuronal activities described as "low-threshold calcium
spike bursts", which have been shown to be related to a state of
membrane hyperpolarization of thalamic relay neurons. This thalamic
rhythmicity is transmitted to the related cortex, thanks to
thalamocortical resonant properties. In the cortex, an asymmetrical
corticocortical inhibition (edge effect) at the junction between
low and high frequency zones is proposed to be at the origin of a
cortical activation of high frequency areas bordering low frequency
ones.
[0039] The "thalamic relay" theory has led researchers recently to
begin implanting deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems for
stimulation of either the centromedian nucleus or the anterior
nucleus of the thalamus, in order to treat medically refractory
epilepsy patients. Unfortunately, the efficacy of this invasive
procedure has thus far proven to be approximately the same as
VNS.
[0040] Drawbacks of VNS and DBS, such as size (of internal and/or
external components), discomfort, inconvenience, and/or complex,
risky, and expensive surgical procedures, has generally confined
their use to patients with severe symptoms and the capacity to
finance the surgery. Recently, an alternative to bulky implantable
stimulation assemblies has been introduced. Small, implantable
microstimulators can be injected into soft tissues through a
cannula or needle. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,324,316 and
5,405,367, both of which patents are incorporated herein by
reference. Discussed herein are ways to effectively use such small,
fully implantable, chronic neurostimulators for the purpose of
treating epilepsy.
[0041] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict the trigeminal nerve and its
branches. The trigeminal nerve 100 on each side of the head arises
from a trigeminal ganglion 102, which lies within the skull in an
area known as Meckel's cave 110. In accordance with the teachings
of the present invention, access to a trigeminal ganglion may be
gained via the foramen ovale 112 or the foramen rotundum 114 in
order to implant a miniature neurostimulator adjacent to one or
both of the trigeminal ganglia 102.
[0042] Procedures that ablate the trigeminal ganglia 102 do not
disable the muscles of mastication, since the cell bodies of the
sensory portion of the nerve are within the trigeminal ganglion,
whereas the motor portion simply projects axons through the ganglia
(the motor neuron cell bodies are in the pons). This may provide a
mechanism for selective stimulation of the sensory cells via
appropriate placement of a microstimulator for stimulation of one
or both trigeminal ganglia 102.
[0043] A miniature neurostimulator may additionally or
alternatively be implanted adjacent to a trigeminal nerve 100 or
any of its branches distal to one or both trigeminal ganglia 102,
such as the ophthalmic nerve 120, the maxillary nerve 122, the
mandibular nerve 124, and/or branch(es) of any of these. The
ophthalmic nerve 120 and the maxillary nerve 122 are entirely
sensory, and sufficiently separate to allow independent and
selective stimulation via appropriate placement of a
microstimulator.
[0044] The mandibular nerve 124 is both sensory and motor. The
mandibular nerve 124 innervates several facial muscles, including
the muscles of mastication and the tensor tympani, which
reflexively damps down the vibrations of the malleus by making the
tympanic membrane more tense. However, just distal to the foramen
ovale 112, the mandibular nerve 124 splits into a purely sensory
branch that innervates the superior part of the lower jaw. And
slightly more distally, another branch splits into a purely sensory
branch that innervates the inferior part of the lower jaw. These
branches may be sufficiently separate to allow independent and
selective stimulation via appropriate placement of a
microstimulator.
[0045] Epilepsy may also be relieved with stimulation additionally
or alternatively applied to the greater occipital nerve 130, the
lesser occipital nerve 132, and/or the third occipital nerve 134,
as well as the facial nerve(s) 136, glossopharyngeal nerve(s) 138,
and/or branches of any of these (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). As seen in
FIG. 2B, the occipital nerves are relatively easily accessed,
especially in their distal portions, since they lie subcutaneously
in the back of the head and upper neck.
[0046] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention,
electrical stimulation at one or more of the above-mentioned and/or
other trigeminal nerve branches is provided to relieve epilepsy. A
microstimulator may be relatively easily implanted via injection
and/or via endoscopic means adjacent to one or more of the
above-identified nerves or nerve structures. A more complicated
surgical procedure may be required for sufficient access to one or
more of these nerve structures and/or for fixing the
neurostimulator in place. The sites of injection or skin incision
could be selected such that the scars would likely be covered by
hair in most people.
[0047] As mentioned above, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has
demonstrated limited efficacy in the treatment of patients with
medically refractory epilepsy. As stated, the mechanism of action
of VNS has not been confirmed, but a number researchers believe
that VNS may exert its seizure reduction effects through afferent
stimulation of the nucleus of tractus solitarius (NTS).
[0048] As detailed above, studies have shown that the trigeminal
nerve also contributes a significant number of afferent fibers to
the NTS. Additionally, trigeminal nerve afferents synapse on the
trigeminal nucleus in the brainstem, and afferents from the
trigeminal nucleus also project to the NTS. Thus, electrical
stimulation of, for example, a trigeminal ganglion, trigeminal
nerve, or branch(es) of the trigeminal nerve may reasonably be
expected to demonstrate efficacy in the treatment of patients with
medically refractory epilepsy.
[0049] Advantageously, stimulation of the trigeminal nerve does not
pose the cardiac or vocal cord risks that are associated with VNS.
The trigeminal nerve provides sensory innervation to the face, so
stimulation may produce a tingling sensation. However, this feeling
has not been reported to be unpleasant in patients undergoing
sensory nerve stimulation, and in time, patients grow accustomed to
the sensation. The trigeminal nerve also innervates the muscles of
mastication, so excessive stimulation of these branches may cause
fatigue or even spasm of the mandible (i.e., lockjaw). Stimulation
of branches that are distal to the motor fibers of the trigeminal
nerve should allow these potential motor side effects to be avoided
altogether.
[0050] The present invention is directed to treating epilepsy using
one or more small, implantable neurostimulators, referred to herein
as "microstimulators". The microstimulators of the present
invention are preferably similar to or of the type referred to as
BION.TM. devices. The following documents describe various features
and details associated with the manufacture, operation and use of
BION implantable microstimulators, and are all incorporated herein
by reference:
1 Application/Patent/ Filing/Publication Publication No. Date Title
U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,539 Issued Implantable Microstimulator Mar. 16,
1993 U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,540 Issued Structure and Method of
Manufacture of an Implantable Mar. 16, 1993 Microstimulator U.S.
Pat. No. 5,312,439 Issued Implantable Device Having an Electrolytic
Storage Electrode May 17, 1994 U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,316 Issued
Implantable Microstimulator Jun. 28, 1994 U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,367
Issued Structure and Method of Manufacture of an Implantable Apr.
11, 1995 Microstimulator U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,017 Issued Improved
Implantable Microstimulator and Systems Employing Apr. 18, 2000
Same PCT Publication published Battery-Powered Patient Implantable
Device WO 98/37926 Sep. 3, 1998 PCT Publication published System of
Implantable Devices For Monitoring and/or Affecting WO 98/43700
Oct. 8, 1998 Body Parameters PCT Publication published System of
Implantable Devices For Monitoring and/or Affecting WO 98/43701
Oct. 8, 1998 Body Parameters published Micromodular Implants to
Provide Electrical Stimulation of September, 1997 Paralyzed Muscles
and Limbs, by Cameron, et al., published in IEEE Transactions on
Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 44, No. 9, pages 781-790.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, microstimulator device 150 includes a
narrow, elongated capsule 152 containing electronic circuitry 154
connected to electrodes 156 and 158, which may pass through the
walls of the capsule at either end. As detailed in the referenced
patent publications, electrodes 156 and 158 generally comprise a
stimulating electrode (to be placed close to the nerve) and an
indifferent electrode (for completing the circuit). Other
configurations of microstimulator device 150 are possible, as is
evident from the above-referenced patent publications, and as
described in more detail herein.
[0052] Certain configurations of implantable microstimulator 150
are sufficiently small to permit its placement adjacent to the
structures to be stimulated. (As used herein, "adjacent" and "near"
mean as close as reasonably possible to targeted tissue, including
touching or even being positioned within the tissue, but in
general, may be as far as about 150 mm from the target tissue. A
single microstimulator 150 may be implanted, or two or more
microstimulators may be implanted to achieve greater stimulation of
the targeted tissue, or for a longer period of time.
[0053] Capsule 152 of FIG. 3 may have a diameter of about 4-5 mm,
or only about 3 mm, or even less than about 3 mm. Capsule 152
length may be about 25-35 mm, or only about 20-25 mm, or even less
than about 20 mm. The shape of the microstimulator may be
determined by the structure of the desired target, the surrounding
area, and the method of implantation. A thin, elongated cylinder
with electrodes at the ends, as shown in FIG. 3, is one possible
configuration, but other shapes, such as spheres, disks, or helical
structures, are possible, as are additional electrodes.
[0054] Microstimulator 150 may be implanted with a surgical
insertion tool specially designed for the purpose, or may be
injected (e.g., via a hypodermic needle). Alternatively, device 150
may be implanted via conventional surgical methods, or may be
inserted using other endoscopic or laparoscopic techniques. A more
complicated surgical procedure may be required for fixing the
neurostimulator in place.
[0055] The external surfaces of stimulator 150 may advantageously
be composed of biocompatible materials. Capsule 152 may be made of,
for instance, glass, ceramic, or other material that provides a
hermetic package that will exclude water vapor but permit passage
of electromagnetic fields used to transmit data and/or power.
Electrodes 156 and 158 may be made of a noble or refractory metal
or compound, such as platinum, iridium, tantalum, titanium,
titanium nitride, niobium, or alloys of any of these, in order to
avoid corrosion or electrolysis which could damage the surrounding
tissues and the device.
[0056] In certain embodiments of the instant invention,
microstimulator 150 comprises two, leadless electrodes. However,
either or both electrodes 156 and 158 may alternatively be located
at the ends of short, flexible leads as described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/624,130, filed Jul. 24, 2000, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The use of such
leads permits, among other things, electrical stimulation to be
directed more locally to targeted tissue(s) a short distance from
the surgical fixation of the bulk of the implantable stimulator
150, while allowing most elements of stimulator 150 to be located
in a more surgically convenient site. This minimizes the distance
traversed and the surgical planes crossed by the device and any
lead(s). In most uses of this invention, the leads are no longer
than about 150 mm.
[0057] Microstimulator 150 contains, when necessary and/or desired,
electronic circuitry 154 for receiving data and/or power from
outside the body by inductive, radio-frequency (RF), or other
electromagnetic coupling. In some embodiments, electronic circuitry
154 includes an inductive coil for receiving and transmitting RF
data and/or power, an integrated circuit (IC) chip for decoding and
storing stimulation parameters and generating stimulation pulses
(either intermittent or continuous), and additional discrete
electronic components required to complete the electronic circuit
functions, e.g. capacitor(s), resistor(s), coil(s), and the
like.
[0058] Neurostimulator 150 includes, when necessary and/or desired,
a programmable memory 160 for storing a set(s) of data,
stimulation, and control parameters. Among other things, memory 160
may allow stimulation and control parameters to be adjusted to
settings that are safe and efficacious with minimal discomfort for
each individual. Specific parameters may provide therapeutic
advantages for various forms of epilepsy. For instance, some
patients may respond favorably to intermittent stimulation, while
others may require continuous stimulation to alleviate their
symptoms.
[0059] In addition, stimulation parameters may be chosen to target
specific neural populations and to exclude others, or to increase
neural activity in specific neural populations and to decrease
neural activity in others. For example, relatively low frequency
neurostimulation (i.e., less than about 100-150 Hz) typically has
an excitatory effect on surrounding neural tissue, leading to
increased neural activity, whereas relatively high frequency
neurostimulation (i.e., greater than about 100-150 Hz) may have an
inhibitory effect, leading to decreased neural activity.
[0060] Some embodiments of implantable stimulator 150 also includes
a power source and/or power storage device 162. Possible power
options for a stimulation device of the present invention,
described in more detail below, include but are not limited to an
external power source coupled to stimulator 150, e.g., via an RF
link, a self-contained power source utilizing any suitable means of
generation or storage of energy (e.g., a primary battery, a
replenishable or rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion
battery, an electrolytic capacitor, a super- or ultra-capacitor, or
the like), and if the self-contained power source is replenishable
or rechargeable, means of replenishing or recharging the power
source (e.g., an RF link, an optical link, a thermal link, or other
energy-coupling link).
[0061] According to certain embodiments of the invention, a
microstimulator operates independently. According to various
embodiments of the invention, a microstimulator operates in a
coordinated manner with other microstimulator(s), other implanted
device(s), or other device(s) external to the patient's body. For
instance, a microstimulator may control or operate under the
control of another implanted microstimulator(s), other implanted
device(s), or other device(s) external to the patient's body. A
microstimulator may communicate with other implanted
microstimulators, other implanted devices, and/or devices external
to a patient's body via, e.g., an RF link, an ultrasonic link, a
thermal link, an optical link, or the like. Specifically, a
microstimulator may communicate with an external remote control
(e.g., patient and/or physician programmer) that is capable of
sending commands and/or data to a microstimulator and that may also
be capable of receiving commands and/or data from a
microstimulator.
[0062] In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the
patient 170 switches the implantable stimulator 150 on and off by
use of controller 180, which may be handheld. Implantable
stimulator 150 is operated by controller 180 by any of various
means, including sensing the proximity of a permanent magnet
located in controller 180, sensing RF transmissions from controller
180, or the like.
[0063] External components for programming and/or providing power
to various embodiments of implantable stimulator 150 are also
illustrated in FIG. 4. When communication with the implanted
stimulator 150 is desired, patient 170 is positioned on or near
external appliance 190, which appliance contains one or more
inductive coils 192 or other means of communication (e.g., RF
transmitter and receiver). External appliance 190 is connected to
or is a part of external electronic circuitry appliance 200 which
may receive power 202 from a conventional power source. External
appliance 200 contains manual input means 208, e.g., a keypad,
whereby the patient 170 or a caregiver 212 can request changes in
the stimulation parameters produced during the normal operation of
the implantable stimulator 150. In these embodiments, manual input
means 208 includes various electro-mechanical switches and/or
visual display devices that provide the patient and/or caregiver
with information about the status and prior programming of the
implantable stimulator 150.
[0064] Alternatively or additionally, external electronic appliance
200 is provided with an electronic interface means 216 for
interacting with other computing means 218, such as by a serial
interface cable or infrared link to a personal computer or to a
telephone modem or the like. Such interface means 216 may permit a
clinician to monitor the status of the implant and prescribe new
stimulation parameters from a remote location.
[0065] The external appliance(s) may be embedded in a cushion,
pillow, hat, or garment. Other possibilities exist, including a
headband, patch or other structure(s) that may be affixed to the
patient's body or clothing. External appliances may include a
package that can be, e.g., worn on the belt, may include an
extension to a transmission coil affixed, e.g., with a velcro band
or adhesive, or may be combinations of these or other structures
able to perform the functions described herein.
[0066] In order to help determine the strength and/or duration of
electrical stimulation required to produce the desired effect, in
some embodiments, a patient's response to and/or need for treatment
is sensed. For example, electrical activity of the brain (e.g.,
EEG), electrical activity of a nerve (e.g., ENG), muscle activity
(e.g., EMG), and/or abnormal movements resulting from a seizure
(e.g., accelerometer activity) may be sensed. Other measures of the
state of the patient may additionally or alternatively be sensed.
For instance, medication, neurotransmitter, hormone, cytokine,
and/or enzyme levels or their changes, and/or levels or changes in
other substance(s) borne in the blood and/or in the cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF) may be sensed, using, e.g., one or more Chemically
Sensitive Field-Effect Transistors (CHEMFETs) such as
Enzyme-Selective Field-Effect Transistors (ENFETs) or Ion-Sensitive
Field-Effect Transistors (ISFETs, as are available from Sentron CMT
of Enschede, The Netherlands). For instance, the level or changes
in level of neuron-specific enolase, a key glycolytic enzyme, in
either or both the blood serum or CSF may be sensed.
[0067] For example, when electrodes of implantable stimulator 150
are implanted adjacent to a trigeminal nerve branch, a sensor or
stimulating electrode (or other electrode) of microstimulator 150
may be used to sense changes in EEG resulting from the stimulation
applied to the nerve. Alternatively, a "microstimulator" dedicated
to sensory processes communicates with a microstimulator that
provides the stimulation pulses. The implant circuitry 154 may, if
necessary, amplify and transmit these sensed signals, which may be
analog or digital. Other methods of determining the required
stimulation include a sensor implanted in the brain in an area
where altered activity correlates with possible seizures (e.g., the
seizure focus and/or near thalamic relay neurons), as well as other
methods mentioned herein, and yet others that will be evident to
those of skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure.
The sensed information may be used to control stimulation
parameters in a closed-loop manner.
[0068] For instance, in several embodiments of the present
invention, a first and second "stimulator" are provided. The second
"stimulator" periodically (e.g. once per minute) records a level of
brain activity (or accelerometer activity, etc.), which it
transmits to the first stimulator. The first stimulator uses the
sensed information to adjust stimulation parameters according to an
algorithm programmed, e.g., by a physician. For example, the
amplitude of stimulation may be increased in response to increased
activity in brain areas which demonstrate increased activity during
epileptic attacks. In some alternatives, one stimulator performs
both the sensing and stimulating functions, as discussed in more
detail presently.
[0069] While a microstimulator may also incorporate means of
sensing epileptic seizures, it may alternatively or additionally be
desirable to use a separate or specialized implantable device to
record and telemeter physiological conditions/responses in order to
adjust stimulation parameters. This information may be transmitted
to an external device, such as external appliance 190, or may be
transmitted directly to implanted stimulator(s) 150. However, in
some cases, it may not be necessary or desired to include a sensing
function or device, in which case stimulation parameters are
determined and refined, for instance, by patient feedback, or the
like.
[0070] Thus, it is seen that in accordance with the present
invention, one or more external appliances may be provided to
interact with microstimulator 150, and may be used to accomplish,
potentially among other things, one or more of the following
functions:
[0071] Function 1: If necessary, transmit electrical power from the
external electronic appliance 200 via appliance 190 to the
implantable stimulator 150 in order to power the device and/or
recharge the power source/storage device 162. External electronic
appliance 200 may include an automatic algorithm that adjusts
stimulation parameters automatically whenever the implantable
stimulator(s) 150 is/are recharged.
[0072] Function 2: Transmit data from the external appliance 200
via the external appliance 190 to the implantable stimulator 150 in
order to change the operational parameters (e.g., electrical
stimulation parameters) used by stimulator 150.
[0073] Function 3: Transmit sensed data indicating a need for
treatment or in response to stimulation from neurostimulator 150
(e.g., EEG, change in neurotransmitter or medication level, or
other activity) to external appliance 200 via external appliance
190.
[0074] Function 4: Transmit data indicating state of the
implantable stimulator 150 (e.g., battery level, stimulation
settings, etc.) to external appliance 200 via external appliance
190.
[0075] By way of example, a treatment modality for epilepsy may be
carried out according to the following sequence of procedures:
[0076] 1. A stimulator 150 is implanted so that its electrodes 156
and 158 are adjacent to a branch of trigeminal nerve 100. If
necessary or desired, one or more additional stimulator(s) 150 may
additionally or alternatively be implanted adjacent to other nerve
structures, such as a trigeminal ganglion 102, ophthalmic nerve
120, maxillary nerve 122, mandibular nerve 124, greater occipital
nerve 130, lesser occipital nerve 132, third occipital nerve 134,
facial nerve 136, glossopharyngeal nerve 138, and/or branches of
any of these nerves.
[0077] 2. Using Function 2 described above (i.e., transmitting
data) of external electronic appliance 200 and external appliance
190, implantable stimulator 150 is commanded to produce a series of
electrical stimulation pulses with gradually increasing
amplitude.
[0078] 3. After each stimulation pulse, series of pulses, or at
some other predefined interval, any change in, e.g., EEG and/or
neurotransmitter and/or medication level is sensed, for instance,
by one or more electrodes 156 and 158 or sensors (e.g., a CHEMFET).
These responses are converted to data and telemetered out to
external electronic appliance 200 via Function 3.
[0079] 4. From the response data received at external appliance 200
from the implantable stimulator 150, or from other assessment, the
stimulus threshold for obtaining a response is determined and is
used by a clinician acting directly 212 or by other computing means
218 to transmit the desired stimulation parameters to the
implantable stimulator 150 in accordance with Function 2.
[0080] 5. When patient 170 desires to invoke electrical stimulation
to alleviate symptoms, patient 170 employs controller 180 to set
the implantable stimulator 150 in a state where it delivers a
prescribed stimulation pattern from a predetermined range of
allowable stimulation patterns.
[0081] 6. To cease electrical stimulation, patient 170 employs
controller 180 to turn off stimulator 150.
[0082] 7. Periodically, the patient or caregiver recharges the
power source/storage device 162 of implantable stimulator 150, if
necessary, in accordance with Function 1 described above (i.e.,
transmit electrical power).
[0083] For the treatment of any of the various types and degrees of
epilepsy, it may be desirable to modify or adjust the algorithmic
functions performed by the implanted and/or external components, as
well as the surgical approaches, in ways that would be obvious to
skilled practitioners of these arts. For example, in some
situations, it may be desirable to employ more than one implantable
stimulator 150, each of which could be separately controlled by
means of a digital address. Multiple channels and/or multiple
patterns of stimulation might thereby be programmed by the
clinician and controlled by the patient in order to, for instance,
stimulate larger areas of neural tissue in order to maximize
therapeutic efficacy.
[0084] In some embodiments discussed earlier, microstimulator 150,
or a group of two or more microstimulators, is controlled via
closed-loop operation. A need for and/or response to stimulation is
sensed via microstimulator 150, or by an additional microstimulator
(which may or may not be dedicated to the sensing function), or by
another implanted or external device. If necessary, the sensed
information is transmitted to microstimulator 150. In some
embodiments, the stimulation parameters used by microstimulator 150
are automatically adjusted based on the sensed information. Thus,
the stimulation parameters are adjusted in a closed-loop manner to
provide stimulation tailored to the need for and/or response to
stimulation.
[0085] For instance, in some embodiments of the present invention,
a first and second "stimulator" are provided. The second
"stimulator" periodically (e.g. once per minute) records e.g., EEG,
neurotransmitter level, and/or medication level, which it transmits
to the first stimulator. The first stimulator uses the sensed
information to adjust stimulation parameters according to an
algorithm programmed, e.g., by a clinician. For example,
stimulation amplitude may be activated or increased in response to
increased seizure activity on EEG, e.g., increased number of spikes
per minute recorded on EEG. Alternatively, one "microstimulator"
performs both the sensing and stimulating functions.
[0086] For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 5, a first
microstimulator 150, implanted beneath the skin of patient 170,
provides electrical stimulation via electrodes 156 and 158 to a
first location; a second microstimulator 150' provides electrical
stimulation to a second location; and a third microstimulator 150"
provides electrical stimulation to a third location. As mentioned
earlier, the implanted devices may operate independently or may
operate in a coordinated manner with other similar implanted
devices, other implanted devices, or other devices external to the
patient's body, as shown by the control lines 222, 223 and 224 in
FIG. 5. That is, in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention, external controller 220 controls the operation of each
of the implanted microstimulators 150, 150' and 150". According to
various embodiments of the invention, an implanted device, e.g.
microstimulator 150, may control or operate under the control of
another implanted device(s), e.g., microstimulator 150' and/or
microstimulator 150". That is, a device made in accordance with the
invention may communicate with other implanted stimulators, other
implanted devices, and/or devices external to a patient's body,
e.g., via an RF link, an ultrasonic link, a thermal link, an
optical link, or other communications link. Specifically, as
illustrated in FIG. 5, microstimulator 150, 150', and/or 150", made
in accordance with the invention, may communicate with an external
remote control (e.g., patient and/or physician programmer 220) that
is capable of sending commands and/or data to implanted devices and
that may also be capable of receiving commands and/or data from
implanted devices.
[0087] A microstimulator made in accordance with the invention may
incorporate, in some embodiments, first sensing means 228 for
sensing therapeutic effects, clinical variables, or other
indicators of the state of the patient, such as EEG, ENG, EMG,
abnormal movements, and/or other marker of the potential for
seizure. The stimulator additionally or alternatively incorporates
second means 229 for sensing levels or changes in one or more
medications, neurotransmitters, hormones, cytokines, enzymes,
and/or other substances in the blood plasma, in the cerebrospinal
fluid, or in the local interstitial fluid. The stimulator
additionally or alternatively incorporates third means 230 for
sensing electrical current levels and/or waveforms supplied by
another source of electrical energy. Sensed information may be used
to control the parameters of the stimulator(s) in a closed loop
manner, as shown by control lines 225, 226, and 227. Thus, the
sensing means may be incorporated into a device that also includes
electrical stimulation means, or the sensing means (that may or may
not have stimulating means) may communicate the sensed information
to another device(s) with stimulating means.
[0088] While a microstimulator may also incorporate means of
sensing the condition of a patient, e.g., via EEG, ENG, EMG, or
accelerometer activity, it may alternatively or additionally be
desirable to use a separate or specialized implantable device to
sense and telemeter physiological conditions/responses in order to
adjust stimulation parameters. This information may be transmitted
to an external device, such as external appliance 220, or may be
transmitted directly to implanted stimulator(s) 150. However, in
some cases, it may not be necessary or desired to include a sensing
function or device, in which case stimulation parameters may be
determined and refined, for instance, by patient feedback.
[0089] Again, microstimulator(s) 150 may be implanted adjacent to
one or more of a trigeminal nerve 100, trigeminal ganglion 102,
ophthalmic nerve 120, maxillary nerve 122, mandibular nerve 124,
greater occipital nerve 130, lesser occipital nerve 132, third
occipital nerve 134, facial nerve 136, glossopharyngeal nerve 138,
and/or one or more nerve branches of any of these. According to
several embodiments of the invention, symptoms of epilepsy are
alleviated by decreasing excitement of these nerve fibers. As
indicated above, inhibition of the NTS leads to a decrease in
epileptic symptoms in certain types of epilepsy. Relatively
high-frequency electrical stimulation (e.g., greater than about
100-150 Hz) is likely to produce such inhibition.
[0090] According to various embodiments of the invention, symptoms
of certain other types of epilepsy are alleviated by alternatively
increasing excitement of certain of these nerve fibers. Relatively
low-frequency electrical stimulation (e.g., less than about 100-150
Hz) is likely to produce such excitement.
[0091] Additionally, sensing means described earlier may be used to
orchestrate first the activation of microstimulator(s) targeting
one or more nerves in one area, and then, when appropriate, the
microstimulator(s) targeting nerves in the same or another area, in
order to control symptoms, for instance, by a different means.
Alternatively, this orchestration may be programmed, and not based
on a sensed condition.
[0092] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by
means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous
modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled
in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set
forth in the claims.
* * * * *