Surgery: light – thermal – and electrical application – Light – thermal – and electrical application – Electrical therapeutic systems
Patent
1997-11-20
2000-02-22
Jastrzab, Jeffrey R.
Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application
Light, thermal, and electrical application
Electrical therapeutic systems
607 45, 607 62, A61N 100
Patent
active
060290846
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a therapeutic field generator, particularly generating an electromagnetic or electric field. The invention is particularly but not exclusively concerned with generators adapted to be portable, self-contained units, and worn by a person.
An example of an earlier device for generating electromagnetic fields can be found in our earlier UK Patent GB-2156679-B to which further reference should be made. The device is based on the theory that exposure to certain electromagnetic fields can have a therapeutic effect. A patient undergoes a spectrum analysis of brain electrical activity (EEG) which will locate gaps or minima at certain frequencies. The electromagnetic field generator attempts to stimulate electrical activity by applying external electromagnetic fields at frequencies corresponding to these gaps. Devices made in accordance with GB-2156679-B offer relief for migraine, hypertension, lower back pain, premenstrual tension and ME, depending upon the frequencies stimulated.
The earlier device uses two separate oscillators generating a first signal comprising pulses at a fixed frequency of 1.15 Hz (corresponding to a central frequency of a group of brain waves called Delta-waves) and a second signal comprising pulses at a frequency which corresponds to a `gap` frequency. The frequency of the second signal may be selected by bank of switches connected to capacitors. The two signals are then mixed and output to an antenna as an electromagnetic wave.
One of the problems with the above device is that the electromagnetic wave generated is not readily accepted by some users and so does not stimulate desired electrical activity. The present invention is based on the appreciation that acceptance can be improved with a first, carrier, signal adjusted to correspond to the heartbeat rate of the wearer. Furthermore it has been determined that a better response is obtained with a shorter pulse width, which substantially corresponds to the width of a neuron depolarisation pulse of ca. 125 microseconds. Exposure to low levels of electromagnetic radiation is contra-indicated in some individuals. Accordingly, the present invention envisages apparatus adapted to produce electromagnetic fields, preferably fields having a very small magnetic component. By producing a substantially pure electric field of a specific shape, the signal is carried into the wearer's system without the need for a magnetic component.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In its broadest sense, the present invention provides an electric or electromagnetic field generator for therapeutic use, comprising: or electromagnetic field corresponding to a combined signal derived from a first signal and a second signal, wherein the frequency of the first signal is dependent upon the determined heartbeat frequency, and the second signal is related to the brain activity of the user.
The device is typically provided with a strap or lanyard to allow it to be worn close to the body of the user.
Electromagnetic or electric fields generated by the above apparatus have a much higher rate of acceptance by the human body due to the linking of the first signal in the users heartbeat and as a result achieves better results in stimulating brain electrical activity.
The monitoring means for determining the frequency of the heartbeat is typically a field effect type microphone or an infrared array comprising an infrared emitter and an infrared detector. This may be worn on the body separately from the generator, for example at the wrist or other pulse sites.
Preferably the second signal is a train of pulses each having a width substantially equal to the width of a neuron depolarisation pulse. Advantageously the width of each pulse is in the range 100 to 150 microseconds, more advantageously in the range 120 to 130 microseconds and most advantageously the width of each pulse is substantially 125 microseconds.
Preferably the train of pulses is generated at frequencies up to 100 Hz.
An electromagnetic field output may be produced by means of a co
REFERENCES:
patent: 5871517 (1999-02-01), Abrams et al.
Long Sharon Alice Jane
Walpole Stephen John
Jastrzab Jeffrey R.
MacNicol Alistair Ross
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