US3911930A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and structure of preventing and treating ileus, and reducing acute pain by electrical pulse stimulation
Assignee: STIMTECH PRODUCTS A GENERAL PARTNERSHIP OF MA
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Filing: 1974-03-01
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Granted: 1975-10-14
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Expires: 1994-03-01
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure is directed to the method and structure of artifically inducing the return of arrested body functions caused by paralytic ileus and pain associated therewith after surgery or accidental trauma on the human body. The equipment is in the form of electronic circuits producing a generally rectangular or square wave shape which is variable from 10 to 300 pulses per second having a pulse width of 50 to 1,000 microseconds. The circuit includes a pair of constant current amplifiers capable of supplying two different output signals having a pulse amplitude of 80 milliamperes maximum current to provide a current density range of 1 to 50 X 10 6 amperes per square millimeter depending on the electrode area or size. Electrodes are connected to current generators and placed on the body in the area of the lower abdomen in accidental trauma or close to the area of incision post operatively. Posterior electrodes may also be placed on the body as well as over the nerves and particularly the intercostal nerves leading to the site of the incision to further aid in restoring body functions. Electrodes are also connected to current generators and placed on the body at various locations where a traumatic condition and/or surgery produce a number of localized areas of pain. The application of the electrical pulses stimulates the body and restores its body functions and alleviates the normal problem associated with surgery in the chest cavity, the abdominal cavity and also generally reduces the pain associated therwith. The use of electrodes may also be connected to current generators and placed adjacent to, or within a localized area in the treatment or prevention of paralytic ileus without regard to what brought it on.
Inventors
- 👤 Norman R Hagfors
- 👤 Alan C Hymes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 16:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/36014; A61N1/36021; A61N1/36007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
The method of treating pain in the human body as a result of experiencing a traumatic condition such as surgery or accidental trauma including the steps of: a. generating a series of electrical rectangular, single frequency, fixed duration pulses within the range of 50-1000 microseconds duration and the repetition frequency range of approximately 10-300 pulses per second and of substantially constant amplitude; b. securing at least a pair of rectangular body electrodes in juxtaposition on the skin surface and parallel to the localized area of traumatic pain in the body; c. and applying said series of electrical pulses to said body via said electrodes with a current density of 1-50 microamperes per square millimeter continuously for a period of 20-30 minutes every 2-4 hours until the pain caused by said traumatic condition is observed to be substantially overcome.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
138 words
The method of treating pain in the human body as a result of experiencing a traumatic condition such as surgery or accidental trauma including the steps of: a. generating a series of electrical rectangular, single frequency, fixed duration pulses within the range of 50-1000 microseconds duration and the repetition frequency range of approximately 10-300 pulses per second and of substantially constant amplitude; b. securing at least a pair of rectangular body electrodes in juxtaposition on the skin surface and parallel to the localized area of traumatic pain in the body; c. and applying said series of electrical pulses to said body via said electrodes with a current density of 1-50 microamperes per square millimeter continuously for a period of 20-30 minutes every 2-4 hours until the pain caused by said traumatic condition is observed to be substantially overcome.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the step of securing at least a pair of body electrodes includes providing each electrode-body interface for electrical current flow of 3-30 square inches.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method as set forth in claim 2 including the steps of: securing at least a second pair of body electrodes posteriorly to the localized area of pain in the body whereby said electrodes cover the nerves leading to the site of the pain; and applying said series of electrical pulses to said posteriorly positioned pair of body electrodes similarly as with said locally positioned pair of electrodes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as set forth in claim 3 wherein the step of generating a series of electrical pulses includes generating said pulses with a peak current amplitude of 10-80 milliamperes.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
127 words
The method of treating pain in the human body as a result of experiencing a traumatic condition such as surgery or accidental trauma including the steps of: a. generating a series of electrical rectangular pulses of 200-400 microseconds duration having a repetition frequency of approximately 100-160 pulses per second and of substantially constant amplitude; b. securing at least a pair of rectangular body electrodes posteriorly to the localized area of traumatic pain in the body whereby said electrodes cover the nerves leading to the site of the pain; c. and applying said series of electrical pulses to said body via said electrodes with a current density of 1-50 microamperes per square millimeter continuously until the pain caused by said traumatic condition is observed to be substantially overcome.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
127 words
The method of treating pain in the human body as a result of experiencing a traumatic condition such as surgery or accidental trauma including the steps of: a. generating a series of electrical rectangular pulses of 200-400 microseconds duration having a repetition frequency of approximately 100-160 pulses per second and of substantially constant amplitude; b. securing at least a pair of rectangular body electrodes posteriorly to the localized area of traumatic pain in the body whereby said electrodes cover the nerves leading to the site of the pain; c. and applying said series of electrical pulses to said body via said electrodes with a current density of 1-50 microamperes per square millimeter continuously until the pain caused by said traumatic condition is observed to be substantially overcome.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as set forth in claim 5 wherein the step of generating a series of electrical pulses includes generating said pulses with a peak current amplitude of 10-80 milliamperes.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
136 words
The method of treating or preventing paralytic ileus in the human body brought on after surgery, accidental trauma or pathological conditions including the steps of: a. generating a series of rectangular electrical pulses of 50-1, 000 microseconds duration having a repetition frequency of approximately 10-300 pulses per second and of substantially constant amplitude; b. securing at least a pair of elongated body electrodes on the skin surface of the body in juxtaposition to at least one of a surgical incision made in the body, a localized area of accidental trauma, or a localized area formed by a pathological condition; c. and applying said series of electrical pulses to said body via said electrodes with a current density of 1-50 microamperes per square millimeter continuously until the paralytic ileus is observed to be substantially overcome, or prevented.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
136 words
The method of treating or preventing paralytic ileus in the human body brought on after surgery, accidental trauma or pathological conditions including the steps of: a. generating a series of rectangular electrical pulses of 50-1, 000 microseconds duration having a repetition frequency of approximately 10-300 pulses per second and of substantially constant amplitude; b. securing at least a pair of elongated body electrodes on the skin surface of the body in juxtaposition to at least one of a surgical incision made in the body, a localized area of accidental trauma, or a localized area formed by a pathological condition; c. and applying said series of electrical pulses to said body via said electrodes with a current density of 1-50 microamperes per square millimeter continuously until the paralytic ileus is observed to be substantially overcome, or prevented.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method as set forth in claim 7 including the steps of: securing a pair of body electrodes posteriorly to cover the nerves leading to any surgical incision made in the body, any localized area of accidental trauma, or any localized area formed by a pathological condition; and applying said same series of electrical pulses at said same current density to said posteriorly positioned electrodes as to said juxtapositioned electrodes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as set forth in claim 8 where the step of securing at least a pair of elongated body electrodes includes providing each electrode with a contact surface of 3-30 square inches.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as set forth in claim 9 wherein the step of generating a series of electrical pulses includes generating said pulses with a peak current amplitude of 10 to 80 milliamperes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
157 words
Apparatus for treating pain and for treating and preventing paralytic ileus in the human body resulting from a traumatic condition, such as surgery or accidental trauma, said apparatus comprising: a. a pulse generator generating a substantially rectangular wave signal having a repetition rate of 10-300 pulses per second and a pulse width variable from 50 to 1000 microseconds duration; b. a pair of current generating means being excited by said pulse generator and each having an output circuit independent of a load to be connected thereto, said means each being individually adjustable to supply a pulse amplitude of 10 to 80 milliamperes; c. a plurality of flexible elongated electrodes being positionable to the skin surface of the human body substantially within the localized area of pain, said electrodes each having a current conduction area of 3-30 square inches; d. and a plurality of electrical conductors connecting said plurality of electrodes to said pair of current generating means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
157 words
Apparatus for treating pain and for treating and preventing paralytic ileus in the human body resulting from a traumatic condition, such as surgery or accidental trauma, said apparatus comprising: a. a pulse generator generating a substantially rectangular wave signal having a repetition rate of 10-300 pulses per second and a pulse width variable from 50 to 1000 microseconds duration; b. a pair of current generating means being excited by said pulse generator and each having an output circuit independent of a load to be connected thereto, said means each being individually adjustable to supply a pulse amplitude of 10 to 80 milliamperes; c. a plurality of flexible elongated electrodes being positionable to the skin surface of the human body substantially within the localized area of pain, said electrodes each having a current conduction area of 3-30 square inches; d. and a plurality of electrical conductors connecting said plurality of electrodes to said pair of current generating means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
46 words
The structure as set forth in claim 11 including: e. an electrical current conducting gel applied to said body electrodEs and contacting the human body, being in cooperation with said electrode in the conduction of current wherein the current density is 1-50 microamperes per square millimeter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-13 | 1979-04-14 | 1979-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-13 | 1983-04-14 | 1983-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-13 | 1987-04-14 | 1987-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |