Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/04—Electrodes
  • A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
  • A61N1/0521—Genital electrodes
  • A61N1/0524—Vaginal electrodes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/06—Devices, other than using radiation, for detecting or locating foreign bodies ; determining position of probes within or on the body of the patient
  • A61B5/061—Determining position of a probe within the body employing means separate from the probe, e.g. sensing internal probe position employing impedance electrodes on the surface of the body
  • A61B5/063—Determining position of a probe within the body employing means separate from the probe, e.g. sensing internal probe position employing impedance electrodes on the surface of the body using impedance measurements
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/20—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons for measuring urological functions restricted to the evaluation of the urinary system
  • A61B5/202—Assessing bladder functions, e.g. incontinence assessment
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/43—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems
  • A61B5/4306—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems for evaluating the female reproductive systems, e.g. gynaecological evaluations
  • A61B5/4318—Evaluation of the lower reproductive system
  • A61B5/4337—Evaluation of the lower reproductive system of the vagina
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
  • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
  • A61N1/36007—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
  • A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
  • A61B5/389—Electromyography [EMG]
  • A61B5/391—Electromyography [EMG] of genito-urinary organs
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/43—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems
  • A61B5/4375—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems for evaluating the male reproductive system
  • A61B5/4393—Sexual arousal or erectile dysfunction evaluation, e.g. tumescence evaluation
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
  • G16H40/40—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the general field of perineal reeducation devices.
• the present invention relates, more particularly, to perineal reeducation devices comprising an applicator, or probe, endocavity or annular, locally supporting a charging electrode and, either at its periphery or on its internal face, at least one stimulation electrode, said applicator including at least one rechargeable energy storage unit through the charging electrode.
• such a probe, or applicator is used in particular in the treatment of urinary incontinence.
• Urinary incontinence results in a problematic involuntary urine loss for many people.
• Stress incontinence is urine loss caused by increased abdominal pressure on the bladder. This increase in pressure may be due to coughing, sneezing, laughing, movement, especially lifting something heavy. Stress incontinence is the most common type of incontinence and primarily affects women. It usually occurs when perineal muscles and pelvic floor muscles are weakened, for example by pregnancy, childbirth or menopause.
• Urge incontinence corresponding to a sudden and urgent urge to urinate, followed by immediate contraction of the bladder. This contraction results in an involuntary loss of urine. Men and women can be affected by this type of incontinence, especially older people. One of the reasons for this incontinence is a malfunction of the nervous system that controls the bladder.
• Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
• the purpose of electrical stimulation is to simulate a voluntary muscle contraction and to improve the functioning of the pelvic floor muscles.
• urge incontinence the goal is to inhibit involuntary contractions of the bladder by stimulating pelvic floor nerves.
• special stimuli appropriate for both urge incontinence and stress incontinence are used.
• a number of these devices are based on the use of a control platform, connected by wire to an endocavity applicator carrying stimulation electrodes, or to stimulation electrodes placed externally on the skin.
• the implementation of such devices is carried out in the pharmacy of a physiotherapist or a health professional. It is not about portable devices.
• wired devices used by physiotherapists offer many changes in parameters.
• These known devices can not be used individually at any location, especially at the home of a user.
• These wired devices are, in addition, very expensive and require specific training to be used.
• the charger box is also used for programming the applicator.
• the applicator, or probe is programmed using the charger box when the probe is still installed in this housing. Once the applicator disconnected from the charger, it is no longer possible to modify its operation. Also, once the programming is done, the applicator is designed to remain inactive for three minutes, which leaves time for the user to introduce the applicator. The device then starts up according to the chosen program. This activation of the automatic applicator after three minutes of inactivity presents a number of problems, even dangers. In particular, in the case where the applicator is not introduced within three minutes after the disconnection of the applicator but later, the program has started, the user can be electrocuted.
• the main purpose of the present invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the devices of the prior art, by proposing a perineal reeducation device comprising an applicator, respectively endocavitary or annular, locally supporting a charging electrode and, respectively at its periphery or on its internal face, at least one stimulation electrode and including at least one rechargeable energy storage unit thanks to the charging electrode, the applicator comprising at least one microprocessor for executing an electrostimulation program, characterized in that the applicator is controlled with a control module in the form of a remote control connected to the applicator by a wireless communication link and comprising a user interface to enable the user to enter operating data of the applicator.
• the applicator and a control unit to control the applicator by sending commands worms thereto, the applicator being adapted to receive stimulation intensity modification commands during its operation and to modify its current operation according to these commands.
• a perineal reeducation device comprising, besides the applicator, a control module allowing the modification of the intensity of stimulation during the operation of the applicator, it limits the risk of electrocution of the user.
• the perineal reeducation device according to the invention makes it possible to start the operation of the applicator with zero intensity, whatever the electrostimulation program chosen beforehand.
• control module makes it possible precisely to modify the stimulation intensity remotely addresses a particular problem with the use of a wireless applicator for a perineal reeducation device.
• the invention specifically relates to this modification of distance stimulation intensity.
• wired devices With wired devices, the problem of electric shocks does not arise in the same way.
• wired devices are intended to be handled by a staff trained in electrical hazards. Then, the constitution of these devices, based on the use of multiple electrodes, ensures a grounding such that the patient is not likely to be electrocuted.
• all programs start at zero electrical stimulation intensity.
• control module displays the operating ranges in stimulation of the applicator.
• This feature allows the user to know when the applicator emits electrical stimuli. This allows the user to simultaneously contract his muscles ensuring optimal treatment according to the exercises known as Kegel exercises.
• This feature can be implemented insofar as the device comprises an external remote control connected with a wireless communication to the probe or applicator, particularly since this connection is bidirectional, the probe can return information on its operating ranges. in stimulation. Otherwise control of the control module on the probe according to the invention may also allow the implementation of this characteristic.
• control module comprises a memory for storing time-stamped data over durations and intensities of operation controlled to the applicator.
• Such a memory makes it possible to preserve data on the processing ranges produced by the user.
• such a memory can be read through a dedicated software installed on a doctor's computer. Reading this memory will allow the doctor to know all the treatment ranges performed by the patient and their characteristics.
• control module comprises at least one connection port for transferring the time stamped data to a computer.
• control module is able to send the applicator commands, automatic or on input from the user, causing it to emit stimuli of increasing intensities and in that the interface allows the user to signal when stimuli begin to be felt.
• the intensity used when the user reports the feeling of the stimuli is stored within the control module.
• This characteristic makes it possible, particularly when it is implemented at the beginning of processing, to know the sensitivity of the user or the user to stimuli. Such data is useful for the doctor to evaluate the course of treatment.
• This feature increases the intensity of the stimuli gradually, starting from a stimulus of zero intensity. This operating protocol makes it possible to ensure the absence of electric shock for the patient.
• the growth of stimulus intensity can be automatic or controlled by the patient herself using buttons placed on the interface of the control module.
• the increase in intensity is controlled by the user, the device is particularly safe from the point of view of the absence of risk of electrocution.
• the applicator is able to carry out, during its operation, measurements relating to the body reaction.
• the use of the applicator to perform body reaction measurements provides a feedback on the user's response to treatment. These measurements can be performed using the electrodes, but also, according to an advantageous characteristic, using a pressure sensor implemented on the applicator to make measurements relating to the body reaction.
• a pressure sensor implemented on the applicator to make measurements relating to the body reaction.
• Such a pressure sensor makes it possible, in particular, to measure the reaction of the muscle during the electrical stimulation, in particular its contraction.
• the importance of the muscle response to stimuli allows to follow the evolution of the training of the user. This makes it possible to give information on the evolution of the anatomical structures involved.
• the measures relating to the body reaction may, for example, be stored in a memory of the applicator.
• these measurements can also be returned to the control module as soon as the wireless link is bidirectional.
• the control module comprises a so-called feedback unit for receiving the measurements from the applicator, to process these measurements in real time. , to calculate a mode of operation adapted according to the measurements and to send a command corresponding to this mode of operation to the applicator.
• control module comprises a memory for recording the information relating to the body reaction.
• Such a memory makes it possible to keep track of the patient's bodily reactions and fatigue curves of the muscle. These bodily reactions can be used to regulate a subsequent operation of the applicator or to follow the muscular evolution.
• the applicator comprises a correct introduction or installation detector electrode capable of detecting contact with the body, this electrode being able to send a signal to the microprocessor installed within the body. applicator and / or the microprocessor installed in the control module, the microprocessor being such that it is able to control the stopping of stimulation when the applicator is no longer in contact with the body.
• This characteristic allows that the stimulations are stopped when the applicator is no longer in place.
• the invention also relates to an endocavity applicator locally supporting at least one charging electrode and, at its periphery, at least one stimulation electrode and at least one rechargeable energy storage unit by virtue of the charging electrode intended to be used. with a control module connected to the applicator by a wireless communication link to form a perineal rehabilitation device according to the invention.
• the invention also relates to an annular applicator locally supporting at least one charging electrode and, on its internal face, at least one stimulation electrode and at least one rechargeable energy storage unit thanks to the charging electrode intended to be used with a connected control module to the applicator by a wireless communication link to form a perineal reeducation device according to the invention.
• the invention further relates to a control module connected to an endocavity or annular applicator according to the invention by a wireless communication link and comprising a user interface to allow the user to enter operating data of the applicator and a control unit for controlling the applicator by sending intensity modification commands thereto.
• the invention finally relates to a control method of an endocavitary or annular applicator, implemented in a perineal rehabilitation device according to the invention, comprising the following steps, for the control module:
• the method comprises the following initialization steps:
• control module sending commands to the applicator causing it to send stimuli of increasing intensities, automatically or on command from the user; for the applicator, receiving commands and issuing successive stimuli of increasing intensity;
• control module For the control module, receiving, from the interface actuated by the user, a signal of the moment when the stimuli begin to be felt; - For the control module, storing the intensity then used, minimum threshold of intensity felt by the user.
• the method comprises the following feedback steps:
• the various steps of the method are determined by computer program instructions.
• the invention is also directed to a computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the method of controlling an endocavity or annular applicator according to the invention when said program is executed by a microprocessor computer.
• This program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other form desirable shape.
• the invention also relates to a computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the control method of an endocavity or annular applicator according to the invention.
• the information carrier may be any entity or device capable of storing the program.
• the medium may comprise storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disk, a hard disk. , a flash memory etc.
• the information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means.
• the program according to the invention can be downloaded in particular on an Internet type network.
• the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.
• FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a perineal reeducation device according to the invention
• FIG. 2 presents a perineal reeducation device according to the invention during a charging phase
• FIG. 3 represents an example of display on the screen of a control module according to the invention
• FIG. 4 represents a flow diagram of the operation of the perineal reeducation device according to the invention
• FIG. 5 presents a perineal reeducation device according to the invention when connected to a computer
• FIG. 6 represents an example of display of data stored in the control module on the screen of a computer
• FIG. 7 represents an example of an annular applicator of cuff type according to the invention.
• Figure 1 shows a perineal reeducation device according to the invention.
• Fig. 1A shows an endocavity applicator 100 comprising an oblong portion 100a for insertion into the cavity, for example the vagina, and a thin, tapered portion 100b constituting a socket for removal of the applicator after insertion.
• the endocavity applicator is advantageously sealed so that it can be easily cleaned.
• the oblong portion 100a is provided with annular electrodes, here five electrodes 101 to 105.
• Other forms of electrodes, in particular in a ring arc could possibly be implemented.
• any type of wireless link protocol may be used: preferably bluetooth or RF but other various protocols could be considered.
• the distal portion denoted D of the oblong portion 100a is provided with at least two electrodes 104 and 105 serving to charge the applicator 100.
• a third electrode 103 is advantageously added to detect the introduction. the applicator 100 in a body cavity, for example the vagina. This avoids electric shocks.
• this detector electrode 103 The role of this detector electrode 103 is to provide a signal to a microprocessor managing the stimulations within the applicator 100 so that they do not start or stop in the case where the applicator 100 is outside the body. or in the case where the applicator 100 is extracted from the vagina.
• the applicator will also be advantageously such that one can bring to zero the electrical intensity on all channels at any time in order to remove the applicator at any time.
• the proximal portion denoted P of the oblong portion 100a is provided with at least two stimulation electrodes 101 and 102 on which the electrical stimulus sequences are applied.
• the stimulation electrodes are on the first four centimeters of the proximal portion P of the oblong portion 100b. In the case of vaginal use, it is at this level that the stimulations are found to be the most effective knowing that the device is intended for insertion of the applicator 100 so that the oblong portion 100a is fully introduced. .
• the applicator 100 includes at least one microprocessor for implementing the stimuli and generating them within the probe / applicator connected wirelessly.
• FIG. 1B shows a control module 200 in the form of a remote control according to the invention. In the embodiment presented, the module
• 200 includes a display screen 210 and a number of control buttons, here eight rated 201 to 208 acting as interface for the user.
• the control module 200 includes, in addition to a battery that ensures its autonomy, at least one microprocessor with units implemented in hardware or software.
• a button 201 turns on the device and turn it off. This button 201 is also used to cause the stimulation to stop at any time.
• a button 204 makes it possible to start the treatment.
• a button 203 serves to activate a window for programming the duration of the treatment. Typically, a duration ranging from 1 to 45 minutes can be selected using buttons +/- 206 and 207.
• a button 202 activates a selection window of a stimulation program among, for example, 7 programs numbered Pl to P7.
• the selection of the program is done through buttons +/- 206 and 207.
• a button 208 is used to validate and block the choices. Pressing this button twice will advantageously return to the previous menu selected on the screen.
• a button 205 serves to pause pauses at any time.
• the simultaneous pressing of this button 205 and the button 203 advantageously makes it possible to cancel the current programming.
• buttons 206 and 207 are also used during the operation of the applicator 100 to increase and decrease the intensity of the stimulation according to the essential and original feature of the invention.
• buttons of the control module 200 can also be used to control a view of the data stored in the control module 200 on a computer that would be connected to the control module 200.
• FIG. 1C shows a preferential implementation of a charger 300 used for an applicator 100 according to the invention.
• This charger 300 is advantageously able to contain the applicator 100 for its storage. It contains for this purpose a recess 310 of the form of the applicator 100. It has contact electrodes 301 and 302 for the charging of the applicator 100 as long as it is placed in the charger box 300.
• At least one Third Contact Point 303 is used to control the charge level of the battery.
• Indicator lights 304 and 305 serve as load indicators for the applicator 100.
• FIG. 2 shows the charging step of the applicator 100 introduced into the charger box 300 and the control module 200.
• the charger box 300 and the control module 200 are advantageously provided with female USB plugs, preferably of small size. . These catches are intended to be connected to sector via a 400 charger transformer and two cables, each with a USB socket maie.
• Figure 3 shows an example of display on the screen 210.
• a pictogram 211 indicates that the wireless link with the applicator 100 is well established.
• a pictogram 212 indicates the charge level of the battery of the control module 200.
• a pictogram 213 indicates the charge level of the battery of the applicator 100.
• a pictogram 214 indicates the program, here "Pl", in progress or the selected program.
• a pictogram 215 indicates that an operating range in stimulation of the applicator is in progress.
• 215 consists of a circle in the center of which a disc is lit only when stimulation is in progress.
• a display area 216 displays a stopwatch showing the duration of the upcoming or current treatment. If necessary, a pictogram 217 appears when the applicator 100 is paused.
• a graduated zone 218 displays the intensity of the stimulations in progress in relative value.
• the display area 219 gives the exact value of the stimulation intensity.
• FIG. 4 shows an operating flow diagram of the applicator 100 according to the invention.
• the control module 200 is turned on in a step E1 using the button 201.
• the screen 210 then prompts the user to press the button 202 to select a program Pi in a step E2.
• buttons 206 and 207 in a program list. It locks its choice with the button 208 in a step E3.
• the user can choose from the following programs:
• the first programs Pl to P3 are dedicated to the treatment of stress incontinence.
• the screen prompts the user to press the button 203 to select a processing time in a step E4. Once the duration has been selected using the buttons 206 and 207, the duration is validated with the button 208 in a step E5.
• the screen 210 then invites the user to introduce the applicator 100 in a step E6.
• the sensor 103 then makes it possible to verify that the applicator 100 is well introduced before the beginning of the treatment in a step E7.
• the wireless link between the control module 200 and the applicator 100 being bidirectional, the signal transmitted by the sensor 103 is sent to the control module 200.
• the screen 210 can then signal the correct insertion or not of the applicator 100. In the case where the applicator is not inserted correctly, the control module 200 then returns to step E6. Otherwise, in a step E8, the display 210 prompts the user to press the key 204 to start the stimulation program.
• a sequence T1 to T4 sensitivity test then begins.
• This sequence constitutes an original and advantageous feature of the invention. It allows not only to start the stimulation at zero intensity while giving a functional role to these stimuli but also to obtain an important medical data, namely the threshold of sensitivity of the user or user. A health professional can measure the effectiveness of treatment by knowing such data.
• a step T1 the screen 210 prompts the user to increase the intensity of stimulation with the buttons +/- 206 and 207.
• the intensity increase can be automatic.
• a step T2 is waiting for a signal to press the button 208.
• the button 208 According to the instructions for use of the device according to the invention, once the patient feels the electrical stimulation, she presses the button 208. This causes the recording of the intensity of the stimulation then in progress.
• the sensitivity threshold intensity of the patient is then accessible to the doctor.
• the selected stimulation program is then started up in a step T3.
• the patient then increases the intensity to an intensity prescribed by the doctor, here 30 mA.
• the center of pictogram 215 lights up each time a stimulation starts and goes out when it stops. This allows the user to know when stimulation is taking place to contract her muscles at the same time. According to Kegel's exercises, such a contraction favors the treatment and the restoration or reinforcement of the muscular structures. During the treatment, the intensity of the stimulations remains accessible to the user who can modify it according to her sensations or the desired or prescribed intensity of the exercise. These modifications are made using buttons 206 and 207, for example between 0 mA and 60 mA.
• Stopping the stimulation can be done at any time by pressing the button 206 to decrease the intensity, or the pause button 205, or by pressing the button 201, which will stop the stimulation completely.
• the software managing the operation of the applicator 100 is such that the stimulations are stopped when the sensor 103 detects that the applicator 100 is no longer in contact with the body.
• This judgment of the stimulations can be controlled by the control module 200 to which the signal emitted by the sensor 103 has been returned or be internal to the applicator itself, the microprocessor installed therein being able to process the data transmitted by the sensor 103 and to stop the stimulations.
• the duration of the stimulations and their intensities are automatically stored in the memory of the control module 200.
• FIG. 5 shows the connection phase of the control module 200 to a computer 600. This connection is made using a USB cable 500 carrying a small USB port to be connected to the socket female 209 of the control module and a conventional USB socket adapted to be connected to the computer.
• the data stored in the memory of the control module 200 are then accessible by the computer, for example that of the attending physician who prescribed the treatment using the device according to the invention.
• the stored data preferably concern the date and time of the application of a program, the type of program selected, the duration of application, a report on the smooth running or not of the application.
• the "viewing data stored on a computer” mode is advantageously accessed by simultaneously pressing the button 202 and the button
• FIG. 6A An example of such a display is given in Figure 6.
• Figure 6A a compact window is shown showing the first line of an open pane in Figure 6B and a summary of the sensitivity tests.
• Figure 6B shows the list of treatment applications performed by the patient.
• the sensitivity test summary of FIG. 6A is in the form of a curve of sensitivity threshold intensities detected by the patient for all treatment applications listed in FIG. 6B.
• the applicator carries a sensor capable of measuring the patient's bodily reactions.
• this sensor is a pressure sensor capable of measuring the contraction of the muscle.
• This sensor may be annular, for example.
• a strain gauge type sensor operating in compression may in particular be used.
• the measurement of this contraction is then transmitted in real time to the control module 200.
• the latter is provided with a unit, advantageously software, called a feedback unit capable of calculating a change in the intensity of the stimulations taking into account this measurement. muscle contraction.
• a feedback unit capable of calculating a change in the intensity of the stimulations taking into account this measurement. muscle contraction.
• muscle contraction always weakens after several successive contractions. It becomes useless to stimulate a tired or fatigued muscle with electricity. It does not work properly.
• the invention allows to adapt the stimulation taking into account the muscular fatigue, its importance and its kinetics.
• FIG. 7 represents an annular applicator 100 'of the cuff type.
• This 100 'applicator is intended to be used for male pelvic reeducation.
• the cuff 100 'advantageously comprises means for giving the applicator an annular shape, for example Velcro strips 106a and 106b. This allows the applicator to be placed around the erect penis. Here also the applicator is advantageously sealed.
• the applicator 100 ' comprises at least one stimulation electrode, here two electrodes 101' and 102 ', on its internal face and at least one charging electrode.
• two charging electrodes 104 'and 105' are installed on the outer face of the applicator 100 '.
• An electrode 103 ' is advantageously added on the inner face of the cuff 100' to detect contact with the body. It should be noted here that the electrodes implemented are not strictly annular but in a portion of a circle when the applicator is in its annular configuration, in particular when it is installed. However, this does not pose a specific problem for stimulation or for charging.
• a charger housing of the applicator 100 ' will for example be advantageously in a form similar to the housing 300.
• An imprint of the applicator 100' will also be practiced inside the housing. Its shape will of course be adapted to receive the armband 100 'laid flat or slightly curved.
• the closure of the housing will press the cuff 100 'between the two parts of the housing so as to ensure contact of the charging electrodes 104' and 105 'with contactors of the contactor type 301, 302 and 303 of the housing 300.
• the operation and control of this applicator 100 ' is similar to those described for the endocavitary applicator 100.
• the applicator 100 is in this case advantageously controlled with a control module similar to that used with the endocavitary applicator 100. It should nevertheless be noted that different programs will be implemented because the malfunctions treated may be different.
• a rehabilitation device according to the invention provided with an annular applicator may be used for the treatment of certain types of impotence.

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• 2008
  • 2008-09-16 FR FR0856231A patent/FR2935906B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
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