WO2003059443A2

WO2003059443A2 - System for the controlled administration of a stimulation current to a patient

Info

Publication number: WO2003059443A2
Application number: PCT/EP2003/000444
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heinz Gerhard Schade; Rolf Gunter Neher; Joannis Karkas; Emmanuel Vrentzos
Original assignee: Heinz Gerhard Schade; Rolf Gunter Neher; Joannis Karkas; Emmanuel Vrentzos
Priority date: 2002-01-17
Filing date: 2003-01-17
Publication date: 2003-07-24
Also published as: AU2003206746A8; AU2003206746A1; WO2003059443A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for the controlled administration of a stimulation current to a patient. The inventive system comprises at least one measuring device (6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) for determining patient-related data; an automatic electronic control device (30) for automatically controlling the stimulation current, a stimulation current unit (17) with electrodes (E) connected thereto, and a transmission device (7, 8) for transmitting data from the one or more measuring devices (6, 9, 10) to the automatic electronic control device (30). The inventive system is further characterized in that the automatic electronic control device (30) is equipped for the optional execution of different simultaneously or sequentially stored automatic control programs.

Description

System for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients

The invention relates to a system for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients, with at least one measuring device for determining patient data, with an electronic regulating and control device for regulating and controlling the stimulation current, with an stimulation current unit with connected electrodes, and with a transmission device for the transmission of the data from the measuring device or devices to the electronic regulating and control device.

Systems of this type are used, for example, for controlled application by means of electrodes for the purpose of smoking cessation, to combat complaints in the throat and the like with electroprometry and an analysis of pathophysiological damage which accumulate over time in the human organism and has negative effects on health.

Acupuncture is a method that is particularly widespread in the field of physiotherapy and is used against a wide variety of pathogenic causes of human diseases. This is a very old method that is unfortunately still not recognized by conventional medicine. Unofficially, however, she is finding increasing acceptance due to her success. Various electrical devices that use the electrical discharge method at certain points in the human body are also being used more and more with the aim of restricting smoking or even giving up smoking altogether. However, these devices work with immature and unsuitable parameters regarding the Application and type of electrical discharge. Acupuncture is also confronted with this problem to a great extent.

In the known devices that use stimulation current, electrical devices are used which can only emit certain sequences of stimulation current in a predetermined manner if this is prompted by the person treating them.

Today there is an abundance of special stimulation current devices, each of which can only be used for a specific area of application due to a specific type of stimulation current. There are devices that can only be used to quit smoking with a special stimulation current. Other stimulation current devices can also only cover a limited range of areas (e.g. muscle tension, inflammation, sprains, different acupuncture applications, etc.). The optical display options for such devices are also limited to the corresponding areas of application. Further developments and possible improvements are only possible on the basis of manually collected data or tests. Changes to the stimulation current devices can often only be made by changing the hardware components.

It would be desirable if more optimized procedures were possible here.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose such an arrangement which gives more treatment options. This object is achieved in that the electronic regulating and control device is equipped for the optional execution of different simultaneously and sequentially stored regulating and control programs.

The system consists of a series of electronic devices, which offer the possibility of analyzing the individual-specific characteristics of the pathosphysiology of a person (e.g. a smoker), whereby the parameters determined help the respective user of the system, one specially tailored to each smoker To apply the program.

In addition to the diagnosis and recording of pathophysiological damage, one or more electrodes are placed at different points on the body of the person to be treated, through which the system conducts low-voltage, low-frequency electrical charges for a controlled period of time to stimulate those areas of the brain that related to maintaining a habit, such as B. the addiction centers responsible for smoking.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the connection to a computer makes it technically possible to cover all known and upcoming fields of application for stimulation current therapies with just a single stimulation current device. By means of appropriate computer-controlled programs, the different requirements for the type of stimulation current for the individual application areas can be realized and represented with only a single stimulation current device without great technical and financial outlay. In addition, ^" patient data can be compiled in a database that is different for each type of therapy and automatically by means of appropriate programs with the aim of optimizing the system and success of the individual treatments can be evaluated. The parameters for the patient data can be of various types depending on the area of application. These input parameters can manual input data via keyboard, such as. B. age, weight, size etc. but also measurement data (sensors, etc.) such as B. Fat content of the tissue, CO content in the breath (e.g. when quitting smoking), alcohol content (e.g. during alcohol therapy) in the breath etc. Through these databases, an intelligent system is created that z. B. determines the optimal type and intensity of the stimulation current and / or the duration of the treatment.

In addition, an online connection of all users to a mainframe computer is possible, on which all types of therapy are made available to the user and on which all data is collected and evaluated. This makes it possible for the user to always work with the currently most optimal version. An online connection will further optimize the cost of such a system.

The computer connection also makes it possible to develop a screen display that is individually and flexibly tailored to the respective application areas. Three-dimensional representations are also possible. This can be particularly useful in acupuncture applications to precisely determine and display the corresponding acupuncture points. To determine the acupuncture points, a visualized as well as acoustic point search method is created. Changes in the form of presentation due to new knowledge are possible at any time without great technical and financial effort.

The solution according to the invention is inexpensive since all areas of application can be covered with a single device. The purchase of all individual device is much more expensive. The system is flexible because changes in both the stimulation current and the screen representations are possible without great technical and financial outlay. Computer applications can also be used to open up new areas of application with the least technical and financial expense. A possibility of an intelligent system through databases arises.

The computer connection of only one stimulation current device with appropriate test methods (CO sensor, lung pressure etc.) enables the health care professional (doctor, alternative practitioner) to be offered a complex, flexible, professional and inexpensive all-round system for daily practice, which is also a kind of Information and application platform can be further developed for this profession through the online connection.

The basic concept of such systems and the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of an example using the drawing. It shows:

Figure 1 shows a treatment room in a schematic overall view.

In this room the devices are arranged off. which are made up of the smoking cessation system. It has a regulating and control device 30 which has a computer (P / C), on the monitor of which important measurement data relating to organs, limbs or an area of the human body are displayed, on which the stimulation current treatment tailored to the respective problem is carried out. These organs shown on the monitor are e.g. B. the frontal lobe, the eyes, the ears, the area of the nostrils. In addition, data on lung functions, optical arithmetic values for the pulse and other information are displayed. The system also includes several sensors, warning buzzers and switches for various other functions. The entirety of the electronic devices that make up the system are used to determine and analyze the pathophysiological parameters of the person to be treated. Also part of the system is the specially designed treatment chair, which is connected to the computer via a bidirectional radio link for transmission and reception of basic parameters for running the treatment program.

Every external stimulus that comes from or is generated in the environment is absorbed by the human organism via its own automatic kinetic reaction, in the context of which the responsible brain centers are stimulated by an instinctively running reflex mechanism. This mechanism reacts to any form of external stimulus, be it a rausch, a picture or the prick of a needle, forwards a signal to the corresponding brain centers and converts it (using body chemistry) into low-frequency electrical voltage. This is an internal electrochemical process of the organism in which the electrical current and the frequency of the resulting electrical charge are determined by the brain centers, and only if this previously uninterrupted information about organic feelers, which is nothing else in the case of external skin irritations are when the epidermiscelias have received from the environment.

This bidirectional connection, which exists between the cells of the epidermis and the brain centers and maintains the interplay of external occurrences and internal processes of the human organism, results from the striving of the own organism to adapt to the localized, selective or permanent changes of various kinds to adapt. The ability of the reflex system to adapt itself changes the voltage and the frequency of the endogenous signals of the organism or the endogenous electrical discharges, since every external stimulus can reach the cells with different intensity as information. Nevertheless, the epidermiscelia can transmit the signal to the brain centers at the respective moment and under unfavorable external conditions, such as. B. in the event of fluctuations in air pressure, fluctuations in the ambient temperature, high air humidity, magnetic fields etc.

As a brief example of one of the above parameters, namely the high atmospheric humidity in the environment (where humid air is known to be a good electrical conductor), the symptoms that occur under such conditions, such as pain in the joints and wounds, as well as pain resulting from other diseases. If you research the causes of this It is quickly concluded that due to the high humidity that persists over a longer period of time, the human organism loses part of its electrical charge, which is caused by the body's own electrical excitation, and that electricity is released through the cells of the epidermis. flows through to the neutral pole, ie the earth. This is also referred to as an “epidermis phenomenon”. Assuming all of this, the abovementioned and numerous other parameters are made usable, regulated and integrated with the aid of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows the treatment chair (1) which is anchored on a base (2) and rotatable. The possibility of rotating the chair is of considerable advantage for the success of the therapy and does not serve the personal need of the person to be treated or the user for an easier adjustment of a comfortable position. The chair is connected to the computer program via a transmitter for wireless communication. This regularly transmits information on several measured values of individual-specific parameters, from which the pathophysiological data of the person to be treated result. Another parameter that is part of the weaning program and is made possible by the swivel of the treatment chair is the orientation of the person to be treated. This is for the following reason: The earth's magnetic field creates lines of force that run from north to south. Therefore, the person to be treated should lie on the chair horizontally and parallel to the course of the lines of force of the earth's magnetic field during the treatment.

These parameters are taken into account roughly as follows; When standing upright, regardless of whether they are standing still or moving horizontally in any direction, humans are penetrated by the lines of force of the earth's magnetic field. flowed. The magnetic field lines coming from the North Pole - N - generate a magnetic field with the highest point of the human body, i.e. the head, which acts according to the laws of nature as the South Pole - S -. Then they run through the body to the lowest point, which in turn functions as the north pole -N - and creates a magnetic field with the south pole - S - of the earth.

When the human body is in an upright position, i.e. H. the angle of inclination between the vertical and the floor is 90 °, the magnetic flux that flows through the human organism is weak, but of constant intensity, regardless of the direction in which the human being moves horizontally on the floor. However, if a person is in a seated position, the permeability of the body changes for the lines of force of the earth's magnetic field. A person in a horizontal position, whose imaginary axis runs parallel to the magnetic field lines between the Earth's poles, becomes a conductor with higher permeability for the magnetic lines of force, but without this permeability putting a strain on his health. However, if the person is in a horizontal position with an orientation from east to west or vice versa, the magnetic field lines cross the body's endless meridians in a transverse direction, which has a negative effect on his health and z. B. can cause headaches. The negative symptoms of the latter case are caused by the fact that the magnetic flux reverses the polarity of the cells of the organism as long as it is in its position, i.e. not parallel to the magnetic field lines of the earth as in the case described above.

In the present case, the described treatment chair (1) is equipped with a rotating mechanism for adjusting the lying position, not only for horizontal rotation, but also for adjusting the angle of inclination With the help of the protractor (3) and the magnetometer (4) connected downstream of the compass (5), with which the course of the magnetic field lines and the intensity of the magnetic flux are determined.

Measuring devices for pulse (6) and body temperature (15) as well as the radio transmitter (7), which transmits all information on the above parameters to the receiver (8) of the computer (P / C), are also integrated in the treatment chair.

In order to ensure the best possible effectiveness of the stimulation current treatment, the transmitter automatically begins its function, depending on the correct orientation of the treatment chair (1). In contrast, the computer can be switched on at any time. The transmitter is activated by the magnetometer via the sensor (S) as soon as the dental chair has been turned so far that it is aligned parallel to the magnetic field lines of the earth, with a possible deviation of at most (? /?) 3%. When the chair is locked in this position, the transmitter is connected to the receiver (8) of the computer.

In the event that the transmitter is not used but there is a mono-directional cable connection for transmitting information from the chair (1) to the computer (P / C), the magnetometer activates a main switch via the sensor (S), which only closes the circuit when the treatment chair is aligned as parallel as possible to the course of the earth's magnetic field lines.

This special, technologically sophisticated treatment chair offers the therapist / user the opportunity to access all relevant information. to collect, which result from the existence of physical influences acting on the human organism, and to use it for the benefit of the person who is struggling with a problem.

Furthermore, a spirometer (9) for measuring the expiratory volume, a device for determining the carbon monoxide content (10) and a device for measuring the used breathing air (11) are used as part of the therapy program against smoking etc.

Since the program is also used to treat other diseases, such as B. post-traumatic conditions, diseases of the throat, back pain, alcoholism and obesity are determined to the system also a device for determining the alcohol content (12), an ultrasound device (13) for measuring body fat percentage, a scale (14) and certain sensors for measuring body temperature (15) and ambient temperature (16) and the stimulation current unit (17) with the treatment electrodes (E). The entire system is powered by the central unit (C).

Of particular importance in this entire system for electro-acupuncture by controlled discharge of weak electrical current via electrodes is the device which determines and analyzes the so-called "epidermis phenomenon" already described at the beginning. The impedance plethysmograph (18) measures the total resistance and the effective resistance for each tissue area of the body separately, depending on the prevailing environmental conditions and the conditions of the epidermis phenomenon of the person to be treated.The room temperature and the atmospheric electricity in the treatment room are measured and related to internal body parameters (pulse, body temperature, etc.) the inductive reactance and the capacitive reactance are determined in order to determine the final properties of the output current for the person to be treated.

All the above data come from the treatment chair (1) on the one hand and from the independently working individual devices for measuring and analyzing the parameters on the other hand, are transferred to the computer and processed there with the help of the highly developed software program integrated into the system.

For each person to be treated, a separate database (B) is created for recording and further processing of the information, so that the computer suggests a specific treatment program depending on the type of problem, as well as the type of application of the electrical impulses, the pulse width, the vibration range, and the repetition frequency of the electrical ones Discharge and the duration of the electrical impulses administered in this low strength are determined relative to the total duration of the treatment. At the same time, every new available information is analyzed and the output program is automatically adjusted accordingly.

ßezugszeichenliste

1 treatment chair

2 base

3 protractor magnetometer

5 compass pulse

7 radio transmitters

8 receivers 9 spirometers

10 Device for determining the carbon dioxide content

11 Device for measuring the used breathing air

12 Device for determining the alcohol content 13 Ultrasound device for measuring body fat percentage

14 scales

15 sensors for measuring body temperature

16 sensors for measuring the ambient temperature

17 stimulation current unit 18 impedance plethysmograph

30 Electronic regulating and control device

E electrodes

N north

S south

P / C computer

C power supply device

Claims

claims

1. System for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients, with at least one measuring device (6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) for determining patient data, with an electronic regulating and control device (30) for Regulation and control of the stimulation current, with an stimulation current unit (17) with connected electrodes (E), - with a transmission device (7, 8) for the transmission of the

Data from the measuring device (s) (6, 9, 10) to the electronic regulating and control device (30), characterized in that the electronic regulating and control device (30) for selectively executing different regulating and Control programs is equipped.

2. System for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic regulating and control device (30) has a computer (P / C).

3. System for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a treatment chair (1) is provided, that the treatment chair (1) is rotatable about its vertical axis and the inclination is adjustable, that a compass (5) is provided, and that an alignment device for aligning the treatment chair (1) is provided in accordance with the compass (5) direction.

4. System for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a magnetometer (4) is additionally provided for fine adjustment.

5. System for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spirometer (9) and / or a pulse meter (6) and / or a measuring device (10) for measuring devices for determining the data of the patient Determination of the carbon monoxide content and / or a measuring device (11) for measuring the breath used and / or an analysis device (12) for determining the alcohol content and / or an ultrasound device (13) for measuring the body fat percentage and / or an electronic balance (14 ) for determining the body weight and / or a sensor (15) for measuring the body temperature and / or a sensor (16) for measuring the ambient temperature are provided.

6. System for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device (18) is provided for recording skin surface effects, in particular the epidermis phenomenon.

7. System for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients

Claim 6, characterized in that the device (18) is designed as an impedance plethysmograph and records the total resistance and the effective resistance.

8. System for the controlled application of stimulation current to patients according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that external factors and / or the individual-specific epidermis phenomenon are taken into account and determine the inductive reactance and the capacitive reactance in order to set the output current.

9. System for the controlled application of stimulation current with electroprometry and pathophysiological analysis for smoking cessation and for healing injuries, which is composed of electronic devices for the determination and analysis of pathophysiological factors in the human organism. The determination of these factors enables the targeted and controlled use of electrical discharges with a constant, low-intensity current in predetermined areas of the epidermiscelia through the use of special equipment components which have the following features: The chair for therapeutic treatment (1) is based on ( 2) rotatable and adjustable in inclination and has a rotating mechanism for setting using an angle gauge (3) so that the optimal horizontal position can be set in the north-south direction. This optimal alignment is determined using a compass (5). In addition, the treatment chair has an integrated magnetometer (4), which carries out a fine measurement of the force flow of the magnetic field between the poles of the earth, as well as an integrated electronic pulse meter 6). The measured parameters are transmitted via the transmitter (7) connected to the treatment chair to the receiver (8) of the computer (P / C), or via a cable connection, the circuit of which is from a Main switch via a sensor and the magnetometer is closed. The system also has a spirometer (9) for measurement. of the expiratory volume, the measuring device for determining the carbon monoxide content (10) and also via the device for measuring the used breathing air (11). Thanks to the integrated software program, the treatment program against smoking can also be used for other conditions requiring treatment after special modifications have been made. The system also includes the analysis device for determining the alcohol content (12), the ultrasound device (13) for measuring the body fat percentage, and the electronic balance for determining the

Body weight (14), the sensors for measuring body temperature 15) and the ambient temperature in the treatment room (16), the stimulation current unit (17) with the connected electrodes (E) and the device (18) for recording the level of the epidermis phenomenon.

10. System for the controlled application of stimulation current with electroprometry and pathophysiological analysis for smoking cessation and for curing injuries according to claim 9, including the transmitter (7), which has the following features: the transmitter (7) functions automatically and the start of the transmission Information on the receiver (8) depends on the best possible parallel alignment of the longitudinal axis of the treatment chair (1) to the axis on which the magnetic field lines from the north pole - according to the magnetometer (4). N - the earth towards the South Pole - S - run. The transmitter (7) has a switch for switching over to manual setting, with which in the event of a malfunction of the magnetometer, both the alignment of the treatment chair (1) is carried out exclusively via the compass (5) and the transmitter (7) via the manual switch can be activated.

1. System for the controlled application of electrical stimulation with electroprometry and pathophysiological analysis for smoking cessation and for healing injuries according to claim 9 or 10, including the device (18) for recording the epidermis phenomenon, the following

Features include: The device acts as an impedance plethysmograph and records the total resistance and the effective resistance taking into account the ambient conditions and the individual-specific epidermis phenomenon of the person to be treated, in connection with the external factors for determining the inductive reactance and the capacitive reactance for final adjustment of the output current.