Stimulation Device

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to a neurostimulation device designed to treat addiction by electrically stimulating specific brain regions involved in the reward and craving mechanisms, such as the nucleus accumbens and the amygdaloid nucleus. The device generates and delivers stimulation signals via implanted electrodes to these target areas, aiming to disrupt pathological neural activity patterns associated with addictive behaviors, potentially reducing craving and relapse rates. The system may operate in both open-loop (preset stimulation) and closed-loop (responsive to real-time neural activity) modes.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Treatment of alcohol dependency in patients unresponsive to conventional therapies
• Treatment of opioid addiction, including heroin dependence
• Addressing poly-drug addiction and complex substance use disorders
• Potential application in treating other compulsive behavior disorders related to reward circuitry (e.g., gambling addiction)
• Possible adjunct therapy in psychiatric conditions with dysregulated reward processing, such as certain mood disorders

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Offers a novel, targeted therapeutic option for addiction that goes beyond standard detoxification and counseling approaches
• Potentially reduces persistent psychological cravings and relapse by modulating brain circuits directly involved in addictive behavior
• System can be tuned or personalized for individual patients (responsive/closed-loop capability)
• Implantable and programmable—may offer long-term, continuous support with minimal manual intervention
• May improve quality of life and reduce economic and social burden associated with addiction
• Technique could help patients for whom pharmaceutical and behavioral interventions have failed

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) comprising a generator unit (1) for generating stimulation signals and a stimulation unit (2) connected to the generator unit (1), wherein the stimulation unit (2) is designed to stimulate nerve cells (3) in the nucleus accumbens and/or in the amygdaloid nucleus and/or in the fasciculus medialis telencephali and/or in pathways made of dopaminergic areas of the mesencephalon leading to the nucleus accumbens or the amygdaloid nucleus and/or in fibre bundles that connect the nucleus accumbens and the amygdaloid nucleus using said stimulation signals.