STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS
Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.
1 - 44 . (canceled)
45 . A method for treating dry eye comprising:
implanting a microstimulator adjacent to a lacrimal gland, wherein the microstimulator comprises a passive stimulation circuit; and
applying ramped stimulation to the lacrimal gland.
46 . The method of claim 45 , wherein the passive stimulation circuit comprises a ramping control unit.
47 . The method of claim 45 , wherein the microstimulator is implanted into a fossa for the lacrimal gland.
48 . The method of claim 45 , further comprising positioning a controller in proximity to the microstimulator.
49 . The method of claim 48 , further comprising generating a magnetic field with the controller.
50 . The method of claim 49 , wherein the magnetic field is generated in bursts.
51 . The method of claim 45 , wherein the microstimulator comprises at least one electrode.
52 . The method of claim 45 , wherein the microstimulator is configured to change shape upon implantation.
53 . The method of claim 45 , wherein after implantation the microstimulator conforms to one or more anatomical structures.
54 . The method of claim 53 , wherein the microstimulator comprises a curved shape.
55 . The method of claim 45 , wherein the microstimulator comprises one or more components that aid in insertion of the microstimulator into tissue.
56 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the microstimulator comprises rounded edges.
57 . The method of claim 45 , wherein the microstimulator comprises an element that maintains the microstimulator in place relative to tissue.
58 . The method of claim 57 , wherein the microstimulator comprises an adhesive coating.
59 . The method of claim 57 , wherein the element comprises a hook, a barb, an anchor, a bump, or a protrusion.
60 . The method of claim 45 , wherein the microstimulator comprises a housing and a flexible extension.
61 . A method for treating dry eye comprising:
implanting a microstimulator adjacent to a lacrimal gland, wherein the microstimulator comprises a passive stimulation circuit; and
applying a stimulation signal to the lacrimal gland.
62 . The method of claim 61 , wherein the passive stimulation circuit comprises a ramping control unit.
63 . The method of claim 61 , wherein the microstimulator is implanted into a fossa for the lacrimal gland.
64 . The method of claim 61 , further comprising positioning a controller in proximity to the microstimulator.