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. A method for tear production, comprising:
implanting a microstimulator at least partially in a punctum, lacrimal duct, or nasolacrimal duct; and
applying an electrical stimulus to the punctum, lacrimal duct, or nasolacrimal duct.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microstimulator is positioned in a punctum.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microstimulator is positioned in a lacrimal duct.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microstimulator is positioned in a nasolacrimal duct.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microstimulator comprises at least one electrode.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microstimulator is configured to change shape upon implantation.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein after implantation the microstimulator conforms to one or more anatomical structures.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the microstimulator comprises a curved shape.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microstimulator comprises one or more components that aid in insertion of the microstimulator into tissue.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the microstimulator comprises rounded edges.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microstimulator comprises an element that maintains the microstimulator in place relative to tissue.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the microstimulator comprises an adhesive coating.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the element comprises a hook, a barb, an anchor, a bump, or a protrusion.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microstimulator comprises a housing and a flexible extension.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical stimulus is applied to one or more afferents in the lacrimal duct.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical stimulus is applied to one or more afferents in the nasolacrimal duct.