Stimulation devices and methods

Abstract

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.