Medical therapy arrangement for applying an electrical stimulation to a human or animal subject

Abstract

A garment worn by the patient is provided. The garment has a first module electrically connected to a second module. The first module has a first sub-control unit electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode placed at a first muscle of the patient and a third electrode and a fourth electrode placed at a second muscle. The sub-control unit is electrically connected to a master unit. The first muscle is stimulated with a first stimulation signal without shortening the first muscle by sending the first stimulation signal to the first electrode placed at the first muscle. The stimulation of the first muscle relaxes the second muscle. A measuring unit (U1) of the master unit determines a first current value flowing from the first electrode through the first muscle to the second electrode and sends the first current value to a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU compares the first current value to a current reference value and increases a voltage of the first stimulation signal when the first current value is below the current reference value.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for treating a patient, comprising:
 providing a garment worn by the patient, the garment having a first sub-control unit electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode placed at a first muscle or first nerve of the patient and a third electrode and a fourth electrode placed at a second muscle or second nerve, the first sub-control unit being electrically connected to a master unit, the first sub-control unit having a circuitry having a first switch SW 1  and a second switch SW 2  electrically connected to the first switch SW 1 , the first and second switches being switchable between an open position and a closed position, the circuitry being switchable between a voltage mode and a current mode, a voltage of a first stimulation signal being constant in the voltage mode and a current of the first stimulation signal being substantially constant in the current mode;   the master unit sending a first set signal to the circuitry to switch the second switch to the closed position to switch the circuitry to the voltage mode, the master unit sending a second set signal to the circuitry to switch the second switch to the open position to switch the circuitry to the current mode, the master unit setting the voltage of the first stimulation signal to a maximum value when in the current mode; and   the first stimulation signal stimulating the first muscle or first nerve with the first stimulation signal by sending the first stimulation signal to the first electrode placed at the first muscle or first nerve.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of comparing the first feedback voltage signal with an earlier measured value measured prior to sending the first stimulation signal to determine a level of relaxation of the second muscle. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of continuously determining an amount of current flowing through the first muscle by measuring a voltage drop across a resistor of the circuitry. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the method further comprises the step of the master unit increasing the voltage of the first stimulation signal when the current flowing through the first muscle is below a minimum value. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the method further comprises the step of the current fluctuating between a maximum value and a minimum value when the circuitry is in the current mode. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of continually measuring the first feedback voltage signal. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of creating pulsation of an incoming pulse power signal by opening and closing the first switch. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the method further comprises the step of setting a voltage of the incoming pulse power signal to a maximum value when the circuitry is in the current mode. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the steps of the first sub-control unit measuring a first feedback voltage signal between the third electrode and the fourth electrode in a time gap between pulses of the first stimulation signal and based on the first feedback voltage, the master unit adapting the voltage of the first stimulation signal.