Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080200964 | GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY CONTROL - A method and a multichannel implantable device are described for partial or complete restoration of impaired gastrointestinal motility, or for disturbing and/or partially or completely blocking normal gastrointestinal motility using one or multiple microsystem-controlled channels of circumferentially arranged sets of two or more electrodes which provide externally-invoked synchronized electrical signals to the smooth muscles via the neural pathways. | 08-21-2008 |
20080281374 | Method of using a gastrointestinal stimulator device for digestive and eating disorders - Methods of using a stimulator device in the treatment of: gastrointestinal disorders such as dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux diseases, functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, postoperative ileus, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, nausea and vomiting; gastrointestinal obstruction or pseudo-obstruction; pain and/or discomfort related to visceral organs; eating disorders, such as obesity, binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, and chemotherapy-induced emesis or emesis of other origin are presented. The stimulator device generally includes a housing, at least two electrodes, and a pulse generator. The housing has an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a sealed interior space. The housing is constructed of bio-compatible materials and sized and shaped for transport through the gastrointestinal tract. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281375 | Gastrointestinal stimulator device for digestive and eating disorders - A stimulator device for providing stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract of a user including a housing, at least two electrodes, and a pulse generator. The housing has an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a sealed interior space. The housing is constructed of bio-compatible materials and sized and shaped for transport through the gastrointestinal tract. A portion of the at least two electrodes is disposed on the exterior surface of the housing. The pulse generator is disposed in the interior space of the housing and delivers pulses to the electrodes. Also presented are methods of using a stimulator device in the treatment of: gastrointestinal disorders such as dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux diseases, functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, postoperative ileus, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, nausea and vomiting; gastrointestinal obstruction or pseudo-obstruction; pain and/or discomfort related to visceral organs; eating disorders, such as obesity, binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, and chemotherapy-induced emesis or emesis of other origin. | 11-13-2008 |
20080300645 | TREATMENT OF CARDIOMYOPATHY, HEART FAILURE AND CARDIAC ISCHEMIA USING STIMULATION INDUCED SECRETION OF GLP-1 - An exemplary method for treating heart failure includes diagnosing heart failure and calling for delivery of energy to the distal ileum to activate L cells using an implantable device where activation of L cells causes release of GLP-1 and where release of GLP-1 treats heart failure. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300646 | TREATMENT OF CARDIOMYOPATHY, HEART FAILURE AND CARDIAC ISCHEMIA USING STIMULATION INDUCED SECRETION OF GLP-1 - An exemplary method for treating heart failure includes diagnosing heart failure and calling for delivery of energy to the distal ileum to activate L cells using an implantable device where activation of L cells causes release of GLP-1 and where release of GLP-1 treats heart failure. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300647 | TREATMENT OF CARDIOMYOPATHY, HEART FAILURE AND CARDIAC ISCHEMIA USING STIMULATION INDUCED SECRETION OF GLP-1 - An exemplary method for treating heart failure includes diagnosing heart failure and calling for delivery of energy to the distal ileum to activate L cells using an implantable device where activation of L cells causes release of GLP-1 and where release of GLP-1 treats heart failure. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300648 | TREATMENT OF CARDIOMYOPATHY, HEART FAILURE AND CARDIAC ISCHEMIA USING STIMULATION INDUCED SECRETION OF GLP-1 - An exemplary method for treating heart failure includes diagnosing heart failure and calling for delivery of energy to the distal ileum to activate L cells using an implantable device where activation of L cells causes release of GLP-1 and where release of GLP-1 treats heart failure. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 12-04-2008 |
20080312712 | Implantable Devices and Methods for Stimulation of Cardiac or Other Tissues - An implantable stimulation system is provided for stimulation of the heart, phrenic nerve, gastric system, or other tissue structures accessible via a patient's upper gastrointestinal system or airway. The stimulation system includes an implantable controller housing including a pulse generator; at least one electrical lead attachable to the pulse generator; and at least one electrode carried by the electrical lead that is positionable and fixable within the upper gastrointestinal tract or airway. The controller housing may be adaptable for subcutaneous implantation, or within the upper gastrointestinal tract or airway, wherein the controller housing is proportioned to substantially permit fluid and solid flow through the upper gastrointestinal tract or airway about the controller housing. The pulse generator may be operable to deliver one or more electrical pulses effective in cardiac pacing, cardiac defibrillation, cardioversion, cardiac resynchronization therapy, diaphragm pacing, phrenic nerve stimulation, gastric electrical stimulation, or a combination thereof. | 12-18-2008 |
20080319504 | Device for Electrically and Mechanically Stimulating a Compartment in a Body - A device is provided for stimulating select body tissues and organs from within a compartment in a body. The device includes a tube having a distal end, a proximal end and a plurality of lumens. At least one distendable element is located along and coupled to the tube in closer proximity to the distal end than to the proximal end. Each distendable element is configured to expand against the compartment into a first position and contract within the compartment into a second position. At least one electrical component is in association with each of the distendable elements and configured to activate and deactivate electrical stimulation to the select body tissues and organs. The expansion and contraction of each distendable element and the activation and deactivation of each electrical component in the compartment is repeated over a period of time. | 12-25-2008 |
20090018602 | Methods And Systems For Performing Submucosal Medical Procedures - Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018603 | Methods and Systems for Submucosal Implantation of a Device for Diagnosis and Treatment of a Body - Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, and a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided. In accordance with one aspect there is provided a submucosal implant device for diagnosing and treating disorders of the body. The submucosal implant device may take the form of a gastric stimulator in which signals are supplied to the muscular wall of a mammal to treat motility disorders. In accordance with yet another aspect there is provided a method for performing a submucosal medical procedure to deploy a submucosal implant device in the digestive tract of a mammal. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018604 | Methods And Systems for Submucosal Implantation of a Device For Diagnosis and Treatment with a Therapeutic Agent - Instruments, systems, implants, and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, and a mucosal resection device. A submucosal implant device for diagnosing and treating disorders of the body may be implanted. A passive submucosal implant device may take the form of a drug delivery depot in which a therapeutic agent within the depot elutes from the depot according to a predetermined elution profile. An active submucosal implant device may take the form of a drug delivery device that incorporates a self-contained diagnostic system to determine the appropriate delivery time and dosage of a therapeutic agent to be administered. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018605 | Gastric Treatment/Diagnosis Device and Attachment Device and Method - A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating gastric disorders is provided. A functional device resides within the patient's stomach and is secured to the stomach wall by an attachment device. The functional device may be a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or may be a therapeutic delivery device. The functional device in one embodiment provides a device, system and method for gastric electrical stimulation where stimulating electrodes are secured to the wall of the stomach by the attachment device or otherwise. A preferred device includes: at least one stimulating electrode in electrical contact with the stomach wall; an electronics unit containing the electronic circuitry of the device; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the stomach wall. The functional devices may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals. An endoscopic delivery system delivers the functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is attached the stomach wall. The endoscopic instruments attach or remove the attachment devices and functional devices from the stomach and may be used to assist in determining the optimal attachment location. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018606 | Methods and Devices for Stimulation of an Organ with the Use of a Transectionally Placed Guide Wire - Devices, systems and methods are provided for electrical stimulation of a body organ, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract. In preferred embodiments, the stomach is the organ within the gastrointestinal tract which is targeted for such stimulation. A guide wire or other delivery device is positioned within the body so as to transect the stomach wall. Devices and systems are then advanced over the guide wire for attachment to the stomach wall. The guide wire may be placed by endoscopic, open, laparoscopic or a modified percutaneous approach. In a modified percutaneous approach, the stomach is accessed without the use of general anesthesia by advancing a needle through the abdomen, transecting the stomach wall with the needle and advancing the guide wire through the needle. In some embodiments, particularly for use in obese patients, the modified percutaneous approach includes advancing a trocar through the tissue of the patient toward the outer surface of the organ and advancing the needle through the trocar prior to transecting the wall with the needle. | 01-15-2009 |
20090030473 | GASTROINTESTINAL DEVICE FOR TREATING OBESITY AND DIABETES - Apparatus is provided, including an ingestible capsule, one or more electrodes coupled to the capsule, and a control unit configured to maintain the capsule in a vicinity of a designated site of a subject by driving at least a subset of the electrodes to apply a current that induces reverse intestinal peristalsis in the subject. Other embodiments are also described. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030474 | Sensor Driven Gastric Stimulation for Patient Management - Gastric stimulation systems and methods are provided for treating a patient, particularly by modifying behavior of the patient leading to excess weight loss. In some embodiments, such weight loss is achieved with a combination approach which includes two or more of the following: acute screening of the potential patients, gastric stimulation, induction of symptoms or specific behaviors and integration of patient management data into the treatment plan. Gastric stimulation is provided to portions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the stomach, with the use of at least one electrode. A variety of gastric stimulation systems may be used, including stimulators that are endoscopically placed, laparoscopically placed or placed by modified or combination methods. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030475 | Gastric Stimulation Systems and Methods Utilizing a Transgastric Probe - Gastric stimulation devices, systems and methods are provided, particularly for stimulating a gastric organ having an internal cavity. Such devices and systems are typically implanted outside of the gastric organ while the environment of the internal cavity is probed and monitored by one or more sensors. The sensor information may be used to affect the stimulation signals provided to the gastric organ by the devices and systems. Such feedback integration assists in providing treatments and stimulation programs that are tailored to the needs of the individual patient. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030476 | Methods and Apparatus for Electrical Stimulation of Tissues Using Signals that Minimize the Effects of Tissue Impedance - A tissue stimulation system that generates an electrical tissue stimulation signal configured to reduce tissue impedance and increase depth of signal penetration. The use of leads is dynamically controlled and altered between conducting biopotential voltages, conducting electrical tissue stimulation signals, and grounding, in response to a computational analysis of biopotential data acquired from a region of tissue to be stimulated. | 01-29-2009 |
20090048639 | Appendicular and rectal stimulator device for digestive and eating disorders - A method of using a stimulation device to emit a medium to an appendicular region and/or rectal region of a user for treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder is described. The method includes placing the stimulation device into the appendicular region and/or rectal region, and delivering the medium, wherein the medium stimulates at least a portion of the enteric nervous system. Additionally, apparatus and delivery devices are disclosed. | 02-19-2009 |
20090062881 | GI AND PANCREATIC DEVICE FOR TREATING OBESITY AND DIABETES - A method is provided, including placing first and second electrodes ( | 03-05-2009 |
20090088816 | Gastrointestinal Methods And Apparatus For Use In Treating Disorders And Controlling Blood Sugar - A method of glucose level control comprising providing at least one electrode adapted to apply an electric field to a pancreas; and applying an electric field to the pancreas using said at least one electrode such that blood glucose levels are significantly reduced and blood insulin levels are not significantly increased compared to a regular insulin response in a same person. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088817 | GASTRIC ELECTRICAL STIMULATION WITH LOCKOUT INTERVAL ANTI-DESENSITIZATION FEATURE - The disclosure is directed to gastric stimulation programmers, stimulators and methods for controlling delivery of gastric stimulation therapy to maintain the efficacy of the therapy over time. Maintaining the efficacy of gastric stimulation therapy may be possible by implementing one or more anti-desensitization features in a gastric stimulation controller or stimulator. As electrical stimulation therapy is continuously delivered to a patient, the stimulated tissue may become desensitized to the electrical stimulation therapy such that the beneficial effect of the electrical stimulation is diminished. Once desensitization occurs, the affected tissue may not respond favorably to electrical stimulation therapy. Application of one or more anti-desensitization features to control gastric stimulation therapy may reduce or prevent desensitization and effectively extend the efficacy of the therapy over time. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088818 | GASTRIC ELECTRICAL STIMULATION WITH THERAPY WINDOW ANTI-DESENSITIZATION FEATURE - The disclosure is directed to gastric stimulation programmers, stimulators and methods for controlling delivery of gastric stimulation therapy to maintain the efficacy of the therapy over time. Maintaining the efficacy of gastric stimulation therapy may be possible by implementing one or more anti-desensitization features in a gastric stimulation controller or stimulator. As electrical stimulation therapy is continuously delivered to a patient, the stimulated tissue may become desensitized to the electrical stimulation therapy such that the beneficial effect of the electrical stimulation is diminished. Once desensitization occurs, the affected tissue may not respond favorably to electrical stimulation therapy. Application of one or more anti-desensitization features to control gastric stimulation therapy may reduce or prevent desensitization and effectively extend the efficacy of the therapy over time. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088819 | GASTRIC ELECTRICAL STIMULATION WITH MULTI-SITE STIMULATION ANTI-DESENSITIZATION FEATURE - The disclosure is directed to gastric stimulation programmers, stimulators and methods for controlling delivery of gastric stimulation therapy to maintain the efficacy of the therapy over time. Maintaining the efficacy of gastric stimulation therapy may be possible by implementing one or more anti-desensitization features in a gastric stimulation controller or stimulator. As electrical stimulation therapy is continuously delivered to a patient, the stimulated tissue may become desensitized to the electrical stimulation therapy such that the beneficial effect of the electrical stimulation is diminished. Once desensitization occurs, the affected tissue may not respond favorably to electrical stimulation therapy. Application of one or more anti-desensitization features to control gastric stimulation therapy may reduce or prevent desensitization and effectively extend the efficacy of the therapy over time | 04-02-2009 |
20090105781 | REGULATION OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE (MMP) GENE EXPRESSION IN TUMOR CELLS VIA THE APPLICATION OF ELECTRIC AND/OR ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS - Methods and apparatus provide for treating and/or preventing tumor growth and/or spread, and/or other conditions in which Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) protein has been implicated in a patient, comprising: generating at least one specific and selective electric signal that when applied to electrodes, one or more coils, or other field generating devices operatively disposed with respect to targeted tissue causes the generation of a specific and selective electric field in the targeted tissue that substantially down-regulates the gene expression of MMP protein in said targeted tissue as measured by mRNA production; and exposing said targeted tissue to the specific and selective electric field generated by said electrodes, one or more coils, or other field generating devices upon application of said at least one specific and selective electric signal thereto for a duration of between about 3-5 hours at predetermined intervals so as to selectively down-regulate the gene expression of MMP protein in said targeted tissue as measured by mRNA production. | 04-23-2009 |
20090132001 | USE OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER TO MODULATE LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER PRESSURE - The present invention describes methods and devices using low frequency electrical stimulation or neural high frequency stimulation to modulate lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. The electrical stimulation may be delivered to the LES via one or more electrodes that is placed in contact with the LES tissue. The methods and devices are useful to treat a number of conditions or disease conditions, including for example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). | 05-21-2009 |
20090149910 | Gastric Treatment/Diagnosis Device and Attachment Device and Method - A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating gastric disorders is provided. A functional device resides within the patient's stomach and is secured to the stomach wall by an attachment device. The functional device may be a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or may be a therapeutic delivery device. The functional device in one embodiment provides a device, system and method for gastric electrical stimulation where stimulating electrodes are secured to the wall of the stomach by the attachment device or otherwise. A preferred device includes: at least one stimulating electrode in electrical contact with the stomach wall; an electronics unit containing the electronic circuitry of the device; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the stomach wall. The functional devices may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals. An endoscopic delivery system delivers the functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is attached the stomach wall. The endoscopic instruments attach or remove the attachment devices and functional devices from the stomach and may be used to assist in determining the optimal attachment location. | 06-11-2009 |
20090157138 | Methods And Apparatus For Treating Ileus Condition Using Electrical Signals - A method of treating a temporary arrest of intestinal peristalsis includes inducing at least one of an electric current, an electric field and an electromagnetic field in a sympathetic nerve chain of a mammal to block and/or modulate inhibitory nerve signals thereof such that intestinal peristalsis function is at least partially improved. | 06-18-2009 |
20090187230 | Method and apparatus for programming of autonomic neuromodulation for the treatment of obesity - The present invention teaches methods and apparatus for user control and operation of physiological modulation, including neural and gastrointestinal modulation, for the purposes of treating several disorders, including obesity. This includes programming of neuromodulatory signal for the modulation of autonomic neural and neuromuscular modulators, used to modulate tissues, including the afferent neurons of the sympathetic nervous system to induce satiety and efferent neurons to modulate metabolism. | 07-23-2009 |
20090192564 | Changeable electrode polarity stimulation by an implantable medical device - We disclose a method of treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device including coupling at least a first electrode and a second electrode to a cranial nerve of the patient, providing a programmable electrical signal generator coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, generating a first electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the first electrical signal to the electrodes, wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, generating a second electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the second electrical signal to the electrodes, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, generating a third electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, and applying the third electrical signal to the electrodes. Each of the electrical signals can independently contain one or more pulses or one or more bursts. The number of pulses need not be equal between any two of the electrical signals. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192565 | STIMULATION OF THE STOMACH IN RESPONSE TO SENSED PARAMETERS TO TREAT OBESITY - A neurostimulation kit and a method of treating a patient are provided. The kit comprises a stimulation backing that includes a flat, electrically insulative, body having a pair of opposing first and second planar surfaces, and an electrode affixed to the first surface of the insulative body. The stimulation backing is implanted within a patient and affixed therein to place the electrode into contact with a tissue surface. The kit comprises a neurostimulator including a housing and stimulation circuitry contained within the housing. The neurostimulator is implanted within the patient by affixing the housing to the second surface of the insulative body, such that the stimulation circuitry is electrically coupled to the electrode. | 07-30-2009 |
20090222057 | Gastrointestinal Anchor In Optimal Surface Area - A device, system and method for anchoring a device to a stomach is provided. The device may be, among other things, a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or may be a therapeutic delivery device. The anchor of the device is constructed to resist pull out forces. An anchor has an optimal weight to surface area ratio. | 09-03-2009 |
20090254142 | Treating Medical Conditions of Hollow Organs - A minimally invasive treatment and appartus for treating medical conditions of hollow organs is described. Electrodes positioned within the organ and in surface contact with the underlying glands, nerves, and muscle walls of the organ apply energy to specific glandular, nerve, or muscular areas to alter the organ's operation. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254143 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GLUCOSE REGULATION - Various methods and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired glucose regulation in a subject comprising in one embodiment, applying a neural conduction block to a target nerve at a blocking site with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve pulses. In another embodiment, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to treat impaired glucose regulation. In other embodiments, up-regulation or down-regulation of various nerves, such as the vagus and its branches, and the splanchnic is used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, thereby controlling glucose levels. In yet further embodiments, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, to treat impaired glucose regulation. | 10-08-2009 |
20090259274 | Methods And Apparatus For Electrical Treatment Using Balloon And Electrode - The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. A device is provided having an enclosure within an outer wall formed from an electrically-permeable material to allow for electrical energy to pass from the interior of the enclosure through the outer wall. The device further includes an electrode positioned within the interior of the enclosure and a fluid passage coupled to the enclosure for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid into the interior of the enclosure such that the electrically conductive fluid couples the electrode with the electrically-permeable section of the outer wall. The conductive fluid allows for the passage of electrical energy from the electrode through the fluid and the outer wall of the enclosure for treatment of tissue on or in a patient. In this manner, the electrode does not directly contact the tissue of the patient, which reduces the potential for collateral tissue damage or necrosis and/or excessive electric fields in the tissue. | 10-15-2009 |
20090264951 | Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - An implantable stimulation device for use in stimulation based treatments for diseases such as GERD or obesity is described. The device is provided with an anchoring unit which upon deployment assumes a shape optimized for the site of deployment. Sensing electrodes and stimulating electrodes in the device are also designed to assume a suitable shape upon deployment. A novel catheter is also provided for easy and expeditious deployment of the device. | 10-22-2009 |
20090299434 | Endoscopic System For Attaching a Device to a Stomach - A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating gastric disorders is provided. A functional device resides within the patient's stomach and is secured to the stomach wall by an attachment device. The functional device may be a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or may be a therapeutic delivery device. The functional device in one embodiment provides a device, system and method for gastric electrical stimulation where stimulating electrodes are secured to the wall of the stomach by the attachment device or otherwise. A preferred device includes: at least one stimulating electrode in electrical contact with the stomach wall; an electronics unit containing the electronic circuitry of the device; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the stomach wall. The functional devices may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals. An endoscopic delivery system delivers the functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is attached the stomach wall. The endoscopic instruments attach or remove the attachment devices and functional devices from the stomach and may be used to assist in determining the optimal attachment location. | 12-03-2009 |
20090306739 | Methods and apparatus for neuromodulation and physiologic modulation for the treatment of obesity and metabolic and neuropsychiatric disease - The present invention teaches a method and apparatus for physiological modulation, including neural and gastrointestinal modulation, for the purposes of treating several disorders, including obesity, depression, epilepsy, and diabetes. This includes chronically implanted neural and neuromuscular modulators, used to modulate the afferent neurons of the sympathetic nervous system to induce satiety as well as to modulate the efferent neurons of the sympathetic nervous system to modulate metabolism, including metabolic rate. Furthermore, this includes neuromuscular stimulation of the stomach to effect baseline and intermittent smooth muscle contraction to increase gastric intraluminal pressure, which induces satiety, and stimulate sympathetic afferent fibers, including those in the sympathetic trunk, splanchnic nerves, and greater curvature of the stomach, to augment the perception of satiety. | 12-10-2009 |
20100023087 | RANDOMIZED STIMULATION OF A GASTROINTESTINAL ORGAN - A device, system and method for stimulating a digestive organ is provided where the stimulation is randomized. | 01-28-2010 |
20100049274 | DETECTION OF FEEDING INTENT FOR USE IN TREATMENT OF EATING DISORDERS - An exemplary method for treating obesity includes calling for delivery of electrical energy to a vagal nerve, detecting pre-prandial activity and, in response to the detection of pre-prandial activity, calling for delivery of electrical energy to the stomach for a pre-determined amount of time to induce satiety. Various other technologies are also disclosed. | 02-25-2010 |
20100094373 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING THE VASCULAR SYSTEM - The present invention provides methods of treating a gastrointestinal condition. In some embodiments, the method generally includes administering a chemical or electrical stimulus to an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a nerve supplying an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, and/or a nerve supplying a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, wherein the chemical or electrical stimulus is effective for treating a gastrointestinal condition. | 04-15-2010 |
20100094374 | RESPONSIVE GASTRIC STIMULATOR - A responsive gastrointestinal stimulation device is provided where one or more sensors sense data corresponding to a subject or the gastrointestinal tract of a subject and responds to sensing the data by stimulating, adjusting stimulation, or stopping stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. A stimulation device is also provided to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to produce a sensation of satiety or to control hunger or food consumption. | 04-15-2010 |
20100094375 | NEURAL ELECTRODE TREATMENT - An apparatus for applying a signal to a nerve for the treatment of a disorder includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Each of the electrodes is adapted to be secured to a nerve of a patient. A signal generator is electrically connected to each of the first and second electrodes. The signal generator is adapted to create a signal having a first waveform at the first electrode and a second waveform at the second electrode. The waveforms have parameters selected to block propagation of neural action potentials. The waveforms have a repeating pattern of cycles of pulses with a delay period between at least selected ones of said pulses. In one embodiment, the first and second waveforms are out of phase for a cycle of one of the waveforms to occur during a delay period of the other of the waveforms. | 04-15-2010 |
20100145408 | Splanchnic Nerve Stimulation For Treatment of Obesity - A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an electrode. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. | 06-10-2010 |
20100160995 | METHOD FOR TREATING OBESITY - Method for treating obesity in a mammal which has an oesophagus connected to a stomach at the level of an oesophagogastric junction region, the oesophagogastric junction region exhibiting a zigzag oesophagogastric mucosal junction line and a transverse mucosal fold raised by sling fibres, the mucosal fold being located downstream of the Z line, the mucosal fold and the Z line defining a conical structure delimiting an opening to the stomach, | 06-24-2010 |
20100168815 | NERVE STIMULATION AND BLOCKING FOR TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS - At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site. | 07-01-2010 |
20100174339 | METHOD OF USING SPINAL CORD STIMULATION TO TREAT GASTROINTESTINAL AND/OR EATING DISORDERS OR CONDITIONS - The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. | 07-08-2010 |
20100174340 | Methods and Apparatus for Applying Energy to Patients - The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. More specifically, systems and methods are provided for introducing a flowable electrode to a target site within the patient such that the flowable electrode converts to a hardened electrode after being introduced to the target site. An electrical impulse is applied to the hardened electrode to modulate one or more nerve(s) at the target site. The electrode preferably comprises a conductive polymer material. | 07-08-2010 |
20100191302 | GASTROINTESTINAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF VISCERAL PAIN - The invention is a method of treatment for reducing visceral pain by administering in an individual in need thereof gastrointestinal electrical stimulation in repetitive trains of short pulses, where the administration of gastrointestinal electrical stimulation reduces visceral pain in the individual. Also, provided is a method of treating gastrointestinal sensory dysfunction. Further, this invention provides methods for modulating sympathetic nervous system for the treatment of visceral pain by administering in an individual in need thereof repetitive trains of short pulse electrical stimulation of the sympathetic nerves, where the electrical stimulation provided is effective in reducing visceral pain. | 07-29-2010 |
20100211130 | Treatment of the Autonomic Nervous System - Systems and methods are provided for modulating the autonomic nervous system by the electrical stimulation of the neuro-muscular system of a patient, and include an implantable electrical system for gastrointestinal stimulation which incorporates a heart rate sensor to indicate the neurovegetative patient condition, to initiate and terminate stimulation at specific locations, and an algorithm to automatically control electrical stimulation frequency, interval, amplitude, or a combination of such parameters for adaptive treatment of obesity, anorexia, other eating disorders, diseases related with the so called “metabolic syndrome” (e.g., impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes type 2, GERD, systemic hypertension, early arterovascular degeneration, early senility, and the like), and disorders related to a pathologic inbalance of the autonomic nervous system. | 08-19-2010 |
20100217346 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL STIMULATION VIA THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM - An implantable gastrointestinal (GI) stimulation system includes an implantable medical device and at least one stimulus delivery device configured to be placed in one or more lymphatic vessels of a patient, such as the patient's thoracic duct and/or vessels branching from the thoracic duct. In one embodiment, the implantable medical device includes a GI stimulation circuit to deliver electrical stimulation pulses to one or more target regions adjacent to a lymphatic vessel through the stimulus delivery device. In one embodiment, to control obesity, the electrical stimulation pulses are delivered to the organs and/or nerves of the GI tract to create a sensation of satiety and/or to expedite food movement through the GI tract. | 08-26-2010 |
20100222841 | FEEDBACK CONTROLLED GASTRO-INTESTINAL STIMULATION - Neural Gastric Electrical Stimulation (NGES) is a new method for invoking gastric contractions under microprocessor control. However, optimization of this technique using feedback mechanisms to minimize power consumption and maximize effectiveness has been lacking. An apparatus and method are provided for inducing controlled gastro paresis. The apparatus comprises a contraction sensor, a stomach contraction generator, and a controller. The contraction sensor is responsive to circumferential contractions of the stomach, and outputs a signal indicative of a circumferential contraction. The stomach contraction generator induces a circumferential contraction upon receipt of an electrical signal from the controller. The controller sends the electrical signal to the generator upon receipt of the output signal from the sensor. The method comprises the steps of sensing a circumferential contraction of the stomach, and invoking a circumferential contraction of the stomach in response to sensing the circumferential contraction. | 09-02-2010 |
20100228313 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY TO PROMOTE GASTRIC DISTENTION FOR OBESITY MANAGEMENT - The disclosure is directed to techniques for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to support obesity management. The electrical stimulation therapy is configured to cause at least partial gastric distention. Gastric distention tends to induce a sensation of fullness and thereby discourages excessive food intake by the patient. The electrical stimulation therapy may be delivered to the gastrointestinal tract of the patient by electrodes deployed by one or more implantable leads coupled to an electrical stimulator. The electrical stimulator delivers stimulation pulses having a pulse width in a range found to be effective in causing gastric distention. | 09-09-2010 |
20100234917 | Digestive Organ Retention Device - An retaining device for attaching to a contractile organ such as a digestive tract organ or stomach is provided. One aspect may include a lead for stimulating a digestive organ. The device may be an electrical stimulation device configured to deliver electrical signals to the organ. | 09-16-2010 |
20100249873 | Direct and Indirect Control of Muscle for the Treatment of Pathologies - Methods are disclosed for applying an electrical stimulation signal to nerves and/or muscles to modulate (i.e., relax, relieve spasms or tighten) the smooth muscle of the sphincter of Oddi, which stimulation may be applied directly to the smooth muscle of the sphincter or by modulation of the signals applied to the sphincter through the heptactic plexus. | 09-30-2010 |
20100268297 | Duodenal Stimulation To Induce Satiety - Methods and devices for creating and/or adding to sensations of satiety to reduce food intake. Methods include electrically stimulating the duodenum which may induce false nerve signals in the duodenal region which are normally indicative of duodenal distension (fullness) and/or the presence of food in the duodenum. These artificially generated signals may be superimposed on existing, naturally present signals. The artificially generated signals may be applied in a pattern which mimics at least in part a naturally occurring pattern of duodenal signals generated responsive to eating a meal. Some artificial patterns may be exaggerated relative to the natural patterns, by occurring earlier after ingestion, and/or lasting longer after ingestion, having an exaggerated (higher) frequency response or a faster rate of frequency increase after ingestion. The applied signals may generate nerve signals going to the brain which induce a feeling of satiety. The signals may trigger local neural loops which may feed back to and decrease peristalsis in, the stomach. | 10-21-2010 |
20100280569 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REDUCING WEIGHT - The present invention relates to a device ( | 11-04-2010 |
20100286745 | Radially Expandable Gastrointestinal Stimulation Device - A fixation device for holding stimulating electrodes in electrical contact with the wall of a portion of the gastrointestinal tract is provided. In one embodiment, the fixation device includes an expandable member that fixes the electrodes in electrical contact with the gastrointestinal tract wall. Also provided is an implantable device and method for controlling the opening and/or closing of the pylorus. In particular a device and method is provided for stimulating the duodenum to control the closing/and or opening of the pylorus. | 11-11-2010 |
20100298905 | Systems And Methods For Selectively Applying Electrical Energy To Tissue - Systems and devices for selectively applying electrical energy to a target region beneath a skin surface of a patient involve applying an electrical impulse to one or more electrodes on a skin surface of the patient to modulate one or more nerves at the target region, where the impulse is substantially blocked at nerves located between the target region and the skin surface such that only the nerves at the target region are modulated by the electrical impulse. | 11-25-2010 |
20100298906 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF ENTEROSTOMIES - An apparatus for effecting the closure of a stoma, the apparatus comprising a stimulator arranged to provide a signal for stimulation of implanted contractile tissues positioned proximate to the stoma in order to facilitate closure of the stoma. | 11-25-2010 |
20100305655 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS USING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS - A method of treating motility conditions, such as an arrest of intestinal peristalsis, includes introducing an electrode through the esophagus and into the digestive tract of the patient and applying an electrical impulse to the electrode to modulate one or more nerves within the digestive tract such that intestinal peristalsis function is at least partially improved. | 12-02-2010 |
20100305656 | Gastric Simulation Anchor and Method - A device, system and method for electrically stimulating the stomach is provided. A device system and method for attaching a stimulating device to the stomach wall is also provided. | 12-02-2010 |
20110004266 | Method and Apparatus for Treatment of the Gastrointestinal Tract - A method and device for electrically stimulating one or more structures in the gastrointestinal tract as described. The one or more structures are preferably selected from the upper esophageal sphincter, the esophagus and gastric fundus. The method may involve the step of arranging a plurality of stimulating electrodes adjacent one or more structures which may further include the lower esophageal sphincter, the stomach, the pyloric sphincter, the small intestine, the colon and the vagus. The method and device may further include sensing electrodes to detect change in one or more physiological parameters in the gastrointestinal tract and modulate the stimulating electrodes in response to the change. The device comprises a pulse generator, a power source, a plurality of stimulating electrode set, one or more sensing electrodes and means for varying activity of the stimulating electrodes in response to change detected in the gastrointestinal tract. The method and device may be used to treat obesity and/or GERD. | 01-06-2011 |
20110015695 | GASTROINTESTINAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF PANCREATITIS - A method of preventing acute pancreatitis comprising positioning stimulatory electrodes in the stomach of an individual in need thereof; and administering repetitive trains of short pulse gastrointestinal electrical stimulation effective for suppressing the inflammatory response in the pancreas is provided herein. The electrodes are placed by laproscopic, endoscopic or surgical means. The gastrointestinal stimulation activates vagal reflexes. The activation of the vagal reflexes is via the gastric and pancreatic afferents. The gastrointestinal stimulation also activates the axonal reflexes. The activation of the axonal reflexes is via the dichotomous branches of the spinal nerves. The electrical stimulation is administered concurrently with an endoscopic procedure or immediately following an endoscopic procedure. Also, provided herein is a method of preventing inflammation of a visceral organ comprising positioning a stimulatory electrode in proximity of descending efferents in the vagus, innervating the visceral organ, of an individual in need thereof, and administering repetitive trains of short pulse electrical stimulation effective in activating nicotinic receptors. | 01-20-2011 |
20110029037 | METHODS OF TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BY TRANSVASCULAR NEUROMODULATION OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a method for treating a gastrointestinal condition by transvascular neuromodulation of a target site of the autonomic nervous system and preferably a target site in communication with a sympathetic nerve chain. A method for treating a gastrointestinal condition via transvascular neuromodulation incorporating a closed-loop feedback system is also provided. | 02-03-2011 |
20110034967 | GASTROINTESTINAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - The disclosure provides a method of treatment for obesity, in an individual in need thereof, by administering electrical stimulation at dual sites in the gastrointestinal tract. The electrical stimulations are administered by positioning bipolar stimulatory electrodes in contact with the gastric and dudenol cavities, along afferent vagal neural pathways, in the gastrointestinal tract. The electrical stimulations thus administered, activate the vagal afferents associated with the gastric and dudenol sites in the gastrointestinal tract. The activation of vagal afferents modulates the gastrointestinal peptide satiety hormones. Further, the disclosure provides a method of treatment for eating disorders, in an individual in need thereof, by administering electrical stimulation at dual sites, along afferent vagal neural pathways, in the gastrointestinal tract. Also, provided is a method of regulating the appetite of an individual in need thereof, by administering electrical stimulation at dual sites in the gastrointestinal tract. | 02-10-2011 |
20110034968 | CONTROLLED VAGAL BLOCKAGE THERAPY - A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder. | 02-10-2011 |
20110066207 | Responsive Gastric Stimulator - A responsive gastrointestinal stimulation device is provided where one or more sensors sense data corresponding to a subject or the gastrointestinal tract of a subject and responds to sensing the data by stimulating, adjusting stimulation, or stopping stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. A stimulation device is also provided to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to produce a sensation of satiety or to control hunger or food consumption. | 03-17-2011 |
20110066208 | ILEAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - The disclosure is a method of treatment for obesity, in an individual in need thereof comprising positioning stimulatory electrodes in the distal small intestines or ileum, and administering electrical stimulation in trains of pulses or repetitive pulses, where the electrical stimulation is effective, at least in part in, stimulating the vagal afferent and efferent activity, of the distal small intestines or ileum, in the individual. The stimulation of the vagal afferent and efferent activity leads to the regulation of the ileal brake. Specifically, the electrical stimulation is provided in trains of pulses. Also, described is a method of treatment for functional gastrointestinal disease by ileal electrical stimulation. Further this invention provides a method of treatment for an eating disorder comprising administering ileal electrical stimulation effective, at least in part, in stimulating the vagal and sympathetic pathways. The stimulatory electrodes are placed by laparoscopic, endoscopic or surgical means. | 03-17-2011 |
20110071589 | WAVEFORMS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY - In some examples, the disclosure relates to a systems, devices, and techniques for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient. In one example, the disclosure relates to a method including delivering a series of pulses with alternating pulse polarities to a gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The series of pulses includes at least a first pulse of a first polarity, a second pulse of a second polarity, and a third pulse of the first polarity, where the first, second and third pulses are delivered in direct succession and in that order. The first and second pulses are separated by a first time delay and the second and third pulses are separated by a second time delay. In some examples, each of the first and second time delays depend on the frequency that the series of pulses are delivered. | 03-24-2011 |
20110112600 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLANTABLE LEADLESS GASTROINTESTINAL TISSUE STIMULATION - Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate gastrointestinal tissue to treat medical conditions such as eating disorders, gastroparesis, and gastric reflux. The invention uses electrical stimulation of the nerve, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined gastrointestinal tissue site. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located in the various regions on or around the gastrointestinal tissue that needs to be stimulated. The implantable receiver-stimulator stimulates different gastrointestinal tissue to provide the desired therapeutic benefit. | 05-12-2011 |
20110125211 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR GASTROINTESTINAL STIMULATION - Methods and devices for gastrointestinal stimulation are disclosed. In one embodiment, disclosed is an electrical stimulator device that includes a circuit board and a battery contained within a base housing; a conduction element; and at least one electrode. In some embodiments, the stimulator base housing can be directly attached to a wall of a body lumen. In other embodiments, the stimulator base housing can be attached to a cuff or a sleeve device. In still other embodiments, one or more elements of the system are free-floating within the GI tract. The devices can be delivered endoscopically, and in some embodiments toposcopically. | 05-26-2011 |
20110172732 | USING PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DATA WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical system includes an implantable medical device (IMD) and an electrode coupleable to the IMD. The electrode is operative to deliver a first electrical signal from the IMD to a neural structure. The system includes a sensor coupleable to the IMD. The sensor is operative to sense a physiological parameter. The physiological parameter may include at least one of a neurotransmitter parameter, a neurotransmitter breakdown product parameter, a neuropeptide parameter, a norepinephrine parameter, a glucocorticoid (GC) parameter, a neuromodulator parameter, a neuromodulator breakdown product parameter, an amino acid parameter, and a hormone parameter. The IMD includes a controller operative to change a parameter of the first electrical signal based upon at least one sensed physiological parameter to generate a second electrical signal and to apply the second electrical signal to the neural structure. | 07-14-2011 |
20110178568 | ELECTRIC MODULATION OF SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - A method is described for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by electrically stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an implantable pulse generator. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Reduced food intake may occur through a variety of mechanisms that reduce appetite and cause satiety. Increased adrenal gland hormone levels will result in increased energy expenditure. Fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which are also increased by sympathetic nerve activation, will accompany the increased energy expenditure. | 07-21-2011 |
20110190843 | APPENDICULAR AND RECTAL STIMULATOR DEVICE FOR DIGESTIVE AND EATING DISORDERS - A method of treating a gastrointestinal disorder is disclosed. The method includes the step of applying a medium to an appendicular wall of a user to stimulate the enteric nervous system and thereby treat the gastrointestinal disorder. | 08-04-2011 |
20110213437 | CHANGEABLE ELECTRODE POLARITY STIMULATION BY AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - We disclose a method of treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device including coupling at least a first electrode and a second electrode to a cranial nerve of the patient, providing a programmable electrical signal generator coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, generating a first electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the first electrical signal to the electrodes, wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, generating a second electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the second electrical signal to the electrodes, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, generating a third electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, and applying the third electrical signal to the electrodes. Each of the electrical signals can independently contain one or more pulses or one or more bursts. The number of pulses need not be equal between any two of the electrical signals. | 09-01-2011 |
20110270343 | THERAPY USING PERTURBATION AND EFFECT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - Methods for treating a patient and further to devices for performing such treatment, e.g., methods and devices to perturb at least one physiological system and deliver therapy to the patient based on the effects of such perturbation. For example, a method for using an implantable medical device is disclosed that involves a method for using an implantable medical device delivering electrical stimuli to an afferent nerve associated with the selected organ. The efferent electrical activity is monitored in an efferent nerve responsive to delivering electrical stimuli to the afferent nerve, the monitored efferent electrical activity includes an indirect component of a compound action potential (CAP). A status of the selected organ is assessed based upon the indirect component. | 11-03-2011 |
20110270344 | BULIMIA TREATMENT - At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is bulimia. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal. In some embodiments, the signal is selected to, at least in part, downregulate neural activity on the vagus nerve. | 11-03-2011 |
20110282411 | NERVE STIMULATION AND BLOCKING FOR TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS - At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site. | 11-17-2011 |
20110295335 | DEVICE AND IMPLANTATION SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of nocturnal GERD. Individuals with nocturnal GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295336 | DEVICE AND IMPLANTATION SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of diurnal GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295337 | Systems and Methods For Regulating Metabolic Hormone Producing Tissue - A method for regulating hormone production comprises placing at least one electrode in a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and recording an electrical signal during a preselected event produced by the gastrointestinal tract. The method further involves the steps of storing the electrical signal, and playing back the electrical signal by activating the electrode during the absence of the preselected event. | 12-01-2011 |
20110307027 | DEVICE AND IMPLANTATION SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307028 | DEVICE AND IMPLANTATION SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. | 12-15-2011 |
20120010680 | CONDITIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - In general, the disclosure describes techniques for providing conditional electrical stimulation to a patient for pelvic health. An implantable medical device (IMD) may adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to a patient in response to receiving a delivery cycle parameter associated with one or more of the following: a time in a time schedule, a control device output from a control device, and physiological information from a physiological information sensing device. As an example, the IMD may monitor a status of one or more inputs of the IMD and adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to the patient based on the status of the input(s). | 01-12-2012 |
20120041509 | CONTROLLED VAGAL BLOCKAGE THERAPY - A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder. | 02-16-2012 |
20120083855 | GI AND PANCREATIC DEVICE FOR TREATING OBESITY AND DIABETES - A method is provided, including placing first and second electrodes at respective first and second sites of a duodenum of a subject, and activating the electrodes to increase a blood insulin level of the subject. Other embodiments are also described. | 04-05-2012 |
20120203300 | Method and Apparatus for Ablation of Benign, Pre-Cancerous and Early Cancerous Lesions That Originate Within the Epithelium and are Limited to the Mucosal Layer of the Gastrointestinal Tract - Devices and methods are provided for ablating areas of the gastrointestinal tract affected with certain benign, pre-cancerous, or early cancerous lesions that originate within the epithelium and are limited to the mucosal layer of the gastrointestinal tract wall. Examples of such lesions include benign conditions such as cervical inlet patch (ectopic gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus), as well as pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions such as intestinal metaplasia/intra-epithelial neoplasia/early cancer of the stomach, squamous intra-epithelial neoplasia and early cancer of the esophagus, oral and pharyngeal leukoplakia, flat colonic polyps, anal intra-epithelial neoplasia (AIN), and early cancers of the anal canal. Ablation, as provided in an embodiment of the invention, commences at the epithelial layer of the gastrointestinal wall and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner to achieve a successful patient outcome. | 08-09-2012 |
20120232610 | Systems and Methods for Electrically Stimulating the Lower Esophageal Sphincter to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - The present specification describes methods and devices using electrical stimulation to modulate lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. The electrical stimulation may be delivered to the LES via one or more electrodes that is placed in contact with the LES tissue. The methods and devices are useful to treat a number of conditions or disease conditions, including for example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). | 09-13-2012 |
20120259380 | METHOD OF USING SPINAL CORD STIMULATION TO TREAT GASTROINTESTINAL AND/OR EATING DISORDERS OR CONDITIONS - The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. | 10-11-2012 |
20120290035 | Single-Pulse Activation of the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway to Treat Chronic Inflammation - Described herein are methods and systems for applying extremely low duty-cycle stimulation sufficient to treat chronic inflammation. In particular, described herein are single supra-threshold pulses of electrical stimulation sufficient to result in a long-lasting (e.g., >4 hours, greater than 12 hours, greater than 24 hours, greater than 48 hours) inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or effects of chronic inflammation. These methods and devices are particularly of interest in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). | 11-15-2012 |
20130006323 | ESOPHAGEAL STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Systems for stimulating one or more esophageal muscle contractions are provided. The systems, which are designed to evoke esophageal motion to promote the downward movement of material, include an elongated member for placement in a patient's esophagus and at least one mechanical or electrical stimulator coupled to the elongated member. Methods for stimulating and contracting an esophageal muscle using electrodes and a generated signal sequence are also provided. | 01-03-2013 |
20130035740 | Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow, have improved energy storage requirements, enable improved LES function while concurrently delivering additional health benefits, and enable improved LES function post stimulation termination. | 02-07-2013 |
20130041424 | DUODENAL STIMULATION TO INDUCE SATIETY - Methods and devices for creating and/or adding to sensations of satiety to reduce food intake. Methods include electrically stimulating the duodenum which may induce false nerve signals in the duodenal region which are normally indicative of duodenal distension (fullness) and/or the presence of food in the duodenum. The artificially generated signals may be applied in a pattern which mimics at least in part a naturally occurring pattern of duodenal signals generated responsive to eating a meal. Some artificial patterns may be exaggerated relative to the natural patterns, by occurring earlier after ingestion, and/or lasting longer after ingestion, having an exaggerated (higher) frequency response or a faster rate of frequency increase after ingestion. The applied signals may generate nerve signals going to the brain which induce a feeling of satiety. | 02-14-2013 |
20130123877 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVE CHAIN - The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected. | 05-16-2013 |
20130131753 | NON-INVASIVE MAGNETIC OR ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT GASTROPARESIS, FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA, AND OTHER FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve. The methods provide damaged interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) with trophic factors via vagal afferent nerve fibers, thereby reversing ICC damage, and as a consequence improving gastric motility. The methods also increase levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain so as to decrease neural activity within the area postrema, or they deactivate a resting state neural network containing parts of the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex, which will thereby reduce abnormal interoception and visceral hypersensitivity. | 05-23-2013 |
20130178912 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT - The specification discloses methods and devices for electrically stimulating one or more structures in the gastrointestinal tract. The one or more structures are preferably selected from the upper esophageal sphincter, the esophagus and gastric fundus. The method may involve the step of arranging a plurality of stimulating electrodes adjacent one or more structures which may further include the lower esophageal sphincter, the stomach, the pyloric sphincter, the small intestine, the colon and the vagus. The method and device may further include sensing electrodes to detect change in one or more physiological parameters in the gastrointestinal tract and modulate the stimulating electrodes in response to the change. The device comprises a pulse generator, a power source, a plurality of stimulating electrode set, one or more sensing electrodes and means for varying activity of the stimulating electrodes in response to change detected in the gastrointestinal tract. The method and device may be used to treat obesity and/or GERD. | 07-11-2013 |
20130197600 | BULIMIA TREATMENT - At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is bulimia. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal. In some embodiments, the signal is selected to, at least in part, downregulate neural activity on the vagus nerve. | 08-01-2013 |
20130238048 | SAFETY FEATURES FOR USE IN MEDICAL DEVICES - A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to an internal anatomical feature of a patient includes an implantable component and an external component. The medical device can be checked for safety issues by periodically initiating a sequence of tests of an H-bridge circuit, and, during each test, monitoring a current flow through a sensing resistor electrically connected between a sensing connection of the H-bridge circuit and a ground. Current flow through the sensing resistor indicates that both series electrical switches within at least one of the two pairs of series electrical switches are active during that test. | 09-12-2013 |
20130304151 | STIMULATION METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing a medical condition in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof. | 11-14-2013 |
20130345771 | Responsive Gastric Stimulator - A responsive gastrointestinal stimulation device is provided where one or more sensors sense data corresponding to a subject or the gastrointestinal tract of a subject and responds to sensing the data by stimulating, adjusting stimulation, or stopping stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. A stimulation device is also provided to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to produce a sensation of satiety or to control hunger or food consumption. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345772 | DETECTION OF FEEDING INTENT FOR USE IN TREATMENT OF EATING DISORDERS - An exemplary method for treating obesity includes an pulse generator configured to deliver electrical energy to a vagal nerve, one or more sensors configured to detect pre-prandial activity and, in response to the detection of pre-prandial activity, a pulse generator configured to deliver electrical energy to the stomach to induce satiety. Various other technologies are also disclosed. | 12-26-2013 |
20140012348 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY TO PROMOTE GASTRIC DISTENTION FOR OBESITY MANAGEMENT - The disclosure is directed to techniques for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to support obesity management. The electrical stimulation therapy is configured to cause at least partial gastric distention. Gastric distention tends to induce a sensation of fullness and thereby discourages excessive food intake by the patient. The electrical stimulation therapy may be delivered to the gastrointestinal tract of the patient by electrodes deployed by one or more implantable leads coupled to an electrical stimulator. The electrical stimulator delivers stimulation pulses having a pulse width in a range found to be effective in causing gastric distention. | 01-09-2014 |
20140046397 | APPARATUS FOR TREATING PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A method of optimizing the electrical stimulation of a bladder of a patient including selecting a first subset of electrodes from a set of electrodes positioned adjacent to a set of nerves associated with the bladder. The set of electrodes may include one or more electrodes, each of which may be configured to deliver electrical stimulation pulses generated by a stimulator device to the nerves. The method may further include delivering an electrical stimulation pulse through the selected first subset of electrodes and recording at least one parameter of the electrical stimulation pulse after receiving patient feedback. | 02-13-2014 |
20140107726 | Gastrointestinal System - A gastrointestinal stimulation system includes a remote controlled capsule adapted for positioning in the gastrointestinal tract (GT) of a patient, in which the capsule is secured to the inner wall of the gastrointestinal tract (GT) of a patient by a magnetic coupling system. The capsule is configured to activate at least one chosen area of the patient's GI tract, including when desired, the vagus nerve, thereby facilitating gastro motility or having other interaction with the GI tract, such as monitoring thereof. The remote controlled capsule also may be configured to activate patient's lower esophageal sphincter (LES), stimulating the LES muscle and restoring the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus for treatment of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The capsule also may be inserted to the anal canal for treatment of constipation. | 04-17-2014 |
20140163637 | SWALLOWABLE CAPSULE AND METHOD FOR STIMULATING INCRETIN PRODUCTION WITHIN THE INTESTINAL TRACT - Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for stimulating L cells in the intestinal tract to produce incretins for the treatment of conditions including diabetes and obesity. Many embodiments provide a method and apparatus for the treatment of diabetes by electrically stimulating L-cells to secrete incretins to stimulate or otherwise modulate the production of insulin. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal tract as the capsule moves through the tract. The capsule can include two or more electrodes for providing electrical stimulation to L-cells, a power source for powering one or more components of the capsule, a sensor for sensing the location of the capsule in the intestinal tract; a controller and a waveform generator for generating the electrical signals emitted by the electrodes to stimulate the L-cells to secrete incretins such as GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production for glucose regulation of diabetic conditions. | 06-12-2014 |
20140172039 | CONTROLLED VAGAL BLOCKAGE THERAPY - A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder. | 06-19-2014 |
20140236254 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF THE ALIMENTARY TRACT - An alimentary tract treatment system is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of sensor devices for engaging a wall of a portion of the alimentary tract. The plurality of sensor devices may sense a parameter of the wall. The system may also include an alimentary tract treatment device for controlling a flow of material through the alimentary tract. Operation of the alimentary tract treatment device may be controlled based on the parameter sensed by the plurality of sensor devices. | 08-21-2014 |
20140243921 | SWALLOWABLE CAPSULE AND METHOD FOR STIMULATING INCRETIN PRODUCTION WITHIN THE INTESTINAL TRACT - Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for stimulating L cells in the intestinal tract to produce incretins for the treatment of conditions including diabetes and obesity. Many embodiments provide a method and apparatus for the treatment of diabetes by electrically stimulating L-cells to secrete incretins to stimulate or otherwise modulate the production of insulin. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal tract as the capsule moves through the tract. The capsule can include two or more electrodes for providing electrical stimulation to L-cells, a power source for powering one or more components of the capsule, a sensor for sensing the location of the capsule in the intestinal tract; a controller and a waveform generator for generating the electrical signals emitted by the electrodes to stimulate the L-cells to secrete incretins such as GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production for glucose regulation of diabetic conditions. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249594 | Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249595 | Methods and Systems for Achieving a Physiological Response by Pudendal Nerve Stimulation and Blockade - Methods and apparatus are therefore provided herein for stimulating a desired physiological effect. The methods and apparatus can be used to control micturition, defecation and/or ejaculation. The methods and apparatus also can be used to control pain in the lower pelvic region, for example and without limitation, interstitial cystitis. The methods and apparatus also can be used to increase sexual sensation. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249596 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE HAVING REMOTE ACCESS - An electrical stimulation device configured to perform an electrical stimulation therapy on a patient includes a stimulation circuit, at least one electrode lead comprising one or more electrodes, a communication circuit and a controller. The controller is configured to execute a stimulation program received through the communication circuit. Electrical stimulation pulses are generated by the stimulation circuit and delivered to the at least one electrode lead in response to the execution of the stimulation program. | 09-04-2014 |
20140277249 | Selectively Reducing Excess Consumption and/or Absorption of Unhealthy Food using Electrical Stimulation - This invention can be embodied in a device and method for selectively reducing a person's excess consumption of one or more selected (unhealthy) nutrients, or foods containing such nutrients, using electrical stimulation. When embodied as a device, this invention includes a specific-nutrient-identifying sensor, a gastrointestinal electrical stimulator, and a cumulative-nutrient-consumption regulator. This invention provides reduced excess consumption of unhealthy nutrients and foods, while still allowing normal consumption of healthy nutrients and foods. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277250 | Low Frequency Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Pelvic Floor Disorders - In some examples, relatively low frequency (e.g., less than about 50 Hertz) electrical stimulation therapy is delivered to a target tissue site proximate to one or more of the T9, T10, T11, T12, L1, L2, or L3 (“T9-L3”) spinal nerves of a patient to manage a pelvic floor disorder, such as urinary retention, fecal retention, or both. The relatively low frequency electrical stimulation therapy is configured to excite the one or more of the T9-L3 spinal nerves, which may generate an activating response from the patient related to voiding and help promote voiding by the patient. For example, the low frequency electrical stimulation may be configured to help improve the patient's pelvic sensations, which may help the patient better control urination. | 09-18-2014 |
20140350632 | NEURAL MODULATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A system for designing a therapy or for treating a gastrointestinal disorder or a condition associated with excess weight in a subject comprising at least one electrode configured to be implanted within a body of the patient and placed at a vagus nerve, the electrode also configured to apply therapy to the vagus nerve upon application of a therapy cycle to the electrode; an implantable neuroregulator for placement in the body of the patient beneath the skin layer, the implantable neuroregulator being configured to generate a therapy cycle, wherein the therapy cycle comprises an on time during which an electrical signal is delivered, the electrical signal comprising: a) a set of pulses applied at a first selected frequency of about 150-10,000 Hz, wherein each pulse of the set of pulses has a pulse width of at least 0.01 milliseconds and less than the period of the first selected frequency. | 11-27-2014 |
20150032176 | GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY CONTROL - A method and a multichannel implantable device are described for partial or complete restoration of impaired gastrointestinal motility, or for disturbing and/or partially or completely blocking normal gastrointestinal motility using one or multiple microsystem-controlled channels of circumferentially arranged sets of two or more electrodes which provide externally-invoked synchronized electrical signals to the smooth muscles via the neural pathways. | 01-29-2015 |
20150045850 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF METABOLIC DISORDERS - An implantable system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprises a stimulus device ( | 02-12-2015 |
20150057718 | Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. | 02-26-2015 |
20150088222 | INGESTIBLE, ELECTRICAL DEVICE FOR STIMULATING TISSUES IN A GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF AN ORGANISM - In one aspect, an ingestible, electrical device, comprises one or more electrodes comprising a biocompatible conducting material and a biocompatible insulating material; a generator connected to the one or more electrodes; and an outer casing enclosing the one or more electrodes and the generator, the outer casing configured to dissolve in an aqueous environment of the organism; wherein the one or more electrodes have a first form factor when enclosed in the outer casing and a second form factor following a dissolution of the outer casing, the first form factor is a form factor that is collapsed an increased amount relative to an amount that the second form factor is collapsed, and the second form factor is a form factor that is collapsed a decreased amount relative to an amount that the first form factor is collapsed. | 03-26-2015 |
20150119952 | Systems and Methods for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - Systems and methods for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include at least one electrically stimulating electrode coupled to a pulse generator. Individuals with GERD are treated by implanting a stimulation device within and/or proximate the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, gastric fundus, or other nearby gastrointestinal structures and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and/or fundus, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. Electrical stimulation provided by the disclosed systems results in an increase in the length of the high pressure zone of the LES and/or modulation of the receptive relaxation response of the fundus to decrease gastric pressure, creating a longer barrier to the reflux of gastric contents or increasing functional lower esophageal pressure respectively, thereby treating GERD. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119953 | RESPONSIVE GASTRIC STIMULATOR - A responsive gastrointestinal stimulation device is provided where one or more sensors sense data corresponding to a subject or the gastrointestinal tract of a subject and responds to sensing the data by stimulating, adjusting stimulation, or stopping stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. A stimulation device is also provided to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to produce a sensation of satiety or to control hunger or food consumption. | 04-30-2015 |
20150343211 | GI TRACT STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Systems, methods and devices, for stimulating one or more esophageal muscle contractions are provided. The system, methods, and devices may be designed to evoke motion and/or restore function in one or more organs that are located distal to the lower esophageal sphincter. A controller and a generator may be used to transmit signals to one or more electrodes in a tube placed in a patient's GI tract. In some aspect, the generator is configures to generate a series of pulses for one or more periods of time. In some aspects, a preliminary pulse is transmitted to narrow and esophageal portion such that an esophageal wall is in contact with at least one electrode thus lowering the nominal stimulation threshold. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343212 | NON-IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF THERAPY - A method of treating a metabolic condition in a patient, comprising:
| 12-03-2015 |
20150374982 | ESOPHAGEAL STIMULATION SYSTEM - System for generating a distally traveling synthetic esophageal motion within a subject's esophagus. Includes: elongated member sized and configured for nasal or oral placement into the esophagus; series of stimulators mounted/mountable on and distributed along a length of elongated member, for stimulating portions along an esophageal length spanning between esophagus LES and UES, and include at least two longitudinally spaced electrodes, chargeable to opposite polarities; and signal generator for generating and sending sequences of stimulating signals to stimulators, to evoke a plurality of local esophageal contractions as distally traveling synthetic esophageal motion along the esophageal length. Also disclosed is an implant suitable for use in generating a distally traveling synthetic esophageal motion within a subject's esophagus, for example, suitable for use in the disclosed system. Exemplary applications include for treating an esophagus exhibiting different physiological conditions or/and characteristics, for example, of suspended esophageal peristaltic motility. | 12-31-2015 |
20160001071 | Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow, have improved energy storage requirements, enable improved LES function while concurrently delivering additional health benefits, and enable improved LES function post stimulation termination. | 01-07-2016 |
20160045729 | APPARATUS FOR TREATING PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A method of optimizing the electrical stimulation of a bladder of a patient including selecting a first subset of electrodes from a set of electrodes positioned adjacent to a set of nerves associated with the bladder. The set of electrodes may include one or more electrodes, each of which may be configured to deliver electrical stimulation pulses generated by a stimulator device to the nerves. The method may further include delivering an electrical stimulation pulse through the selected first subset of electrodes and recording at least one parameter of the electrical stimulation pulse after receiving patient feedback. | 02-18-2016 |
20160045746 | Integrated Electromyographic Clinician Programmer for Use with an Implantable Neurostimulator - An integrated electromyography (EMG) and signal/stimulation generation clinician programmer may be coupled with an implantable temporary or permanent lead in a patient and at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. Generally, the integrated clinician programmer may comprise a portable housing, a signal/stimulation generator, and EMG signal processor, and a graphical user interface. The housing has an external surface and encloses circuitry at least partially disposed within the housing. The signal/stimulation generator may be disposed within the housing and configured to deliver test stimulation to a nerve tissue of the patient via the implantable lead. The EMG signal processor may be disposed within the housing and configured to record a stimulation-induced EMG motor response for each test stimulation via the at least one EMG sensing electrode. The graphical user interface at least partially comprises the external surface of the housing and has a touch screen display for direct user interaction or for use with a keyboard, mouse, or the like. | 02-18-2016 |
20160045747 | Electromyographic Lead Positioning and Stimulation Titration in a Nerve Stimulation System for Treatment of Overactive Bladder - The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead. A stimulation-induced EMG motor response is recorded with the integrated clinician programmer for each test stimulation on each electrode of the implantable lead via the at least one pair of EMG sensing electrodes so as to facilitate initial positioning of the implantable lead at a target stimulation region. | 02-18-2016 |
20160059010 | Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. | 03-03-2016 |
20160096024 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY - The present disclosure pertains to methods, devices and systems for neurological regulation. The methods, devices and systems described herein are useful, for example, in the treatment of conditions of the bladder such as overactive bladder. | 04-07-2016 |
20160101283 | Method and Apparatus for Stimulating the Vascular System - The present invention provides methods of treating a gastrointestinal condition. In some embodiments, the method generally includes administering a chemical or electrical stimulus to an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a nerve supplying an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, and/or a nerve supplying a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, wherein the chemical or electrical stimulus is effective for treating a gastrointestinal condition. | 04-14-2016 |
20160121111 | Conditional Gastrointestinal Stimulation for Improved Motility - Systems and methods for gastrointestinal electrical stimulation to treat abnormalities in gastrointestinal motility are provided. In some embodiments, a system for relieving ileus includes an intraluminal catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal tip and a distal tip and a duodenal portion proximal to the distal tip of the catheter; and at least one electrode pair disposed along the duodenal portion of the intraluminal catheter, the at least one electrode pair being configured to detect a sensing information indicative of myoelectric activity of a patient and to provide stimulation energy; a sensing system in communication with the at least one electrode pair to receive the sensing information; and an energy delivery system in communication with the at least one electrode pair and the sensing system, the electrical energy delivery system being configured to delivery energy to the patient through the at least one second electrode pair based on the sensing information from the sensing system. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121114 | NON-INVASIVE MAGNETIC OR ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT GASTROPARESIS, FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA, AND OTHER FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve. The methods provide damaged interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) with trophic factors via vagal afferent nerve fibers, thereby reversing ICC damage, and as a consequence improving gastric motility. The methods also increase levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain so as to decrease neural activity within the area postrema, or they deactivate a resting state neural network containing parts of the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex, which will thereby reduce abnormal interoception and visceral hypersensitivity. | 05-05-2016 |
20160129248 | Topical Neurological Stimulation - A topical nerve stimulator patch and system are provided comprising a dermal patch; an electrical signal generator associated with the patch; a signal receiver to activate the electrical signal generator; a power source for the electrical signal generator associated with the patch; an electrical signal activation device; and a nerve feedback sensor. | 05-12-2016 |
20160136419 | Implantable Electro-Medical Device Programmable for Improved Operational Life - A device for electrically stimulating one or more anatomical target sites in a patient and for use in the treatment of a plurality of biological conditions of the patient. The device has a pulse generator providing electrical stimulation to the anatomical target sites; a power source for powering the pulse generator; stimulator electrodes connected to the pulse generator for stimulating the anatomical target sites; one or more optional sensing electrodes for monitoring physiological parameters with reference to the anatomical target sites; and a microprocessor programmed to vary a plurality of therapy protocol parameters governing the electrical stimulation to thereby modify operational life parameters of the power source. | 05-19-2016 |
20160193465 | NERVE STIMULATION AND BLOCKING FOR TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS | 07-07-2016 |
20190143108 | Nocturia Reduction System | 05-16-2019 |
20190143109 | Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Metabolic Disorders | 05-16-2019 |
20220134100 | IMPLANTABLE AND NON-INVASIVE STIMULATORS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL THERAPEUTICS - Systems and methods for implementation of a disposable miniaturized implant for treatment of Post-Operative Ileums (POI),a miniaturized implant for treating chronic GI dysmotility (e.g., dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea, functional dyspepsia, blockage of transit, and gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease) and obesity, by providing electrical stimulation to the part of bowel going through surgery to expedite the healing process while recording the smooth muscle activities simultaneously, or providing stimulation on a treatment location of the GI tract or the branch of the vagus nerve. Systems and methods are also provided for non-invasive, transcutaneous stimulation of anatomy within the abdomen of the patient. | 05-05-2022 |