Abstract: A method of laparoscopically implanting an electrically stimulating lead proximate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of a patient includes delivering the lead through a port of a laparoscope inserted into the abdominal cavity of the patient through an incision in the abdominal wall. The stimulating electrode is implanted in or proximate the muscularis layer of the lower esophageal wall to treat esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The lead includes a needle and suture at its distal end for pulling the electrode into the muscular wall of the LES. Clips are applied to the suture attached to the distal end of the lead to prevent retrograde movement of the electrode. The lead also includes an anchoring member for anchoring the portion of the lead proximal to the electrode. The method and lead used with the method allow the surgeon to work within the confined anatomy present at the gastroesophageal junction and prevents backwards movement and dislodgment of the electrode.

Abstract: Methods for electrically stimulating body tissues to improve function or reduce symptoms provide an electrical stimulation system having two or more electrodes that are capable of being switched independently from a hyperpolarizing (depolarizing) state to a hypopolarizing state. Multiple combinations of hyperpolarizing electrodes and hypopolarizing electrodes are created by polarity switching to determine a polarity configuration having the best performance as determined by symptom reporting and clinical diagnostic tests. Polarity switching is triggered manually or is programmed to be switched automatically. Determining the configuration providing electrical stimulation resulting in the greatest benefit allows the system to be operated with one or more electrodes in a hypopolarizing state, thereby reducing energy requirements, tissue tolerance, and tissue fatigue.

Abstract: A method of laparoscopically implanting an electrically stimulating lead proximate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of a patient includes delivering the lead through a port of a laparoscope inserted into the abdominal cavity of the patient through an incision in the abdominal wall. The stimulating electrode is implanted in or proximate the muscularis layer of the lower esophageal wall to treat esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The lead includes a needle and suture at its distal end for pulling the electrode into the muscular wall of the LES. Clips are applied to the suture attached to the distal end of the lead to prevent retrograde movement of the electrode. The lead also includes an anchoring member for anchoring the portion of the lead proximal to the electrode. The method and lead used with the method allow the surgeon to work within the confined anatomy present at the gastroesophageal junction and prevents backwards movement and dislodgment of the electrode.

Abstract: Methods for electrically stimulating body tissues to improve function or reduce symptoms provide an electrical stimulation system having two or more electrodes that are capable of being switched independently from a hyperpolarizing (depolarizing) state to a hypopolarizing state. Multiple combinations of hyperpolarizing electrodes and hypopolarizing electrodes are created by polarity switching to determine a polarity configuration having the best performance as determined by symptom reporting and clinical diagnostic tests. Polarity switching is triggered manually or is programmed to be switched automatically. Determining the configuration providing electrical stimulation resulting in the greatest benefit allows the system to be operated with one or more electrodes in a hypopolarizing state, thereby reducing energy requirements, tissue tolerance, and tissue fatigue.

Abstract: A method of laparoscopically implanting an electrically stimulating lead proximate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of a patient includes delivering the lead through a port of a laparoscope inserted into the abdominal cavity of the patient through an incision in the abdominal wall. The stimulating electrode is implanted in or proximate the muscularis layer of the lower esophageal wall to treat esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The lead includes a needle and suture at its distal end for pulling the electrode into the muscular wall of the LES. Clips are applied to the suture attached to the distal end of the lead to prevent retrograde movement of the electrode. The lead also includes an anchoring member for anchoring the portion of the lead proximal to the electrode. The method and lead used with the method allow the surgeon to work within the confined anatomy present at the gastroesophageal junction and prevents backwards movement and dislodgment of the electrode.

Abstract: Methods for electrically stimulating body tissues to improve function or reduce symptoms provide an electrical stimulation system having two or more electrodes that are capable of being switched independently from a hyperpolarizing (depolarizing) state to a hypopolarizing state. Multiple combinations of hyperpolarizing electrodes and hypopolarizing electrodes are created by polarity switching to determine a polarity configuration having the best performance as determined by symptom reporting and clinical diagnostic tests. Polarity switching is triggered manually or is programmed to be switched automatically. Determining the configuration providing electrical stimulation resulting in the greatest benefit allows the system to be operated with one or more electrodes in a hypopolarizing state, thereby reducing energy requirements, tissue tolerance, and tissue fatigue.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead for the treatment of biological conditions includes a lead body with an electrical connector at one end and a pair of monopolar branches at the other end. The lead body has a length ranging from 390 mm to 490 mm to allow for implantation from an incision site further removed from the final positioning site of the electrodes. The branches have lengths ranging from 50 mm to 120 mm for the both branches. These lengths facilitate successful laparoscopic implantation at sites with confined anatomy, such as, near the gastroesophageal junction. The branches include needles and sutures at their ends for suturing anchors positioned on the branches to surrounding tissue. The needles have curves designed to facilitate maneuvering in confined anatomy. A separate lead includes a suture loop connecting the ends of the first and second branches rather than needles. The loop is used to pull the lead through the working channel of an endoscope.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead for the treatment of biological conditions includes a lead body with an electrical connector at one end and a pair of monopolar branches at the other end. The lead body has a length ranging from 390 mm to 490 mm to allow for implantation from an incision site further removed from the final positioning site of the electrodes. The branches have lengths ranging from 50 mm to 120 mm for the both branches. These lengths facilitate successful laparoscopic implantation at sites with confined anatomy, such as, near the gastroesophageal junction. The branches include needles and sutures at their ends for suturing anchors positioned on the branches to surrounding tissue. The needles have curves designed to facilitate maneuvering in confined anatomy. A separate lead includes a suture loop connecting the ends of the first and second branches rather than needles. The loop is used to pull the lead through the working channel of an endoscope.

Abstract: Implantable electrical stimulation leads for the treatment of biological conditions include a lead body with an electrical connector at one end and multiple in-line electrodes at the other end. The lead body has a length ranging from 350 mm to 630 mm to allow for implantation from an incision site further removed from the final positioning site of the electrodes. One lead has a suture loop extending from the most distal electrode for pulling the lead through the working channel of an endoscope. Another lead has a length of suture with a free end attached to the most distal electrode. Yet another lead has a length of suture attached to the most distal electrode at one end and a needle at the other end. The needle has a curve designed to facilitate maneuvering in confined anatomy. The lead having the needle is designed to be implanted laparoscopically.

Abstract: A method of laparoscopically implanting an electrically stimulating lead proximate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of a patient includes delivering the lead through a port of a laparoscope inserted into the abdominal cavity of the patient through an incision in the abdominal wall. The stimulating electrode is implanted in or proximate the muscularis layer of the lower esophageal wall to treat esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The lead includes a needle and suture at its distal end for pulling the electrode into the muscular wall of the LES. Clips are applied to the suture attached to the distal end of the lead to prevent retrograde movement of the electrode. The lead also includes an anchoring member for anchoring the portion of the lead proximal to the electrode. The method and lead used with the method allow the surgeon to work within the confined anatomy present at the gastroesophageal junction and prevents backwards movement and dislodgment of the electrode.

Abstract: Methods for electrically stimulating body tissues to improve function or reduce symptoms provide an electrical stimulation system having two or more electrodes that are capable of being switched independently from a hyperpolarizing (depolarizing) state to a hypopolarizing state. Multiple combinations of hyperpolarizing electrodes and hypopolarizing electrodes are created by polarity switching to determine a polarity configuration having the best performance as determined by symptom reporting and clinical diagnostic tests. Polarity switching is triggered manually or is programmed to be switched automatically. Determining the configuration providing electrical stimulation resulting in the greatest benefit allows the system to be operated with one or more electrodes in a hypopolarizing state, thereby reducing energy requirements, tissue tolerance, and tissue fatigue.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead for the treatment of biological conditions includes a lead body with an electrical connector at one end and a pair of monopolar branches at the other end. The lead body has a length ranging from 390 mm to 490 mm to allow for implantation from an incision site further removed from the final positioning site of the electrodes. The branches have lengths ranging from 50 mm to 120 mm for the both branches. These lengths facilitate successful laparoscopic implantation at sites with confined anatomy, such as, near the gastroesophageal junction. The branches include needles and sutures at their ends for suturing anchors positioned on the branches to surrounding tissue. The needles have curves designed to facilitate maneuvering in confined anatomy. A separate lead includes a suture loop connecting the ends of the first and second branches rather than needles. The loop is used to pull the lead through the working channel of an endoscope.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a change in posture of a subject. An electrical impedance is measured between two or more sites on a stomach (20) of the subject, and an impedance signal is generated responsive thereto. The change in posture is detected by performing a posture analysis of the impedance signal. A method is also provided for treating a subject. The method includes applying an electrical signal to a site of the subject selected from the list consisting of: a colon (402) of the subject, and a distal small intestine (408) of the subject. The signal is configured to stimulate cells of the subject to increase secretion of glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) or PYY, or to decrease secretion of ghrelin, in order to treat the subject.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a change in posture of a subject. An electrical impedance is measured between two or more sites on a stomach (20) of the subject, and an impedance signal is generated responsive thereto. The change in posture is detected by performing a posture analysis of the impedance signal. A method is also provided for treating a subject. The method includes applying an electrical signal to a site of the subject selected from the list consisting of: a colon (402) of the subject, and a distal small intestine (408) of the subject. The signal is configured to stimulate cells of the subject to increase secretion of glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) or PYY, or to decrease secretion of ghrelin, in order to treat the subject.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a subject, including applying an electrical current to a hepatic portal vein (22) of the subject, and configuring the current so as to increase glucose uptake by tissue of the subject. A method is also provided, including sensing an electrical signal generated by a portoarterial glucose sensor of a subject, analyzing the signal, and responsive to the analyzing, detecting eating by the subject.