Stimulating Bladder Or Gastrointestinal Tract Patents (Class 607/40)
  • Patent number: 9037244
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for electrical stimulation of the pancreatico-biliary system. Electrode sets are placed in the pancreatico-biliary system in an arrangement that induce contractions or relaxation of the portion or whole of the pancreatico-biliary system by electrical stimulation of the surrounding tissue, muscles and nerves. The electrical stimulus is applied for periods of varying duration and varying frequency so as to produce the desired therapeutic effect, including inhibiting fat digestion or fat absorption by a patient and inducing satiety in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Virender K. Sharma
  • Patent number: 9031669
    Abstract: Various implantable medical device embodiments stimulate an autonomic neural target from within a pulmonary artery, and comprise at least one electrode, a power supply, a neural stimulator connected to the power supply, and an anchor structure. The neural stimulator is configured to generate a neural stimulation signal for delivery to the neural stimulation target through the at least one electrode. The anchor structure is configured to chronically and securely implant the neural stimulator, the power supply and the at least one electrode within the pulmonary artery. The anchor structure, the neural stimulator, the power supply and the at least one electrode are configured to be implanted through a pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery. In various embodiments, the neural stimulator is configured to be operational to implement a neural stimulation protocol when chronically implanted within the pulmonary artery without a wired connection through the pulmonary valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Yunlong Zhang, Haresh G. Sachanandani, Dan Li, Bin Mi
  • Publication number: 20150119952
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Shai Policker
  • Publication number: 20150119953
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Mir A. Imran
  • Patent number: 9020597
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: EndoStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Edy Sofer, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Shai Policker, Matthew Joseph Gani, Jay Miazga, Kaila Raby
  • Patent number: 8992409
    Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid and/or other bodily matter in a lumen formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow in the lumen, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the lumen. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the lumen, or for actively moving the fluid in the lumen, with a low risk of injuring the organ. Such an organ may be the esophagus, stomach, intestines, urine bladder, urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, aorta, corpus cavernosum, exit veins of erectile tissue, uterine tube, vas deferens or bile duct, or a blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Publication number: 20150088222
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Christopher J. Bettinger
  • Publication number: 20150087608
    Abstract: Methods and devices treating an autonomic nervous system associated disease condition in a subject are provided. Aspects of the invention include inducing one or more physiological response selected from the group consisting of sweating, gastric emptying, enhanced heart rate variability and enhanced quantitative sensory test responsiveness in a manner sufficient to modify the autonomic nervous system so as to treat the subject for the disease condition. The methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, e.g. in the treatment of subjects suffering from conditions arising from disorders of the autonomic nervous system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony Joonkyoo Yun
  • Patent number: 8983627
    Abstract: A probe system for electro-stimulation and bio-feedback training of muscles in the pelvic floor region, in particular for pelvic floor physiotherapy and diagnosis, includes a probe having a probe body which is insertable into a vagina or a rectum, and a plurality of electrodes which are positioned at several locations along the length and around the circumference on the outer surface of the probe, the probe system further includes a control unit, operationally coupled to the probe, adapted for receiving EMG signals from each of the electrodes and for processing each of the signals for mapping the response of the muscles in the pelvic floor region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Publiekrechtelijke Rechtspersoon Academisch Ziekenhuis Leiden H.O.D.N. Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum
    Inventors: Robertus Coenraad Maria Pelger, Theodorus Johannes Ouwerkerk, Pieternella Johanna Voorham-van der Zalm
  • Patent number: 8972013
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Maschino
  • Patent number: 8972014
    Abstract: An enuresis electroconditioner pertains to the field of medical appliances and includes a humidity sensor (2) connected to an electric circuit which is activated in the presence of a liquid. When the liquid is detected, an electric current with a frequency of 50 Hz is generated. A qualified person must calibrate the amperage of the apparatus (1), adapting it to the sensibility of each person who, when receiving the electric impulse, contracts the perineal muscles, occluding the urethra and by a reflexive action inhibiting the contraction of the bladder and preventing urine loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Ubirajara De Oliveria Barroso Júnior
  • Publication number: 20150057519
    Abstract: An expandable apparatus and method configured for inserting into a mammalian stomach and adapted for sensing the activity of the stomach wall. The apparatus comprising: a) an inflatable balloon insert-able into the stomach, when deflated; and b) one or more sensors, mounted to the external surface of the balloon. The inflatable balloon is adapted to attach the one or more sensors to the stomach wall, when the balloon is fully inflated in the stomach; such that the sensors are immovably affixed to the stomach wall, sufficient to sense at least one of mechanical-activity and electric-activity, emanating from the stomach wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: GEMA MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Matan Ben-David, Moshe Rubin, Raz Bar-On, Yuval Andorn, Jacob Bortman
  • Publication number: 20150057718
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Matt Joseph Gani, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Jay Miazga, Shai Policker
  • Patent number: 8958879
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Incube Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Mir A. Imran, Mir Hashim, Emily Arnsdorf
  • Publication number: 20150045850
    Abstract: An implantable system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprises a stimulus device (11) which is implantable in the subject and adapted to apply an electrical stimulus to a tissue of a gastrointestinal system of said subject, and a detection device which is implantable in the subject and adapted to continuously monitoring at least one of a mechanical characteristic and an electrical characteristic of the subject to detect an ingestion of food by said subject, wherein the detection device cooperates with the stimulus device (11) such that the stimulus device (11) applies said electrical stimulus in response to a detected ingestion of food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Toralf Bork, Rocco Crivelli, Mathilde Miguras, Martin Pfleiderer, Yanik Tardy, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Ortiz, Alessandro Pastorelli, Michele D' Arcangelo
  • Patent number: 8951546
    Abstract: Described herein are implantable composites, kits comprising the composites, implant devices comprising the composites, and methods of making and using same, including point of use methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: SurModics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Tice
  • Publication number: 20150032176
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: UTI LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: Martin P. Mintchev
  • Patent number: 8934975
    Abstract: Apparatus (18) for treating a human patient, which includes one or more electrode contact surfaces (100), which are configured to be applied to a fundus (22) of the patient. A control unit (90) is configured to drive the one or more electrode contact surfaces (100) to apply an electrical signal to the fundus (22) that chronically improves a blood glucose level of the patient, in order to treat the patient, without calculating an impedance of tissue of the fundus (22) based on a sensed parameter that varies in response to the electrical signal, for detecting eating by the patient or a characteristic of food eaten by the patient. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Metacure Limited
    Inventors: Irit Yaniv, Walid Haddad, Paul V. Goode, Jr., Harold Lebovitz, Ricardo Aviv, Benny Rousso, Shlomo Ben-Haim
  • Patent number: 8929988
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones, Brett E. Naglreiter, Dennis L. McWilliams
  • Patent number: 8923970
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including a bladder stimulator that includes an elongate element adapted to pass through a urethra or adapted to pass through another opening in the bladder, an expandable body coupled to said elongate element, and an array of one or more stimulator contacts coupled to the expandable body, the array including at least one contact adapted to contact a portion of a bladder of a subject when the expandable body is inserted in the bladder and expanded. A controller stimulates the portion of the bladder by driving a pulse into the bladder via the contact, the pulse having a frequency of 5 Hz-1 kHz. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nephera Ltd.
    Inventors: Gill Bar-Yoseph, Alon Polsky
  • Patent number: 8918191
    Abstract: An implantable device for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with bounded titration is provided. A stimulation therapy lead includes helical electrodes configured to conform to an outer diameter of a cervical vagus nerve sheath, and a set of connector pins electrically connected to the helical electrodes. A neurostimulator includes an electrical receptacle into which the connector pins are securely and electrically coupled. The neurostimulator includes a pulse generator configured to therapeutically stimulate the vagus nerve through the helical electrodes in alternating cycles of stimuli application and stimuli inhibition that are tuned to both efferently activate the heart's intrinsic nervous system and afferently activate the patient's central reflexes by triggering bi-directional action potentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Badri Amurthur, Bruce H. KenKnight
  • Patent number: 8918190
    Abstract: An implantable device for evaluating autonomic cardiovascular drive in a patient suffering from chronic cardiac dysfunction is provided. A stimulation therapy lead includes helical electrodes configured to conform to an outer diameter of a cervical vagus nerve sheath, and a set of connector pins electrically connected to the helical electrodes. A neurostimulator includes an electrical receptacle into which the connector pins are securely and electrically coupled. The neurostimulator also includes a pulse generator configured to therapeutically stimulate the vagus nerve through the helical electrodes in alternating cycles of stimuli application and stimuli inhibition that are tuned to both efferently activate the heart's intrinsic nervous system and afferently activate the patient's central reflexes by triggering bi-directional action potentials. The neurostimulator includes a recordable memory storing a baseline heart rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Badri Amurthur, Bruce H. KenKnight
  • Patent number: 8914112
    Abstract: Methods and systems of treating a patient with pancreatitis pain include providing a stimulator, configuring one or more stimulation parameters to control sphincter of Oddi function, programming the stimulator with the one or more stimulation parameters, generating a stimulus configured to control sphincter of Oddi function with the stimulator in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters, and applying the stimulus with the stimulator to one or more stimulation sites in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scienctific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Andrew DiGiore, Brett Schleicher, Greg Baldwin, Roger Hastings
  • Publication number: 20140364678
    Abstract: A neuro-stimulation system employs a includes a stimulator which may include electrode devices and/or vibration elements. A controller may be employed to drive the stimulating elements with an electrical signal. In response to the electrical signal, the stimulating elements deliver electrical and/or mechanical stimulation to the body part. The stimulation may be an aperiodic stimulation and/or may be a subthreshold stimulation. In one embodiment, the stimulator is disposable and the processor determines usage of the stimulator and ensures that the stimulator is limited to a certain amount of use. Neuro-stimulation systems may be applied to sensory cells of body parts during movement of the body parts to induce neuroplastic changes. Such movement may involve a variety of therapeutic applications, e.g. in stroke patient therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jason D. Harry, James B. Niemi, Scott Kellogg, Susan D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 8909340
    Abstract: Methods and devices treating an autonomic nervous system associated disease condition in a subject are provided. Aspects of the invention include inducing one or more physiological response selected from the group consisting of sweating, gastric emptying, enhanced heart rate variability and enhanced quantitative sensory test responsiveness in a manner sufficient to modify the autonomic nervous system so as to treat the subject for the disease condition. The methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, e.g. in the treatment of subjects suffering from conditions arising from disorders of the autonomic nervous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Investors
    Inventor: Anthony Joonkyoo Yun
  • Publication number: 20140350632
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Katherine S. Tweden, Jonathan J. Waataja, Adrianus P. Donders, Mark B. Knudson
  • Patent number: 8897878
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan C. Shuros
  • Patent number: 8892217
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a medical lead with a retrieval wire that extends from the proximal end of the lead. The retrieval wire allows a physician to insert the medical lead into a patient and grab the retrieval wire to pull the proximal end of the lead away from the implant site. Upon gaining access to a lead connector on the proximal end of the medical lead, the physician may remove the retrieval wire and couple the lead connector to an implantable medical device that provides stimulation therapy. In this manner the physician may avoid damaging the lead connector when retrieving the medical lead. In addition, the retrieval wire may be used to provide test stimulation to verify correct electrode location. The medical lead may be used to stimulate tissue such as the stomach, small intestine, and the large intestine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Antoine Camps, Daniel J. Stetson
  • Patent number: 8888684
    Abstract: A medical device, for example, an endoscope or catheter, includes local drug delivery capabilities for selectively delivering at least one drug in vivo. The local drug delivery may occur as the medical device is advanced through tortuous passageways of the patient's body or may occur after the medical device has reached its targeted destination. The medical device includes a drug agent, for example, carried in or on a hydrophilic or hydrogel coating disposed on the outside thereof. When the hydrogel or drug agent receives an appropriate signal, e.g., solution containing a triggering agent or triggering condition, e.g., heat or light, the hydrogel contracts or expands to squeeze out the drug from hydrogel. If electric current is provided as the signal, and the drug agent is charged, the drug agent is released by electrophoretic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucien A. Couvillon, Jr., Michael S. Banik, Samuel Sheng-Ping Zhong
  • Patent number: 8886321
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rohrer, Timothy Jackson, Michael Stucky, David J. Ternes
  • Patent number: 8880174
    Abstract: A diagnostic method and predictor of prognosis from various therapeutic treatments is provided using discriminant analysis statistics. In one form, a patient is identified as having a disease using discriminant analysis when one or more values of a physiological parameter of the patient is closer to that of a previously characterized group of individuals having a disease and the patient is diagnosed as not having the disease, or healthy, if the value of a patient's parameter is closer to that of individuals previously characterized as healthy, or not having the disease. For example, the parameters can be based on the autonomic and/or enteric nervous system. Advantageously, the present method can be readily adapted using conventional linear discriminant analysis statistics to factor more than one parameter between a patient and one or more previously classified groups, to thereby enhance predictability and reliability of the present method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: University of Mississippi Medical Center
    Inventors: Thomas Abell, William D. Johnson, Hani Rashed
  • Patent number: 8874216
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for the treatment of obesity and/or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). An embodiment includes an implantable device having an adjustable curved portion configured for exerting a suitable mechanical force on one or more tissues or organs targeted for treatment. Embodiments of the device neuromodulate nerve tissue to effect treatment of obesity and/or GERD. Another embodiment includes an intraluminal guide for guiding placement of the implantable device in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GEP Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kim, David J. Robeson
  • Publication number: 20140316483
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-invasive stimulatory adjustment of the body's own self-repair-system using a plurality of electrons. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a plurality of electrons for use in the restoration of a patient's health, preferably a human patient's health in a number of medical conditions. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of treatment using a plurality of electrons for use in the restoration of a patient's health, preferably a human patient's health. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of stimulatory adjustment of the body's own self-repair system using a plurality of electrons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Fenzian Ltd.
    Inventor: James COLTHURST
  • Patent number: 8868190
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rectal stimulator device for the treatment of rectal, fecal and/or urinary incontinence. The device comprises a) an ovoid-shaped stimulator provided with a microcontroller and an electronic circuit for receiving treatment instructions, electrodes for transmitting electrical pulses to the pelvic floor musculature and instructions to the microcontroller, and a battery and b) a stimulator grip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Antemis
    Inventor: Gérard Guez
  • Patent number: 8868215
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the effective and minimally invasive treatment of obesity. In one embodiment, a device for providing therapy to a patient includes an inflatable structure adapted and configured for positioning at least partially within a gastroesophageal (GE) space formed between an inner wall of a phrenoesophageal ligament (POL) and outer walls of the esophagus and cardiac orifice and an electrode structure adapted and configured for positioning at least partially within the GE space. In another embodiment, a method for treating a patient includes introducing an electrode at least partially into a gastroesophageal (GE) space formed between an inner wall of a phrenoesophageal ligament (POL) and outer walls of the esophagus and cardiac orifice and modulating tissue using the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: GEP Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel H. Kim
  • Patent number: 8862233
    Abstract: 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 obesity. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Knudson, Richard R. Wilson, Katherine S. Tweden, Timothy R. Conrad
  • Patent number: 8855770
    Abstract: Apparatus is described including a sensing electrode that detects electrical activity of a duodenum of a subject. The apparatus includes a control unit configured to facilitate a treatment of the subject responsively to the detected electrical activity. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Betastim, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Yossi Roffeh, Radwin Khawaled, Jacob Benarie
  • Patent number: 8849406
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventor: Ali R. Rezai
  • Publication number: 20140277249
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Publication number: 20140277250
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Su, Dwight E. Nelson, Timothy J. Ness
  • Patent number: 8838239
    Abstract: A method and device for delivering ventricular resynchronization pacing therapy in conjunction with electrical stimulation of nerves which alter the activity of the autonomic nervous system is disclosed. Such therapies may be delivered by an implantable device and are useful in preventing the deleterious ventricular remodeling which occurs as a result of a heart attack or heart failure. The device may perform an assessment of cardiac function in order to individually modulate the delivery of the two types of therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Bruce H. KenKnight, Julia Moffitt, Yatheendhar D. Manicka
  • Publication number: 20140257424
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation device configured to treat multiple pelvic conditions of a patient includes a pulse generator, memory, first and second electrode leads comprising one or more electrodes, a switch and a controller. The switch has a first state, in which the first electrode lead is electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and a second state, in which the second electrode lead is electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The controller includes at least one processor that is configured to execute at least one stimulation program stored in the memory. The controller is also configured to selectively set the switch in the first or second state. Electrical stimulation pulses generated by the pulse generator responsive to the execution of the stimulation program are delivered to the first or second electrode lead depending on the state of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: David J. Yonce
  • Patent number: 8831729
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) includes minimally invasively implanting a stimulating device in a patient's esophagus in the region proximate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The patient is provided with a questionnaire related to his disease via an online service. The questionnaire is accessed on a mobile device, such as a cell phone, or on a computer with network access. The data from the sensors and the answers from the questionnaire are analyzed together by a health care provider using the online service. The data and answers are used to program the stimulating device, via the mobile device or computer, to optimize treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: EndoStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Shai Policker, Virender K. Sharma
  • Publication number: 20140249596
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: David J. Yonce
  • Publication number: 20140249594
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: EndoStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Matt Joseph Gani, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Jay Miazga, Shai Policker, Kaila Raby
  • Publication number: 20140249595
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Michael B. Chancellor, Changfeng Tai
  • Patent number: 8825164
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine S. Tweden, Jonathan J. Waataja, Adrianus P. Donders, Mark B. Knudson
  • Patent number: 8825163
    Abstract: Systems and methods selectively stimulate components of the pudendal nerve away from the sacral root to evoke desired physiologic responses in persons who lack the ability to otherwise produce these responses—e.g., maintain continence and/or produce micturition, and/or provide male/female sexuality responses, and/or provide bowel responses. The systems and methods use a multiple electrode array, or individual electrodes, placed on, in, or near the pudendal nerve. The electrode array, or individual electrodes, in association with a pulse generator, provide selective stimulation of individual fascicles within the pudendal nerve, to achieve different physiologic responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, Kenneth J. Gustafson, Graham H. Creasey
  • Publication number: 20140243921
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: InCube Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Mir A. Imran, Mir Hashim, Emily Arnsdorf
  • Publication number: 20140243814
    Abstract: A catheter structure is provided for use with an electroviscerogram (EVG) system. The catheter structure includes an elongated tube structure having distal and proximal ends. Three electrodes are associated with distal end of the tube structure and are constructed and arranged obtain signals relating to myoelectrical activity internally of an intra-abdominal organ to thereby locate targeted tissue that includes main pathways of electrical generation in the organ. Therapy delivery structure, associated with the distal end of the tube structure and separate from the electrodes, is constructed and arranged to provide therapy at the targeted tissue simultaneously as the electrodes obtain the signals at the targeted tissue so that effectiveness of the therapy can be monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Mark D. Noar