Stimulating Bladder Or Gastrointestinal Tract Patents (Class 607/40)
  • Publication number: 20120259380
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen T. PYLES
  • Publication number: 20120245652
    Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s), small enough to be located near or adjacent to an autonomic nerve(s) innervating urinary and/or gastrointestinal structures, uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, if necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, James P. McGivern, Caria M. Mann
  • Patent number: 8275460
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Michael K. H. Loushin, Keith J. Leland, Jaydeep Yeshwant Kokate
  • Patent number: 8271080
    Abstract: Assessing decongestive therapy delivered to a heart failure patient involves use of an implantable sensor configured to sense a physiologic parameter indicative of the patient's diuresis status and a processor coupled to the implantable sensor. The sensor may comprise a thoracic fluid sensor, a heart sounds sensor, a cardiac chamber or arterial pressure sensor, a respiration sensor, or a blood chemistry sensor, for example. The processor is configured to determine if a target level of patient diuresis has been achieved based on a relationship between the sensed physiologic parameter and a threshold developed for the patient, and to produce an output in response to determining that the target level of patient diuresis has been achieved. The processor may be disposed in an implantable housing, in a patient-external housing, or in a network server system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie A. Thompson, Yousufali H. Dalal
  • Publication number: 20120232610
    Abstract: 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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Edy E. Soffer, Jeffrey Conklin
  • Patent number: 8265758
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a control unit (310), adapted to be implanted within a patient (324), and a corkscrew-shaped electrode mount (400), adapted to be implanted in a wall of a stomach of the patient. The corkscrew-shaped electrode mount includes first (404) and second (424) electrodes, at respective sites of the electrode mount, and a controller (420), wirelessly coupled to the control unit. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Metacure Limited
    Inventors: Shai Policker, David Prutchi, Ophir Bitton, Benny Rousso, Offer Glasberg
  • Publication number: 20120221015
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stimulation electrode for a stimulation device for stimulating organs in the case of spinal paraplegia, more particularly in the case of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, including an electrode shaft, at one end of which an electrode tip is arranged for emitting a stimulation signal and at the other end of which a connection region is provided for a signal line, and also at least one fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the electrode shaft in the surrounding tissue along the longitudinal axis of said electrode shaft, fixing mechanism having at least one holding member preventing a withdrawal and at least one holding member preventing an advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Eberhard-Karls-Universität Universitatsklinikum Tubingen
    Inventor: Karl-Dietrich SIEVERT
  • Publication number: 20120221073
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of treating a waste evacuation dysfunction, comprising administering transcutaneous electrical stimulation to at least one lumbar or abdominal region for at least one treatment period per day over a treatment term of at least one week.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Bridget Rae Southwell, John Medwyn Hutson, Andre Yi Feng Tan
  • Patent number: 8244371
    Abstract: An implant device comprising an electrode for electrical stimulation of the pancreas, the device being adapted to be inserted into the pancreas, and to change at least one of its properties after being inserted into the pancreas, so that it will cause less irritation to the pancreas than before changing said property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: MetaCure Limited
    Inventors: Paul Richard Spehr, Tamir Levi, Benny Rousso
  • Publication number: 20120203300
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: BARRX Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Utley, Michael P. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20120203299
    Abstract: A cell stimulating and measuring device which contains a larger number of electrodes than used in current stimulators and measuring devices. The larger number of electrodes is possible with the implementation of an addressing system to choose one or a plurality of electrodes from a larger set of available electrodes to be active. Moreover, the digital address and control lines passing from the battery/control electronics unit, to the stimulator and measuring device which contains the electrodes, are sent in serial form, which decreases the space used by the wires that must be minimized in a device implanted in a living organism. The system can be used to send current to electrically stimulate cells, and to connect the same, or other electrodes to a measuring unit for data collection, which can be used either for clinical or for research use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Chong Il Lee, Sergio Lara Pereira Monteiro
  • Patent number: 8239027
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Intrapace, Inc.
    Inventor: Mir A. Imran
  • Publication number: 20120197336
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed to devices, systems, and techniques for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient with varying pulse frequencies within each burst of pulses. The pulse frequency variation within each burst of pulses may be between approximately 20 Hz and 40 Hz. In some examples, the pulse frequency may be increased, decreased, or polynomially varied within each burst. In other examples, the frequency of intrinsic nerve impulses may be detected and used to deliver pulses with the detected frequency or an inverse of the detected frequency. Electrical stimulation therapy with intra-burst pulse frequency variation may alleviate bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, pain or other disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Xin Su
  • Patent number: 8233990
    Abstract: A selection of parameter configurations for a neurostimulator using decision trees may be employed by a programming device to allow a clinician or other user to select parameter configurations, and then program an implantable neurostimulator to deliver therapy using the selected parameter configurations. The programming device executes a parameter configuration search algorithm to guide the clinician in selection of parameter configurations. The search algorithm relies on a decision tree to identify optimum parameter configurations. A decision tree is useful in classifying observations in a data set based upon one or more attributes or fields within the data. The data set includes parameter configurations matched with observed ratings of efficacy on patients of a similar indication. The learned attribute, on which classification occurs, will be the optimum parameter configuration for a set of rated configurations used to produce the classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Goetz
  • Patent number: 8233995
    Abstract: An implantable restriction system having an antenna capable of being readily and predictably movable to achieve a desired orientation that is effective to communicate with an external device is provided. The antenna can be movably coupled to a housing such that the antenna can float and/or move freely with respect to the housing. The housing can be part of a gimbal element or another component of the system. The antenna can include a weight or a magnetic element to help it achieve the desired orientation. Methods for transcutaneously communicating with an implantable restriction device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Coe, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Christine Hsin Yi Chen, Juan S. Ezolino, Kevin D. Felder, Eric W. Thompson, David C. Yates, David N. Plescia
  • Publication number: 20120191156
    Abstract: A method of treating a wide variety of heretofore considered unrelated ailments comprises delivering electricity through a circuit in the body. The circuit includes at least four nerves leading from at least two of the patient's extremities to various nerve roots adjacent the spinal column. Electrical energy from an electrical interferential therapy device is delivered through electrodes on the extremities adjacent the nerve endings until symptoms of the diagnosed ailment ameliorates. Sending impulses from the periphery to the central nervous system appears to the help the body manufacture various neuropeptides and other chemicals which control the essential basics of the body's health and well being.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Donald A. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8219201
    Abstract: An apparatus that comprises at least one electrode adapted to be placed adjacent to a portion of smooth muscle (200) and a controller for electrifying the electrode with a non-excitatory electric field (210) which does not generate excitation of the smooth muscle. The non-excitatory electric field affects the activity of the smooth muscle in a manner that controls a level of a chemical in the blood stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Metacure Limited
    Inventors: Shlomo Ben-Haim, Nissim Darvish, Yuval Mika, Maier Fenster, Bella Felzen, Isaac Shemer
  • Patent number: 8219171
    Abstract: A system, device, and method for placing a capsule for sensing one or more parameters of a patient by anchoring the capsule to a tissue at a specific site and releasing the capsule from the device, using a single actuator operated during a single motion. As an example, a delivery device may anchor the capsule to the tissue site and release the capsule from the delivery device during a single motion of the actuator. This allows a user to place the capsule by interacting with only a single actuator through one type of motion, thus making delivery of the capsule more reliable and user-friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventor: William Brent Benoist
  • Patent number: 8214049
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Intrapace Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Brynelsen, Michael F. Wei, Kurt D. Sparks, Kenneth L. Wong, George Pool
  • Patent number: 8214048
    Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s), small enough to be located near or adjacent to an autonomic nerve(s) innervating urinary and/or gastrointestinal structures, uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, if necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, James P. McGivern, Carla M. Mann
  • Patent number: 8214047
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Pyles, Rohan Hoare
  • Patent number: 8204597
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a number of interruptions in a sleep state of a patient attributable to an urge or need to void during a sleep event include monitoring an activity level of the patient. The urge or need to void may be attributable to fecal or urinary incontinence. The patient activity level may be determined with one or more sensors that detect motion and/or one or more sensors that monitor a physiological parameter of the patient that varies as a function of patient activity. In one embodiment, a clinician selects a therapy parameter set for the patient based on the severity of the patient's incontinence. In another embodiment, the number of interruptions in the sleep state is associated with a therapy parameter set that was implemented during the sleep state in order to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy parameter set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Gerber, John C. Rondoni
  • Patent number: 8195296
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an implantable mechanical support, shaped to support a portion of a urethra of a patient. One or more electrodes are coupled to the mechanical support, so as to contact tissue of the patient when the mechanical support is implanted in the patient. A control unit drives the electrodes to apply a current to the tissue. A method for treating a patient is also provided, including implanting a mechanical support in a position that supports a urethra of a patient. In response to increased pelvic pressure of the patient, a substance stored in a portion of the mechanical support that is not under the urethra is moved to a portion of the mechanical support that is under the urethra. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ross A. Longhini, Yosef Gross
  • Patent number: 8190261
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Intrapace, Inc.
    Inventor: Mir A. Imran
  • Patent number: 8185206
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren L. Starkebaum, Jiande Chen
  • Patent number: 8170674
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Pyles, Rohan Hoare
  • Publication number: 20120101874
    Abstract: Gastric apparatus (18) is provided, including one or more sensors (70, 72, 74), adapted to generate respective sensor signals responsively to a gastrointestinal (GI) tract physiological parameter of a GI tract of a subject, and an implantable control unit (90), comprising a rechargeable battery and a first set of one or more transducers. The implantable control unit (90) is adapted to receive the sensor signals, using one or more of the transducers of the first set, and transmit data responsively to the sensor signals, using one or more of the transducers of the first set. An external control unit (200), including a power source and a second set of one or more transducers, is adapted to drive the power source to inductively transfer energy via one or more transducers of the second set, so as to recharge the battery, and receive the transmitted data, using one or more transducers of the second set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: METACURE N.V.
    Inventors: Shlomo Ben-Haim, Shai Policker, David Prutchi, Benny Rousso, Jason Sholder
  • Publication number: 20120101326
    Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical and magnetic nerve stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating lower urinary tract disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by the devices. The disorders comprise overactive bladder, urge incontinence, stress, incontinence, urge frequency, non-obstructive urinary retention and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, a posterior tibial nerve of a patient is stimulated non-invasively. Methods are disclosed for selecting protocol parameters for a nerve stimulation session for treating each individual patient, wherein modules of the bladder of the patient are represented as coupled non-linear oscillators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8165681
    Abstract: A desired effect is produced by therapeutically activating tissue at a first site within a patient's body and a corresponding undesired side effect is reduced by blocking activation of tissue or conduction of action potentials at a second site within the patient's body by applying high frequency stimulation and/or direct current pulses at or near the second site. Time-varying DC pulses may be used before or after a high frequency blocking signal. The high frequency stimulation may begin before and continue during the therapeutic activation. The high frequency stimulation may begin with a relatively low amplitude, and the amplitude may be gradually increased. The desired effect may be promotion of micturition or defecation and the undesired side effect may be sphincter contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. King
  • Patent number: 8160709
    Abstract: 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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Endostim, Inc.
    Inventors: Edy E. Soffer, Jeffrey Conklin
  • Publication number: 20120083855
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: BETASTIM, LTD.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Jacob Benarie, Radwan Khawaled, Ruth Alon
  • Patent number: 8140170
    Abstract: An apparatus for renal neuromodulation includes an expandable support member having a main body portion for engaging a wall of a blood vessel proximate a renal vasculature and at least one electrode connected with the main body portion. The at least one electrode is arranged to selectively deliver electric current to a desired location where modulation of the sympathetic nervous system is effective to alter renal function. The apparatus further includes an insulative material attached to at least a portion of the main body portion for isolating blood flow through the vessel from the electric current delivered by the at least one electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Ali R. Rezai, Roy K. Greenberg, Milind Deogaonkar
  • Patent number: 8135470
    Abstract: Techniques are described that allow an implantable device to sense gastric data and activity data from a patient, and estimate the patient's amount of energy consumed and energy expended based on the sensed data. A system provides feedback to the patient, a family member, or a doctor about the patient's energy consumed, energy expended, and net energy. The data may be provided in table or graphical format, and may show daily or weekly energy balance data or may show a trend of the daily or weekly energy data. The patient may receive feedback by an implanted alert module that provides and audio alert or a vibration alert. In addition, data acquired by the system may be used to adjust the patient's stimulation therapy parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Keimel, Warren L. Starkebaum, Gary L. Lubben
  • Patent number: 8128592
    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, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Donald K. Jones, David Y. Yuan, Brett E. Naglreiter, J. Landon Gilkey, Christopher J. Gostout, Pankaj J. Pasricha
  • Publication number: 20120053653
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal device to be implanted into an animal or human tissue includes an elongated body (1) having a first end and a second end, and at least a first abutting member (2) at the first end of the elongated body (1). The device also includes a second abutting member (2?) at the second end of the elongated body (1), which is flexible. The device further includes at least one electrode (16) and a power supply (11) for supplying current to the electrode (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Universite Libre de Bruxelles
    Inventors: Martin Hiernaux, Nicolas Cauche, Jacques Deviere, Hubert Louis
  • Publication number: 20120041509
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Knudson, Richard R. Wilson, Katherine S. Tweden, Timothy R. Conrad
  • Patent number: 8114030
    Abstract: Presented is a method for quantifying breastfeeding between a mother and a baby, the method including measuring a physiological volume indicative of stomach fullness volume for the baby; setting a signal threshold value of the physiological volume to correspond to a stomach level that is less than or equal to the stomach fullness volume; obtaining an objective measurement of the physiological volume indicative of a level of fullness of the baby's stomach; and providing an indication to the mother when the objective measurement equals or exceeds the signal threshold value. In one embodiment, for instance, the baby's swallows may be recorded for determining the volume of breast milk consumed by the baby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Rick D. Mosbacher
  • Patent number: 8103349
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Adrianus P. Donders, Koen J. Weijand, Mark B. Knudson
  • Publication number: 20120010677
    Abstract: An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Jeffrey Wenzel, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi
  • Publication number: 20120010680
    Abstract: 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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde
  • Patent number: 8095219
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Philip H. J. Lee, Todd K. Whitehurst, Carla M. Woods
  • Patent number: 8095218
    Abstract: A method is provided, including placing first and second electrodes (90) at respective first and second sites of a duodenum (40) of a subject, and activating the electrodes (90) to increase a blood insulin level of the subject. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Betastim, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Jacob Benarie, Radwan Khawaled, Ruth Alon
  • Publication number: 20110313330
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Michael K. H. Loushin, Keith J. Leland, Jaydeep Yeshwant Kokate
  • Publication number: 20110307023
    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: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine S. Tweden, Jonathan J. Waataja, Adrianus P. Donders, Mark B. Knudson
  • Publication number: 20110307027
    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 and have improved energy storage requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Virender K. SHARMA, Matthew Joseph GANI, Paul V. GOODE, Bevil HOGG, Jay MIAZGA, Shai POLICKER, Kaila RABY
  • Publication number: 20110307028
    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 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Matthew Joseph Gani, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Jay Miazga, Shai Policker, Kaila Raby
  • Publication number: 20110301662
    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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Nephera Ltd.
    Inventors: Gill Bar-Yoseph, Alon Polsky
  • Patent number: 8073543
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Stephen T. Pyles
    Inventor: Stephen T. Pyles
  • Publication number: 20110295336
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Virender K. SHARMA, Matthew Joseph Gani, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Jay Miazga, Shai Policker, Kaila Raby
  • Publication number: 20110295185
    Abstract: Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, a method of producing satiety comprising the steps of accessing a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and implanting an intraintestinal therapeutic substance eluting implant. The implant is capable of eluting a satiety inducing substance selected from at least one of a nutrient, a specific satiety inducing bio-active substance, pancreatic polypeptides, free fatty acids, cholecystokinin, amino acids, glutamine, lipids, linoleic acid, or a combination thereof, from the implant into the gastrointestinal tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas E. Albrecht, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Sean P. Conlon, Michael S. Cropper, Denzel Z. Herrera-Davis, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Jason L. Harris, Christopher J. Hess, Prasanna Malaviya, Glenda C. Marsh, Mark S. Ortiz, Mark D. Overmyer, Alessandro Pastorelli, Galen C. Robertson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Stokes, James W. Voegele, Lauren S. Weaner, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher W. Widenhouse, Tamara S. Vetro Widenhouse, James A. Woodard, JR., David C. Yates, Mark S. Zeiner, Andrew M. Zwolinski