Methods and devices for activating brown adipose tissue with light
US10441808B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2230/201
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) with light. Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss and/or improved metabolic function. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by using light to stimulate nerves that activate the BAT and/or to stimulate brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss and/or improved metabolic function through energy expenditure. The light can be configured to directly or indirectly stimulate the nerves and/or the brown adipocytes. The light can be configured to indirectly stimulate the nerves and/or the brown adipocytes by activating a light activatable medium administered to a patient and configured to respond to the light to cause activation of the brown adipose tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.