Crural diaphragm pacemaker and method for treating esophageal reflux disease
US5716385A · kind A · utility
187Cited by
4References
17Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electronic pacemaker is used to counter-act crural diaphragm relaxation thereby preventing and/or treating gastroesophageal reflux. The pacemaker can be implantable, or be connected to the skeletal muscles of the crural diaphragm through the skin. A sensor is used to identify spontaneous intermittent relaxations of the diaphragm. During these spontaneous intermittent relaxations, one or more electrodes are used to stimulate the skeletal muscles of the crural diaphragm to cause contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.