Stereotactic hypothalamic obesity probe
US6129685A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0541
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for regulating the appetite of an individual suffering from morbid obesity, the apparatus including a plurality of stimulation electrodes arranged longitudinally on at least one electrode support shaft for insertion within the hypothalamus for outputting electrical discharges to specific sites within the hypothalamus. Each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes may be independently controlled. Electrical discharge of various frequencies transmitted from one or more of the plurality of stimulation electrodes, and delivered to a region of the hypothalamus that is involved with either stimulating or inhibiting appetite, may be used to regulate appetite in the individual. Alternatively, an individual's appetite may be regulated by the microinfusion from at least one microinfusion catheter of an appropriate quantity of a suitable drug to a distinct site or region within the hypothalamus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.