Vagal nerve stimulation techniques for treatment of epileptic seizures
US6341236B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36135
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for using electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat epilepsy with minimized or no effect on the heart. Treatment is carried out by an implantable signal generator, one or more implantable electrodes for electrically stimulating a predetermined stimulation site of the vagus nerve, and a sensor for sensing characteristics of the heart such as a heart rate. The heart rate information from the sensor can be used to determine whether the vagus nerve stimulation is adversely affecting the heart. Once threshold parameters are met, the vagus nerve stimulation may be stopped or adjusted. In an alternative embodiment, a modified pacemaker is used to maintain the heart in desired conditions during the vagus nerve stimulation. In yet another embodiment, a modified pacemaker having circuitry that determines whether a vagus nerve is being stimulated is used. In the event that the vagus nerve is being stimulated, the modified pacemaker may control the heart to maintain it within desired conditions during the vagus nerve stimulation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.