Method and apparatus for using vagus nerve stimulation in surgery
US6381499B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0243
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for facilitating coronary surgery on the beating heart wherein the vagus nerve is electrically stimulated to purposely temporarily stop or substantially reduce the beating of the heart under precisely controlled conditions. The apparatus controllably applies electrical stimulus to pre-selected locations along the vagus nerve and to pre-selected nerve branches related to the heart. The apparatus includes several clip and probe configurations for establishing electrical contact with the vagus nerve. Such purposely caused temporary stoppage or substantial reduction of the beating of the heart facilitates procedures such as suturing of an anastomosis which would otherwise be more difficult because of the motion induced by the beating heart.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.