Stimulatory device and methods to electrically stimulate the phrenic nerve

US6463327B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• CPRx, LLC · US

Inventors

• Keith G. Lurie · Minneapolis, US
• Todd M. Zielinski · Ham Lake, US
• Wolfgang Voelckel · Telfs, AT
• Robert Patterson · Royal Palm Beach, US
• Nemer Samniah · Haifa, IL
• Scott McKnite · Minneapolis, US
• Karl Lindner · Natters, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 22, 2000
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2002
• Expiry date: Mar 22, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/39046
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Provided are exemplary devices and methods for electrically stimulating the phrenic nerve. In one embodiment, electrodes are placed posterior and anterior in the region of the cervical vertebrae. Electrical current having a multi-phasic waveform is periodically applied to the electrodes to stimulate the phrenic nerve, thereby causing the diaphragm to contract.