Patent · US Expired

Gastric stimulator apparatus and method for use

US6895278B1 · kind B1 · utility

136Cited by
13References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 17, 1999
Grant dateMay 17, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 17, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/36007
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Apparatus and method for stimulating neuromuscular tissue in the stomach. The neuromuscular stimulator stimulates the neuromuscular tissue by applying current-controlled electrical pulses. A voltage sensor detects the voltage across the neuromuscular tissue to determine if the voltage meets a predetermined voltage threshold. A control circuit adjusts the current-controlled pulse if the voltage is found to meet the voltage threshold, such that the voltage does not exceed the voltage threshold. A voltage-controlled pulse may also be applied to the tissue. A current sensor would then detect whether the current on the neuromuscular tissue meets a predetermined current threshold, and a control circuit adjusts the voltage controlled pulse such that the current does not exceed the current threshold. A real time clock may be provided which supplies data corresponding to the time of day during the treatment period. A programmable calendar stores parameters of the stimulating pulse, wherein the parameters have a reference to the time of day.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.